Depression in pregnancy

[bowies]

I have struggled with situational depression in the past, and think I might be going through it again, but I'm not sure if it's somehow different or concerning because I'm pregnant, or if it's even depression at all (vs. the emotional havoc of my hormones).  

I know the trigger isn't baby-related at all and I'm not having super-dark thoughts or anything.  I think I've been unhappy-but-managing for a long while but my hormones have brought it all screaming to the surface. For the past few days, I cry on my way into work and I cry on my way home from work. The knowledge that I hate my job isn't exactly news to me, but reacting to it like this certainly is. 

Is this worth mentioning to my OB?  And even if I did, are anti-depressants safe to take? 

[rbp]

Feb 21, 2014 17:01:33 GMT -5 bowies said:

Is this worth mentioning to my OB?  And even if I did, are anti-depressants safe to take? 

Yes and yes. I really hope you feel better soon!  (hug)

[hillarywhitney]

((hugs)) I'd definitely tell your OB. And I believe there are pregnancy safe anti-depressants.

I'm sorry you've been struggling lately. Even though your job situation isn't new. I imagine your hormones/the knowledge your life is going to be changing etc... would have an impact on how you respond to your job stress.

[bowies]

Ironically, my job stress stems from the fact that I have no job stress. What started off as deep boredom has manifested into feeling outright marginalized. I have nothing to do and yet if I miss some time because of appointments and such, it's always passive-aggressively noted to me by my asshole client. If I'm at work, I like to work! I'm more Type A than I give myself credit for.

Blech. I'll mention it to my OB the next time I go. I'm just trying to make it to ML so I can find something else.

[hokiegirl82]

Hugs to you, and I almost feel like I'm experiencing the same thing. I've had depression in the past, and I feel like a dark cloud has been hanging over me the past few months and it's just getting worse. I feel like all I do is go to work, be miserable and cranky at work, come home, watch tv, sleep, rinse and repeat. Even weekends we don't do much. I think a lot of it has to do with the shitty winter we've had but I do think pregnancy hormones are bringing feelings of depression up.

I would def talk to your ob about it. I have an appt on Thursday and I plan on talking to my OB about it. I'm not sure if I want to take AD now because sometimes I have a wonky reaction to them, but I'm hoping the OB has some suggestions on how to make myself a little happier/less cranky.

Good luck and I hope you feel better soon - you almost took the words right out of my head of how I'm feeling today.

[bowies]

hokiegirl82, your post earlier is what made me own up to it. I freaking hate feeling like this even though my logical brain knows what's up. I'm almost considering discussing it with my manager at my yearly review if it ever comes (one month late and counting...).

[hokiegirl82]

Feb 21, 2014 17:30:14 GMT -5 bowies said:

hokiegirl82, your post earlier is what made me own up to it. I freaking hate feeling like this even though my logical brain knows what's up. I'm almost considering discussing it with my manager at my yearly review if it ever comes (one month late and counting...).

I'm sorry if my post brought up bad feelings. I've been kinda worried about my own sanity the past few weeks because I feel so blah lately - I'm glad you posted this because it is making me think about what's been bothering me and who to talk to about it. 

[papie]

I'm currently on Prozac and my OB asks me at every visit if I am doing well.  This week I mentionned having been down and she got in full intervention mode, lol.  So yeah, I would definitely mention it.  She gave me a reference for a psychologist at the hospital that specializes in pregnancy and post partum. 

[statlerwaldorf]

Definitely mention it. There are ADs that are safe during pregnancy. I have always struggled with depression and it got really bad during my 3rd trimester when I was pregnant with DD. I didn't go on ADs, but looking back I really wish I would have. My doctor said depression during pregnancy can be very common.

[ringstrue]

Yes! You can even call if your next apt isn't for a few weeks. Crying 2x a day is not good. There are a few different meds you can take in pg. If OB says no SSRIs then talk to another doc.

[IndiaInk]

Hormones sure can cause havoc on your emotions.  I really struggled with depression when I was on hormonal birth control,  and like you, it wasn't super dark but just a lot of crying and feeling miserable with my life.  I had to be on progesterone for the first trimester of this pregnancy and was really worried about going through depression again.  I really feel for you - depression is so rough.  I would really talk to your OB as soon as possible.  You should not have to feel like that. 

[melsamoony]

bowies I hope you find relief! If you are struggling with depression I advice you call your OB tomorrow and let them know. Most interventions take time to work so you want to act before you get to a bad place.

Keeping you happy and healthy will help your baby! I am on antidepressants and they are safe for my baby according to 2 of my doctors.

[katinthehat]

Definitely talk to your OB about it, sooner rather than later. And it might be something you can just try talk therapy for rather than meds if those concern you.  I think though if it's something you struggled with before pregnancy and now are having troubles with it during pregnancy it raises your chances for some PPD struggles.  Even if just talking to someone helps now, you can go on and get a plan in place for after delivery.

[bowies]

Thanks all for the support. I felt like my normal self over the weekend, which lets me know that this is definitely situational in nature. I plan to discuss with my doc at my Wednesday appointment.

[obladi]

Sorry, late responder here! I am glad that you are feeling better but I am also glad you are going to talk to your doctor. I have struggled with depression for almost 20 years and am currently taking two antidepressants, trazadone and prozac. I really, really, struggled with guilt about this but my OB was totally on board. My current psychiatrist also is although the one I saw when TTC was not as supportive. Fortunately he has left the practice. I just want you to know that if you do feel you need antidepressants you are not alone. I know when I was making the decision to continue to use them during my pregnancy I was pretty desperate to find women in my position, since no one I know in my "real life" used AD's during pregnancy.

[melsamoony]

bowies glad you are feeling better and I support your decision to still bring it up on Wednesday. Let us know how it goes ((HUGS))

[hokiegirl82]

I'm glad you brought this up. I had a terrible day at work that ended in anger and crying which is not like me. I've had way too many days of utter frustration and anger at work the past 2 months, I know it isn't normal. This post has made talking to my OB at my appt on Thursday about depression a definite need.

[bowies]

I'm glad I could assist hokiegirl82! I'd suggest us trading jobs but I don't think I want yours either.