How to determine pre-natal depression?

[TwoBlue]

Hi all

Lately i have been in a rut that i cant get out of....
Every day i feel sad.... i cant stop crying.... i get little joy from my DS and DH
I feel like i am living a lonely and sad and empty life...

i am not this kind of person,i dont normally feel like this...
at first i thought it was just pregnancy hormones and maybe it still is?
I am 33 weeks pregnant.

i keep blaming my DH for how i feel but i know its not him, he is a gem, perfect, helpful, understanding ....

Not sure what to do......

[Foxymoron]

I'm sorry you are feeling this way. Do make an appointment to see your GP or Naturopath, and mention your feelings at your next antenatal check too... Health care providers are better forewarned if you feel you are sinking into depression, and can work now to start helping you feel better before the birth.
Take care ((hugs))

[BubbleBelly]

Please Please Please go see you doctor! There are different ways they can help you overcome or releive the feelings you're having. It may not be a quick fix but they will keep an eye on you to make sure it doesn't become a serious problem.

Sometimes it just helps to talk to someone you don't know. Even if you can't rationalise what's going on getting it out can help.

BIG BIG BIG HUGS!!!!

[Miss_Vicki]

Hugs ! i know how u feel i get days like this , but i try an think beyounde the Blue , or try an do some Retail theripy if can .
i know those dam preg hormonese can rock your world an Not in a good way,
try goin out walking an take your ds with u mabie to a park or libary :)

[Chickadee]

Tracey,
I'm sure you know it's normal to feel down for a day here and there. But if it's continuous or ongoing then you do need to think about getting help, it's so easy for depression to spiral down out of control. I think it's not uncommon for women to get depression during a 2nd pregnancy, especially if they had a bit of PND after their first. I have a friend who was finally only diagnosed with depression 4 or 5 years after her first baby but figures it started with undiagnosed PND that many years ago! She's still struggling...

You might find some suggestions and advice at www.beyondblue.org.au. There are also some interactive tests you can do there to evaluate how you've been feeling. But they're only a guide so do consider talking to your doctor.

[doulajulie]

It is not 'normal' to feel like this day after day after day just from pregnancy hormones. A huge percentage (sorry can't remember exact figures) of post - natal depression actually begins before baby is born. You are not the only one, ok.
Go and see your G.P and talk to her/him about how you are feeling and they will be able to help you, also I have found that husbands aren't very good at trying to understand these things. Try talking to a friend about it if you can, preferably one with young children if you know any, chances are they will be able to relate to what you are going through. I promise you it won't last forever! :)

[WeThree]

Hi Tracey :) Definetly go talk to your dr, you are describing how i feel when post/pre depression creeps in, i have suffered from both, and whilst im definetly no expert i think you should definetly go and chat to someone who is up to speed on this sort of thing, especially before bubs comes, cause it will be harder to deal with when you have 2 little ones to take care of. lots of (((HUGS)))) to you!!

[Nellsy]

Hello Tracey....
I'm with everyone else - DON"T let this go unattended. I endured/put up with/went in and out of (what that really means is I was too silly to get help when I should have as it all seemed too hard) PND until my first child was about 2 years old! My GP suggested I go and see a specialist who worked with mood disorders and, thankfully, one of the first things he did was run a whole heap of blood tests. It turns out that I was low in iron (which can dramatically effect the way our brain balances situations) - I wasn't anaemic - just really low. A few weeks of iron supplements and a better managed diet plus the thing we all need - MORE SLEEP and I was on the road to recovery.

I realise we are all different and it may not be the case for you, but as an intelligent woman, I was shocked to think I hadn't even considered that it could all stem from something I needed on a dietary level.

All the best with your second due in November.

[TwoBlue]

Hi all and thanks for your replies

I am feeling a lot better lately and i think its because i have started talking to people about my feelings and not trying to hide them....
I will be seeing my Gp this Thursday and talking to her too.

Again thanks for your kind words, support and advise :)

[BubbleBelly]

I'm so glad you're feeling alot better!

[Tisme]

Here is a link for the PND page on beyond blue. I found it useful.

http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=3.27

[Nickster]

Hi samsmum,

Definitely get those iron levels checked. I suffer from a lack of iron, and have since I was pregnant - I always know if I've slacked off taking my pills because the walls start closing in and I burst into tears for no reason. (Depression and cloudy thinking are a couple of the symptoms of a lack of iron.) Then I start taking my iron tablets again and hey presto the sun shines!
Not discounting what you're going through, it could be depression, just know it could be as simple as taking an iron supplement.
Good luck, we'll be thinking of you and wishing you the best :)