Antenatal depression?

[vickyandchick]

I had an appointment with my midwife yesterday and she thinks I have antenatal depression and has referred me to a counsellor.
I've heard of postnatal depression but never antenatal so I don't know what can be done about it.

My OH and I recently broke up after 2 years with him just saying he doesn't want to be with me but doesn't know why. My parents who I currently live with have just announced they're thinking of moving so I'll either have to find a place of my own or move to somewhere completely different. I'm struggling so much with everything lately and nothing seems to be getting better.
I had a panic attack in the vets this morning when they were telling me how they may have to sedate my puppy and how she could stop breathing and they'll have to put her on a ventilator.
I just can't do it anymore, right now I'm living for my son and that's it. I just want my old, happy life back. I don't know where it all went so wrong.

 

[sandilion]

Oh massive love! You are going through a hell of a lot, no wonder you're feeling so miserable. The nerve of your ex OH leaving you at a time like this .... he just doesn't know why he doesn't want to be with you anymore? What a coward!! Sounds like he's become all scared like a lot of men do when expecting their first bub.

Everything will come together though and will work out. Stay strong, focus on your precious baby growing inside you and think of the positives in your situation. I know it's easier said than done....you have a hell of a lot on your plate to deal with, an unfair amount tbh. But you will get through this

 

[Nikko88]

Sounds like you have lots to worry over. I hadn't heard of antenatal depression, but it makes sense.

I've struggled with depression in the past and noticed that I've had episodes of mild depression lately. Not that i have as much to stress over as you. But sometimes the prospects of motherhood make me wonder whether I can handle it.

Be kind to yourself. Take care of yourself. No one else will.

For me, talk therapy and exercise with some 'me' time helped in the past.

 

[pisces_sun]

I understand exactly what you're going through. I have also been dealing with antenatal depression. See if your insurance will cover counseling. This may sound silly, but try gardening. It really helps.

 

[Yo_Yo]

You have so much to deal with right now honey, it's no wonder you are feeling this way-anyone would.

Things will get better focus on your lovely baby boy your going to have

 

[kmac87]

So sorry you're going through this. I too am suffering from depression and was checked into the hospital 2 weeks ago. They were go Ong to send me to mental health floor but couldn't because I'm pregnant. My doctor put me on Wellbutrin and it's just starting to take effect. Although I am still struggling, it's helping and hopefully in another 2 weeks it will help more, if not she will increase the dosage. Hope you feel better.

 

[heidi87814]

Sorry to bump this back up but I had to reply after doing a search for exactly the same thing.

I've been feeling like I've been going through something similar to antenatal depression lately too but wasn't sure if it was a real thing.

For the last two months (since we moved here) I can't remember a single time when I felt truly happy. Isn't that awful? There's just been a sadness echoing in the back of everything I'm experiencing and everyday life and I don't know why.

For the last fortnight, it's become increasingly hard to force myself to do things, and the only time I can put a smile on my face is when my kids are around.

I was looking at depression symptoms and some of it sounds familiar: Sad and 'empty' feelings; Frequent crying episodes; Agitation and restlessness; Fatigue and decreased energy; Difficulty concentrating; Bad sleeping patterns.

All of those could come straight from the 'What to Expect when You're Expecting' book but I'm also getting more and more feelings of worthlessness and 'what's the point of anything?' lately. I'll get the kids up for school and then once they're on the bus, go home and get back into bed. I'm usually so on top of the world.

I really want to talk to my doctor about this but, unfortunately, here in Korea, depression's still not really seen as a real *thing*.

Does anyone have any 'natural' remedies or ways that can help with this?