Worried about depression?

Question

I suffered from depression before I got pregant, but stopped my meds the minute I found out. I did okay up until now, but I can feel it creeping back at times and have to fight really hard against it.

I'm 36 weeks (as of yesterday) and I'm starting to worry that I'll have bad post-partum depression. I don't want to go back on my meds after the baby's born because I want to breastfeed and the meds they gave my sister for post-partum dried up her milk.

If I have depression now, will post-partum hit me really bad and how do I handle it without taking medication?

Thank you cassie, but I think the fact that I've gone off my meds and stayed off them, for the sake of my baby and not my own mental health, already shows that I'm "tough". And then I ask how to fight it for the benefit of my baby and you imply I'm weak... asking for help with depression makes you stronger, not weaker.

clcalifornia, I have been able to fight it successfully these whole 9 months with exercise, but I've been put on restricted movement... I'm sure you're right, the fact that I'm basically housebound doesn't help any :).

Answer 1

First, not all antidepressants do that. I was on Zoloft all through pregnancy and everything, and it's approved for use in pregnant and nursing women. And there are TONS of antidepressants, so relay your concerns to your doctor at your next visit and ask for him or her to find an appropriate one for your situaiton.

It's not guaranteed that you'll have bad postpartum depression, but it's quite possible.

Aside from the meds (which I would STRONGLY suggest using), there are a few things you can do. Get as much sleep as you possibly can, napping with the baby. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. When you get the go-ahead from your doctor, do some light exercising. Accept help in whatever form it's offered to you.

And remember, counseling is not invasive, so it would probably be a good idea to do that to kind of make up the lack of your meds.

Set hard and fast boundaries. Basically, have a plan of what to do if you are afraid you're going too far, not wanting to care for or hurting yourself or the baby. For instance, it's extremely important that everyone know the facts about shaken baby syndrome, ESPECIALLY people who already have depression. If you feel like you're losing self-control, put the baby in the crib with nothing else in it (safety) and walk away to clear your thoughts for a few minutes. You could even take a baby monitor and sit on the front porch. If you can't get calmed down, call someone to come over. Realizing your limitations and dealing with them is not a bad thing. You can tell someone that you have depression and you just feel like you're losing it, and children's services aren't going to take the baby away for that reason alone. But if you lose control completely and abuse or neglect your baby, that's not the case.

Answer 2

You need to discuss this with your doctor.
Just because you are a bit depressed now, doesn't mean you will have postpartum depression. But, you do need to watch for it. And it is much better for your family, baby & yourself to be emotionally healthy.

There have been studies showing that Exercise works as well as exercise. Start walking. Start slow and increase your walk time. You will be delivering soon. What you feel as depression might just be exhausted by being 36 weeks pg and tired.

After the baby is born and you are up to it. start a walking routien. Put the baby in a stroller and take walks. Even in the winter you can bundle up the baby for a brisk walk.

Please be open that all will be well. Sometimes worst fears come true becasue we make it central in our thoughts.
Work on some positive self talk. Stop thinking about the past and know that there are new beginnings.

Check with your doctor about taking any anti depressents while pg or nursing. And don't let yourself get depressed , it will be worse for the baby than your milk drrying up.

Take good care of yourself.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

if u feel depression creeping back u should speak with ur gp! there could be antidepressant medication that u can take while pregnant. the only way to find out is to ask. if u dont want meds there sre centres that u can go and u can talk to someone to help u get through tough times. The more questions u ask the more answers u will get that could benefit u and ur health and well being.

Answer 5

I would talk to your doctor about this. With him/her having a background on your depression they can better help you once your baby is delivered. It can also alert them and give them red flags to look for. As for handling it, you need to know what sets it off. Keeping yourself busy (which you will be!) helps, talking to someone; getting out and about-even if it's taking the baby for a small walk-all these can help. Post partum effects everyone differently-some women go throught it while some don't. Again, talk to your doctor. Good luck!

Answer 6

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Answer 7

to be honest - it does sound like in your particular case you are heading straight for post-partum depression - but you never know - hopefully when you have the baby the emotions you experience will overshadow the depression. sorry if this answer sucks - clinical depression isnt really my forte.

good luck though. keep smilin x

Answer 8

well i had really bad depresion before my 1st pregnancy, and during them, but post partum was no problem. i didnt need meds or anything. but you just have to remember that evreyone is different when it comes to these things. but as an alternative there is always bottle feeding, if you do need meds. but if youve done it this long, you may be alright.

Answer 9

well all i can say sweetie is toughen up.. you have a child to look after, its not all about yourself anymore...

i went through the same thing but there comes a time in your life when you realise life is so much better when you just forget about it all n start again. i know its hard - i understand what its like to feel torn and to be angry and miserable over nothing and to feel nothing is ever right. but if you wake up with a smile on your face in the morning and tell yourself everything is going to be different. this world will become a wonderful place to live in, especially when you notice that you have been blessed with a miracle (your baby)