Second Pregnancy, Suffering from Depression, Need Helpful Advice

Oh K., I'm so sorry to hear that you are feeling so bad. I went through post partum depression with both of my pregnancies. It was difficult, so I can imagine how you are feeling. I got through it with the help of my good friends and family. I just was honest with people, I told them how I was feeling and I got wonderful support. My sister spent alot of time with me and my kids, talked to me, insisted that I take walks outside and breath fresh air. If you can think of a trusted, loyal friend or family member, I would confide in them and ask for extra love. My sister really helped me just by coming over, eating with me, taking me outside of the house, socializing was really helpful.

Be sure to talk to your doctor, of course at your next appointment. Take care,
L.

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K.,
i just want to tell you to hang in there...i'm not a doctor...but i did suffer from post partum after my first child, and when i was pregnant with the second and third, had worries about stopping medication...(that i stayed on after the post partum was over)...talk to your doctor, there may be something you can take that is safe for your baby...that will help you to function for your little girl. and just remember that it is totally normal...probably hormonal...and it will pass...good luck!

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While you say that your depression isn't that bad, it must be bad enough that you're reaching out for help. I'm so glad that you have done that! Nobody should feel sad/depressed for days on end. Plus, pregnancy can make it worse over time. Please do talk to your doctor and/or check out the following website www.ppdsupport.org
There is a lot of great information there, and I know the lady who runs the whole foundation. She's wonderful and very caring. Don't let this get worse and out of hand. Take care of yourself while you can. I wish you all the best in the rest of your pregnancy and with your family!

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On my 3rd pregnancy I went through this of just wanting to sleep but was working full time so had to deal with it. The most helpful thing was walking at least 30 minutes a day and limiting what I had myself obligated to do. Can the ONLine classes end soon? With a 20 month old and a part time job it sounds like you have a lot on your plate without the classes. Can you get hubby to assist in some areas?? Prepare simple meals, use as much paper plates, cups etc as possible. Keep houseshoes at the door to keep dirt from being tracked in to lessen the clean up. Only have 2 or 3 toys accessible for your baby as it will be less to pick up or have her pick up. Be sure she is in bed at least an hour before you where you have some time for yourself. Maybe hubby can help with this. Do your best to take care of you right now. Are you having lunch or coffee with a girlfriend regularly?? It helped me to have a friend to vent to. You will get through this. V.

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Just an FYI: I have a friend who went through 3 pregnancies on antidepressants and all 3 babies were perfect. So, though it's generally avoided, it's not NEVER done.

Now, until you get in to see your doctor: few things can squelch the spirit like constant money concerns. It's draining! AND, you have hormonal stuff to consider too -- that may be one of the reasons for your funk. As far as worrying about money goes, the best thing I can offer is advice on ways to get the most bang for your buck. Visit couponmom.com for ways to save on grocery shopping. Know that there's always Angelfood Ministries if you guys get totally strapped. (and consider that you are blessed if you are not that strapped.) Clark Howard has a great website full of interesting ways to save money.

Reach out, if you can, to a friend (sister, mom) and just tell her how you're feeling and that you need a shoulder and an ear. And some help getting your house decluttered. A cluttered house (cluttered surroundings/environment) can make you feel defeated and build and build because the more you see it, the less you feel like you can tackle it, you know?

Good luck! You are NOT alone!

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Hi K.,
I am so sorry to hear that you are going thru this. What do described, is what I went thru. I had a young daughter when i was pregnant and short tempered with her also. I would start yelling for no reason, then I felt so guilty that I would just start crying. I neglected everything, I work full time outside of the house (bummer) housework, you name it. I couldnt even bring myself to be intimate with my husband, I would pretend that I was sleeping.
I also had PPD with my first pregnancy. I think it took more effort to hide the fact that I thought that there was something wrong with me, and when I went in for my 6 week check-up, I let it all loose. I have a new obgyn for my 2nd one, and I told him about what I was feeling and what I was going thru, and he put me on a script for Zoloft.
If you have decent health insurance, you should check it out for any type of programs. I didnt even sign up for it, but my doctor had some nurse call me and all we did was talk. I'm glad I did this time rather than hide it.
I'm sure that there are some support groups, next time, talk to your doc, and the nurses and see if they can recommend anything like that.
I hope you feel better really soon. Remember you are not alone, if you need to talk, im just an email away.

