Is there anything that can be done about depression during pregnancy?
Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 at
8:31 am
I have a history of depression. Its getting pretty bad. I’m currently almost 13 weeks pregnant. Normally, I would just go to the doc, but its the weekend and I dont think I can wait until monday. But what can the ER do? Its not so bad that I need to be locked away, but I dont know what they will do since I’m pregnant
Tagged with: About • anything • Depression • done • during • pregnancy • there
Filed under: Pregnancy Depression
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
yes you can take Zoloft.
Call a friend, parent, the father of the baby and talk. Or just have someone sit with you. Go to a mental health professional as soon as possible too. But find ways to help you deal with your emotions. I have been depressed on and off during my life and I understand where you are coming from. Keep loved ones around right now because hormones of pregnancy do not help you with depression. Get rest too. Try a nice walk that helps me sometimes. Also try a nice bath. Now if you plan on hurting your self go to the ER but if this is not the case I wouldn’t go.
If you go to the ER they will most likely get you a phyc(sp) evaluation and go from there.
I suffered from depression before the birth of my 1st born. During the pregnancy I was OK and didn’t need any medication and 2 years after giving birth still haven’t needed anything. But I did talk to my doctor in the early days for if I did need something. I decided early on that I wasn’t going to take anything though. None of the medication was 100% safe to the baby and that made my mind up.
Do you have family that you can talk to when you feel down? If not a close friend or even a doctor that you feel comfortable with? I wish I was there so i could talk to you, I know how it feels. I have been down that road for many years. If you want to can always e-mail me. Good luck and chin up
I had a total breakdown at 8 months pregnant (serious depression and anxiety) so I can tell you from experience that you MUST get on top of it before it takes you over. The ER (that’s A&E, right?) aren’t likely to do anything in the way of long-term treatment – they may call the duty psychiatrist but even they won’t do anything beyond assessing you and checking that you’re not actually a suicide risk. However, if you feel safer at the hospital, of course the medics will understand if you have nowhere else to go and would rather be in a safe environment than at home. I stayed all night in A&E once and they were just great to me.
There are numerous antidepressants that are perfectly safe to take when you’re pregnant, as your GP will reassure you. I wouldn’t take Zoloft or any other SSRI myself as I had a horrible reaction to Seroxat, but everyone’s different, that’s for your doctor to work out. I took an old-fashioned tricyclic and it really helped, plus I had counselling – CBT (cognitive/behavioural therapy). If you feel clinical anxiety coming on, you can also take betablockers quite safely and they are fantastic for calming you down.
I wish you lots of luck – I’ve been in your shoes. Email me if you like. xx
I have had severe depression for as long as I can remember. My first suicide attempt was in second grade. When I was pregnant with my first daughter I realized things needed to change. I saw a counselor and was given zoloft. After she was born I got post partum too. They doubled my dose. Some people like zoloft. I do not. It gives me a tummy ache and slows metabolism.
I am currently 33 weeks pregnant and I have been on wellbutrin through the pregnancy. I still see a therapist. I don’t feel suicidal anymore. Having my daughter changed that in me but I still get depressed and angry…
For some people it isn’t bad enough to take medication but for others it is better to take it than not.
Also, I got 2 cats as therapy pets 7 years ago. I actually haven’t made an attempt since then. (Haven’t even thought about it since my daughter). I don’t know how bad your depression is but is there any way you could hang out with some animals (if you like them). Lean on your friends too. That is what they are there for. Join some mommy groups too. There are tons on line and some in your community.
Good Luck.