TTC with mental health issues

[Mrsbrooks1]

Hi all,

apologies if this is the wrong group but I’m hoping for some help before the horse has bolted if that makes sense?

a bit of background on my situation, I have been on 20mg of fluoxetine for about 8 years after a breakdown and to be honest, it’s probably the wrong dose. I’m 35 and my DH and I decided now is a good time to consider having a baby. We have a lovely home, good jobs etc so why not? Anyway, I’m in my second month off ttc and I’m actually absolutely terrified I could be pregnant. I have two levels of anxiety, what I call a normal person level so worry about finances, labour, health problems with the baby but then I have an extra layer way up high that is making me think I definitely should not have a baby because if I have another breakdown, I’ll be a mess and have no control over what’s happening to my body. I have this image in my head of being 7 months pregnant in a state of depersonalisation just wanting this thing out of my body.

I hate that fact that I let this illness dictate so many aspects of my life and I feel like I’ve rambled on a bit there lol.

I suppose my question to everyone is, would you stick on the 20mg and see how you feel then get help if you need it? Or increase the dose before ttc as a preventative measure?

I should also add the reason I think it’s the wrong dose is that I have frequent OCD and anxiety blips but I’m too anxious to increase in case I lose my mind 🙄

thanks for reading xxx

I think, honestly, we are entirely the wrong people to ask, OP - you should be having this important discussion with your doctor.
I think it's really fab that you are considering all this, you obviously want to be prepared and that is so commendable! But please do speak to a medical professional regarding upping doses and your concerns in general, ok?

I agree with regenbogen22q. Its far too important a decision with far reaching implications to have some mumsetters either saying go for it or dont try. Its a matter for your doctor who knows your medical history. And to talk things through about your feelings.

Fluoxetine is realively safe to take in pregnancy / breastfeeding and you are on the lowest dose currently. If you feel like it's not working at 20mg then please have a chat with your doctor about it. You might decide to increase or to wait and see how your MH actually is once pregnant.

Thank you for your replies ladies. I feel a bit silly now 🙈. I will speak with my dr if I can get in to see her. I’m very much well at the moment, it’s just the “what ifs” in the back of my mind which I need to talk through. Thanks again xx