Depression in pregnancy - is that a thing?

[gonewithtthewind]

26 weeks today, currently on bed rest as I have pre eclampsia, told I had gestational diabetes today. I have PGP and sciatic nerve pain so can hardly walk. I'm so miserable.

I don't know if depression in pregnancy is a thing? I had it before but it was under control. I know you can get postnatal depression but nobody talks about it during pregnancy?

I'm so alone, I can't do anything as I'm on bed rest and my partner goes to work so I'm at home on my own all day. I can't use the car as my partner used it for work, I try and go for a walk everyday and I do well at this but it's always on my own. Nobody comes to visit me, they all know I'm at home on my own. I don't ever get a text or a call asking how I am? Even though I'd do that for them and did do so but I've stopped now that I see nobody else makes the effort.
I talk to my sisters most days in the group chat but they both work full time so don't really have the time to come and see me which I understand. But there are people that don't work (parents, in laws ect) or they're off work currently yet I don't see anyone. I'm finding things really difficult and feel like I have this massive weight on my shoulders I can't shift. I want support, even if that's just a text message but I don't really get that. It makes me so scared for when the baby is here that I'll have postnatal depression. I'm in a really dark place at the moment, I have no motivation for anything, I cry all the time and I just feel so so sad all the time. I've tried to get in contact with my mental health consultant but I don't have a contact number for them so have asked my community midwife if they could get them to call me but they never called.
I've realised how little support I have since being pregnant and can see peoples true colours more. I don't really have any friends, I have a few people I talk to online but that's as far as it goes and it's not often. I don't want to bombard people with my problems.

It's a thing. I had antenatal depression with DC1. Your midwife should be able to refer you to the perinatal mental health midwife and you can also speak to your gp if you want antidepressants. Sertraline is safe in pregnancy.
I hope things get better for you soon

Depression in pregnancy is real. So sorry you are going through such troubling thing🥺

I am 25+3 weeks today and can totally sympathize with your situation; I am almost in the same boat! Wanted to apply for jobs after masters but conceived, so taking a career break. Husband in a stressful job, mum and in law's live overseas. Lost my dad recently and grieving him. Not many friends who can text or call..

You should definitely talk to your midwife regarding this, please don't suffer in silence!

If you would like to talk, you can DM me 😊 take care!

It’s a thing. A good friend suffered very badly. People talk about post natal depression but my GP pointed out (when I spoke to her about my PND) that its really a perinatal matter - both sides.

Yes, it is a thing. Poor you. Go back to your midwife and ask again, don't be afraid to chase up. It can be such a difficult time. I know it's hard when you feel down but could you ask for a bit more support from family who aren't your sisters, they may not know you are feeling like this. And definitely let sisters know you are struggling too. Help is available for pre/perinatal depression.

It may be worth reaching out to friends as well, you say they stopped bothering but you are also withdrawing as you are depressed so it's a bit circular. I wouldn't assume everyone knows how hard it is for you on your own all day, you say you don't want to burden them but if you don't give people the chance to know that, they can't help. Don't just sit in and assume everyone knows. Ring the midwives again tomorrow and tell them you are depressed. By the way I had prenatal depression but not post natal.

I have reached out and they are aware of how difficult I'm finding being on my own. I'd message and they'd read it but then never reply which is why I've stopped contacting them. 🙁

I’m sorry to hear this. Depression in pregnancy is more common than postnatal depression.