St. John's Wort « Back to Group Discussions

[Momto2Annie]

For those of you who are "hip" with herbal supplements... any advice on St. John's Wort or other supplements for depression during pregnancy? My sister is taking Mood Support supplements made by NOW while she is breastfeeding her 5th baby. It has helped her through her postpartum funk... I have been feeling VERY down lately,,, scaring myself with how bad my depression is getting. I had severe postpartum depression with my second baby... I ended up taking zoloft but didn't take it more than 6 months.  These supplements have St. John's wort, Holy Basil, Valerian root, 5-HTP, Gaba and Taurine. I have taken a few of them over the past couple of days... I figured a low baby weight was better than me committing suicide... There aren't many studies with St. John's Wort and pregnant women. Any pros out there with advice?

[MadTown16]

Hi Annie, I'm so sorry you're struggling right now. I've struggled with depression on and off and taken anti-depressants in the past, and it can be so terrifying to feel yourself slipping, but feel so helpless to stop it. I don't know anything about the supplement you've been taking, but I would encourage you to talk to your Doctor or Midwife ASAP. They will probably be able to give you the best advice for handling depression during pregnancy (or refer you to someone who can). I would probably also try to see a therapist as well...is there someone you've worked with in the past who you already have a trusting relationship with? Also, if you're feeling suicidal at all, please call someone you know or a hotline for some immediate support.

Sorry this doesn't answer your question, but I couldn't read and not respond. Hugs to you, and I hope thing improve for you soon.

[Momto2Annie]

Thank you for your response... I did call my sister and partner immediately when i was having those terrible thoughts... Because it is my 3rd pregnancy, I feel like I am able to make a little sense of my craziness during this hormonal time... I get really crazy during pregnancy... When I've tried BC pills in the past I went a little crazy on those as well... I think my brain/body has a severely negative reaction to the progesterone or something.  I'm not quite sure why I get as nutty as I do.  My boyfriend, though, is wonderful and my sister lives down the street from me and is a great support system.  I feel quite a bit better over the past few days but I am still taking the St. John's Wort.  My doctor said the tests on the supplement are "inconclusive" which was really helpful, lol... I am only taking one supplement a day (5 pills total so far) but I feel like they are already helping calm my depression and anxiety. It's better than alcohol or weed, right?