Pre Natal Depression

Firstly, Congratulations on your pregnancy and welcome to Ohbaby!!!!!!

I had it too, but it wasnt diagnosed until AFTER I had baby. Needless to say I thought it was perfectly normal to feel this way during pg.

I did end up with PND and that was hard but we got through it. Keep and eye on yourself PP as your risk of PND is increased if you have had Ante-Natal Depression. Do you have a mw or just and OB? Make sure the person doing you PP care (both mw and Plunket) are aware so they can keep a closer eye on you... it can sneak up on you before your DP even realise it!

I am nervous with this pregnancy, I really dont want to be the person I was last time. I want to enjoy this pregnancy! Iwasnt anxious or panicky but rather angry and couldnt get happy about anything. I was just so flat, and if people got excited about the pregnancy I would get really annoyed and dump all over them. I was not nice to be around! (Dont know how my DH put up with me).

You are not alone, and it is horrible.

HUGS!!!!!

Hi Jenstar ~ this is my second post ~ my first I did yesterday having a rant about my pathethic husband and his lack of support!

I am due in June and like you am suffering what I think is some kind of pre natal depression - although my reasons are different (money, relationship worries etc). But yes, the same symptoms - panicky, bad anxiety, flat, tears, sleep issues, etc. I've had depression before and these are the classic symptoms. Lack of concerntration, bad memory, inability to visulaise the future, etc are also symptoms. Not pretty aye! Like you I'm not medicated because for me I think this is a bit of a patch - a sh*tty situation at home paired with some raging hormones, rather than some kind of mental illness. As my due date draws closer I am worried about how we are going to cope financially and how I am going to cope mentally, which I believe is affecting my mood.

Tell what you helps me to relax and cheer up when I'm feeling really low - a good walk with my dog or a swim (excerise works wonders because it releases endorphins), eating healthy food like fresh fruit instead of chocolate or chips, having sex and feeling sexy, a visit to see a friend (even if that is the last thing you feel up to, it forces you to come out of yourself and you always feel better after), a long hot bath with yummy smelly things (or general self-pampering), spring cleaning, and doing some volunteer work because the act of giving is marvellous for the soul (I do mine weekly at an animal rescue shelter). And talking, talking, talking of course. Oh, and for those really panicky moments - lay off the cups of tea/caffiene and phone a friend. These are my personal 'counter-methods' for when I'm feeling down. But you may have different things that you can do to fend off the depression - things and activities that create moods and feelings that are the opposite of depression.

Most importantly - don't bottle it in and don't let anyone tell you to just 'get over it'. It's great you are talking with your GP. Keep talking with her, your partner, your friends, your family - you would be amazed at how supportive people are and how much that can alleviate 'the dark cloud' you are stuck in. Learn to recognise the symptoms and signs that your mood is going low and knock it on the head early by doing something you enjoy to counter it and make yourself feel better - like what I suggested above.

Good luck and don't give up. It does get better. XoXo.

Thanks everyone! So nice to know I'm not alone. I do have an incredibly supportive husband and my family are amazing. My parents come over most mornings and we walk our dogs together so it's a good way to get me up and moving and some company as well. I work from home most of the time and I have been winding the business down slightly in rep for bub. It's been hard to get the motivation to work but I just try and do what I can when I'm feeling good and then get out and about when I'm not so good so it distracts me. The strategy my GP worked on with me was an hour by hour plan of my day, basically keeping me busy and not having to much time to dwell on things. It has worked, as I say, I don't feel great, but a lot less overwhelmed. My GP is going to keep a close eye on me after the birth and the Obs have been paying more attention since she got involved so hopefully all that will be fine. I really just want this pregnancy over so I can get on with raising our baby.

GO you guys! I think this openness is AWESOME.

I work in the field, and though I don't suffer this myself, (touch wood...I've never been "post-natal" before) I KNOW there is good help out there, and that if the right person hears you the support can be brilliant.

I love that people talk about it here...takes the taboo away....

Hey...a really good website with info for NZers is:

http://www.mothersmatter.co.nz/