found out im pregnant, gp has taken me off my antidepressants,any safe herbal remedy i can use for depression?

Answer 1

Funnily enough prehaps you should give it a while first, I mean pregnancy is naturally a rollercoaster of emotions, but generally, it is a big boost in happiness most of the time!! I remember I didn't need anything at all during my pregnancy because its just feeling that life isnide you is the biggest boost you need!

Answer 2

Exercise works wonders. Try a brisk walk each morning as soon as you get up for a half hour or forty five minutes. It will get the endorphins going, and put you in active mode for the day.

Also try knitting. It helps to link synapses between the two sides of the brain, and linking those pathways over and over as you make loops with both hands causes the neurons to jump more easily for a few hours, even when you've stopped knitting. An hour or two per day of knitting uninterrupted may be enough to cause you to not need antidepressants at all. It doesn't matter what you knit, or even whether you do it well, but you can increase your sense of well-being and satisfaction by making things for your new baby, too.

Answer 3

You shouldn't really use anything whilst you are pregnant exceot what is recommended by your GP. You could try some exercise though as that releases endorphins and adrenaline, the bodies natural anti-depressant. Also this is a great excuse to vent as you can blame it all on the hormones. I used a ounchbag whilst I was pregnant, and it really is a fantastic way of getting rid of tension, especially if you keep photos or key words that you can pin up. For example, I got really depressed by fear of failure as a parent when I first found out about my pregnancy, but I vented and stuck the word insecurity on my punchbag and then got to work! Find something that works for you, but please don't start taking supplements unless your doctor tells you they are safe!

Answer 4

Everything I've ever read says that you should NOT resort to herbs or other "natural" remedies during pregnancy. Ask your GP before taking anything or for some tips on what you can do to combat your depression. And make sure you go for a walk everyday, it's been shown to lessen depression symptoms. Good Luck.

Answer 5

I'm on antidepressants and the doctor said there is no proof that it affects your pregnancy, but he'd advised to give them up gradually, otherwise it could cause more problems. Having said that, I've suffered 3 miscarriages since taking antidepressants, so I'm not sure if it's linked or not. If in doubt, talk to your GP

Answer 6

why don't you try other methods such as counselling to help deal with your depression because at the end of the day no one truly knows what effect, if any, herbal remedies have on a foetus. i am not one to judge however, i think it is wrong that you allowed yourself to become pregnant because sleepless nights etc are not going to do any good for your depression and i do hope that the reason you have chosen to have this baby is not to help overcome the depression.

Answer 7

st johns wart? Although I would check to see if this is OK for pregnancy. Or how about therapies such as counselling? I'm surprised your GP has taken you off without giving alternatives seeing as you are pregnant, it may be worth going back and asking. Or you could always phone NHS direct or mental health charities such as MIND?
The main thing as you come off anti depressants is try to be aware of any symptoms of depression and get straight back to your GP and ask your partner for support. Good luck though and congratulations on your pregnancy, you never know it may help your depression as you look forward to having a child. Just please be aware and look after yourself. xx

Answer 8

You could try camomile tea. It has a lovely calming effect and is completely safe as its 100% natural camomile flowers. It will not harm your baby either. I have a cup at least twice a day and I give it to my children when they are feeling a bit down. You can buy it from your local supermarket in tea bags.

Answer 9

im in the same situation. my doctor has suggested taking a smaller dose every few days then stop.im going to try pregnancy yoga or pilates but you cant start until about 12 weeks. having said that i have been feeling much better since I found out.gives you something to look forward to! good luck

Answer 10

If your talking clinical depression the you should be in regular contact with your psychiatrists/medical practictioner/doctor/mid wife etc. they should be monitoring you state of mind, especially post birth as can hit average people hard and as you have a disposition to depresion need observation.