I think I have antenatal depression. What can I do/take?

[naturelover]

I've been feeling depressed for a while, and I think it dates from when I got pregnant (I'm 22 weeks).

I'm a SAHM with a toddler, and we just moved house, and I do freelance work from home evenings and weekends, so I do have a lot on my plate.

I feel angry, overwhelmed and tearful a lot of the time. I have low libido and no energy. I'm scared I won't bond with the baby when it arrives and things are tense with my DH.

I don't have a lot of patience with DD and it makes me feel guilty that I'm not enjoying her more and engaging with her as much as I used to.

Do you have any experience of antenatal depression and do you know if there are any meds that I can take while pregnant? I'm about to book an appointment with my GP but I'd appreciate any tips/experiences you can share with me before I talk to her.

Thanks

Don't know about meds I'm afraid but also raise it with your midwife or health visitor (assuming you've got one for your toddler)

Another avenue might be looking at an organisation such as Home-Start for some support - they do excellent work with women who are postnatally depressed - some are now offering support during pregnancy for women who have suffered PND and ongoing support after the baby is born.

HTH's

Meds aren't always needed and you're better off chatting to your MW or GP first.
I had PND after first birth and it sucks, so I do hope you start to feel brighter soon.
Take time out just for YOU - I know it's hard with being pregnant and having a toddler but it's really inportant to be able to take stock and step back from your busy life and just have some time focusing on your own wellbeing.
Good luck.

I had it when pregnant with ds. I didn't take any medication, just had counseling through the gp. It was only supposed to be six sessions but I ended up going for at least 10, I found it so useful. It was great to have someone to offload onto, just talking all my feelings through and getting them in order made such a difference. We always discussed 'goals' and how I was going to make it through the next week, what things I needed to get done and how I would achieve them etc. I would suggest counseling instead of or defiantly along side any medication, it can make the world of difference. I was a bit about going at first and didn't see what difference it would make but I really came to rely on it.

Have a chat to your DH if you can too, you are going to need his support too. I hope the gp can help you and that you start to feel more in order soon. Its a crappy thing to deal with at any time but being pregnant and with all the hormones etc it can really take it out of you. Cut yourself some slack and don't pressure yourself to feel/act a certain way, just get through the day! All the best x

Thanks for your replies.
My lovely GP referred me for counselling once before, but it took months and months to get an appointment, however I will ask her what she can do.
I will try to make time for myself but I have no help at all except DH who works long hours and needs to do home improvements at the weekend if the baby is not to be born in a building site!

Good luck with it all!

Are you taking fish oils? These will build your brain back - apparently women with PND have found them transforming. Get the best quality you can find (fish oils, NOT fish liver - also fish is better than vegan as our bodies absorb nutrients better from animal sources).

I took zoloft during the first two trimesters with ds2. I had to wean off at the end of the third trimester - just barely managed But then was able to start back up again after the birth as it is safe for bfing.

Have you joined toddler groups in your area? It's very lonely when you move house, maybe making an effort with new friends will cheer you up? Can you take 1 night off work, hire a babysitter, put on your sexiest maternity gear and get DH to take you out for dinner? I'm a strong beliver in date nights being a marriage saver!