Struggling/relapsing

Hi Emstar

Thanks for making a contribution here and opening up to your feelings. You will find a lot of good help and lived experience here to help you get through the difficult times. Thanks and welcome.

Dear Emstar,

Welcome to thiscommunity where we try to support you and help you through the bad times. You sound as if you are going through an absolutely terrible time. Have you discussed this with your doctor (who is prescribing the anti-depressants)? In the early stages of pregnancy your mood can be quite disrupted by the hormonal changes in your body, and it is best to check with your doctor whether or not you need to make any changes to your medcaton at this time. Make an apointment as soon as you can - say it is urgent- because you are not doing you or your baby any good going on like this.

Of course you are a good person, you are just at the mercy of hormonal changes and chemical imbalances in the brain. You need to see your doctor NOW to sort through these issues and get back on track. I am sure he/she can prescribe sleeping medication which is safe in pregnancy. There are also anti-anxiety medications which can be taken to help calm you and down.

If it helps to know, I have 4 children in their 20's now and fine people. And by the way I did not get post-natal depression so don't worry about that unneccesarily. I feel for you caught up in this awful anxiety, but there are treatments available, so get onto your doctor and seek some help as soon as you can. I wish you all the best,

Ellu

Hi @Emstar,

I agree with @Former-Member. It might be a good time to get in contact with @PANDA.

In the meantime it might make you feel better about your medication if you ring health direct ph 1800 022 222. They should be able to give you some guidance about the safety during pregnancy of your medication.

I wish you the best with your pregnancy. Please don't put pressure on yourself to be what you perceive others to be. It can often be different to what you think. I hope your confidence improves with a bit more support to get back on top of your depression.

Hi @Emstar,

Congratulations on your pregnancy... so very sorry to hear that you are having such an awful time. We speak with mums each day who become unwell early in pregnancy. It is not talked about much but many people experience it.

I can't begin to imagine how scary it is not being able to sleep and worrying that your treatment could harm your baby. It is important to get advice from a health professional with expert knowledge in medications in the perinatal period before making any decisions about changing your medication.

@Emstar life can certainly be unfair. It isn't fair that you are suffering so much. It is hard to look around and see others with an easier path. Please know that there is support and help available to make yours easier. It is important your GP is aware of how out of control your anxiety is. Also, we would love the opportunity to chat with you. You can phone the Helpline 1300726306 or email your details to support@panda.org.au and we will phone you

Big hugs

PANDA team xx