PrePartum depression

[RoadBuddy]

Is there such a thing? I've never really struggled with depression before. I've had my moments and some anxiety that is probably not-quite-normal, but what I've been feeling lately is much different.

I'm just so sad and scared for no real reason. I'm 22 weeks pregnant with a very wanted pregnancy and a good life situation. I have nothing to be depressed about, yet I cry and just don't want to do anything. I don't want to move. I don't want to work. I don't want to do anything but sleep. I cried when my pizza was delivered an hour late because they lost the order : Nothing seems right. Is there prepartum depression, and what can I do about it?

This whole thing seemed to be triggered by a stupid "problem" (if you can even call it that) with my in-laws. Nothing major, but I can't seem to get over it. What happened is that they sent the baby a nice gift, a signed the card by the grandparent names they use for their other granddaughter who is 5. We wrote a thank you note, of course. A day later, I asked my husband to politiely request that they use a different name for FIL for us. The name they use is something I used to use for my dad, and I'm just not comfortable applying it to a grandparent. It will also hurt my family. DH agreed, and asked them very nicely. Neither of us thought it was unreasonable. They refused, and apparently were pretty upset. This makes no sense to me (they are very nice people who never seem to get upset). Of course, I just cried for days, reading so much into this statement. I really would like to use another name for him (Grandpa, Granddad, something like that), but that obviously can't be the main issue here. I don't know why this was a trigger or why I can't seem to feel better. It's like there's no light anymore. Something so small should not be able to throw me off so much. As I said before, everything feels shaken and off-kilter and I can't imagine being happy ever again.

I don't know what I'm asking for. Just any insight or suggestions or help. I don't want to keep feeling this way. I'm out of my league and have no idea how to deal with this.

[unimatrix0]

Yes, there is definitely such a thing and it's called antenatal depression. About 10% of women get it, so please don't think you're crazy!
I so understand what you're going through. During my first pregnancy, we had a lot of problems with my in-laws (seriously, I could go on about it, but I could write pages). I thought maybe they were the cause, but they just made an existing problem many times worse. I'm pregnant now too and again, I don't feel right. We don't speak to the in-laws anymore, so it's not them! I'm going to see a doctor tomorrow because I'm just tired of feeling like this. I would encourage you to seek out help too! As someone who's had antenatal and postpartum depression, please believe me when I say that it's not worth suffering so much when something can be done. I know it's difficult to talk to someone (I've talked to several doctors who made me feel like a total idiot), but you have to keep searching for answers that are right for you and your family.

[JuniperMama]

There absolutely is Ante-Partum anxiety and depression. I had the anxiety part really bad when I was pregnant. Hadn't ever had it before and it was tough. For me, it also continued into Post Partum Anxiety Disorder. None of this was formally diagnosed until DS was 6 months which probably is part of what made it so hard - I didn't know what the hell was wrong with me.

Anyway, sometimes yoga or meditation can help. There are also herbs and homeopathics that can help. If you really feel like its debilitating and you can't function, there are meds that are considered safe to take once you're in the 2nd trimester. You should chat with your OB or Midwife if you want more formal help - it is out there.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

I had it with my ds ended up on paxil when I was 8-9 weeks pg and stayed on it till I was 7 months. If I had it to do over I would have avoided the paxil and went with zoloft tho. Since studies have shown being on paxil at the time of birth can compromise the babies breathing. That is why I went off at 7 months when I found a article in a magazine about that issue.

[Marlet]

I had it with DD and can feel it creeping up again. For me it hits about the same time ms does. When the symptoms are real and you can't deny it anymore. It lasts for a little bit and will come and go throughout the pregnancy. DON'T ignore it! it's as real a depression as any of them.

For me, I found that getting exercise really helped. All I ever did was walk but it was enough to boost me up.

I hope you can find relief soon! If you need to talk feel free to pm me!