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K.:

It is not uncommon to have symptoms of depression at this point in your pregnancy, especially with everything else you have going on. That being said, I really think you need to call your doctor today and let them know what is going on. Don't wait until your appointment, get help sooner as it will be better for everyone. Good luck.

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What you are going through is common. During pregnancy it is not uncommon to have a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D will help improve your mood and energy levels. My doctor prescribed me to take 4-1000iu caplets in addition to my prenatal vitamins. I hope this helps, if not talk to your doctor they may recommend something different.

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Call my doctor (psychiatrist); she specializes in these kinds of issues: Angela Arnold, ###-###-####, ext. 4. I know you're in SC, but maybe she can refer you to someone. I wish you well and will pray for you.

I would recommend relaxation techniques, through yoga. meditation, and exercise. I am sure that finding time for yourself is almost impossible but finding time is a must. I went to Gayle Rozintine, a counselor when I was pregnant, who stresses meditation, relaxation and breathing techniques. Her husband, Barry Rozintine is a phycologist who could help you with medical remedies that work best while being pregnant.
Hope this helps.

Hi There,

I just want to say please do not listen to anyone who tells you to "snap out of it". If you're in a rut, then that's one thing. But, if you are experiencing any sort of clinical depression, know that it's a little more than just mind over matter. For me, it took medication, counseling and my personal will to overcome. Do what works for you. . . It has been over a year and I am now "normal again" no more meds or counseling. . . .

Just like to say that you can give yourself a break, be gentle with yourself. You may not have spots or be throwing up, but you are not feeling your best. Taking some time to do enjoyable things, let some things slide with the housework. Eat what is easy, you will feel better soon. Get some sunshine if it ever shines! Breathe, walk, rest. YOu've had a lot happen, and more coming, this is actually quite understandable and natural given your situation! Find people you can talk to, share your feelings . . . .isolation makes you feel even worse. Keep walking it out and you'll walk your way right out of this -- I've done it a couple times when things just seemed impossible -- without God's help and constant crying out for help, and friends who pray with me, it would have been so much harder.
S.

Hi K.,
How are you? First I want to say not to take any meds for depression during your pregnancy! Second, I myself have been like this and their come a point where you have to say, "SNAP OUT OF IT" and think about all the postives like for instance your daughter. Another reality check is to go and volenteer or go visit local shelters (homeless, abused people etc.) and it will force you to stop and think about all you have. And something else that has always brought me peace is to PRAY. Remember, you are of no help to anyone if you are in a distant depressive funk. Be strong sister!

Are you on Reglan (metoclopromide) for nausea by any chance? I was on this medication with my secon pregnancy and suffered severe depression until my doctor took me off of it. I am a nurse and have been giving Reglan to patients for years before I ever knew that depression is a side effect. If the depression is severe i wouldn't wait until your next appointment. Call your doctor immediately and see if they can squeeze you in. Mine was so concerned she saw me the same day. I was started on Prozac and taken off the Reglan. Just getting the reglan out of my system made I world of difference but my doctor kept me on the Prozac until my daughter was born then weaned me off. Remember to never stop an antidepressant all at once. I know everyone is cringing at the word Prozac but it worked wonderfully and my daughter was amazingly healthy with one and five minute APGAR scores of 9 and is now a thriving 3yo.

I certainly sympathize. Depression can reallly take a toll and makes caring for the rest of your family difficult. Please call your doctor and good luck!

I was the same way with my 2nd. I was crying my eyes at the doctors office because I was 15min late. The NP felt so sorry for me and we talked for a while. I was just so stressed out and hormonal. She put me on a low dose of Zoloft. It helped me a lot. A week later, I was at my monthly girls night out. Half of us was pregnant (I guess we drank the same water :) Anyway, I had brought it up to one of the other ladies and I was surprised at how many of us in the group had said they had to do the same. It made me feel soooo much better to know that I was not alone. So do not be afraid if that is what they give you. It is so much more common they you would believe. Women just never talk about it. Good luck to you and congrats on your future addition to your family.

i wonder if the book by Brook Shields (Down came the rain) may help. Progesterone (either the natural one at a food store, or a prescription) could be of help - or a good look at the hormones may help. I wish I could help more. J