Antenatal depression…

Definitely talk to your midwife, GP or therapist if you have one! I had prior MH too and have waves of happiness and depression, its horrible and you shouldnt feel you have to deal with it yourself! Please message me if you need someone to talk to x

Definitely talk to your midwife. I really struggled during my first pregnancy, also have a history of mental health issues prior to pregnancy and unfortunately I didn’t get the help I needed, I was practically begging midwives for help, went to my gp multiple times, tried minds matter which were useless, I ended up having to go off work sick and started my maternity leave early as I just couldn’t cope and no one was listening. Midwives essentially said I wasn’t bad enough to be referred to the perinatal mental health team because I didn’t want to off myself which is ridiculous, I was like surely you should intervene before it gets to that point? Regardless of my experience I’ve heard some people have had amazing experiences with them and received so much help. Definitely mention it before it gets worse as you need to be at your best for when baby is born. If you need a chat feel free to message 🥰

I agree with CJ, I had an appointment with the obstetrician yesterday as I have fibromyalgia which often results in frustration, and increased anxiety and depression. I cried as she was so lovely and supportive, thinking holistically, quite the opposite to any other experience with doctors for my mental health. The midwives doing the tests beforehand were lovely too. Reach out and hopefully you'll get a similar response so you don't have to battle alone.

I’ve literally just had a home visit with a perinatal mental health midwife for the same thing and she was lovely. I’m 25 weeks with my second and have felt horrendous particularly since the 2nd trimester, tearful most days etc. She’s given me a few options including contacting the hosp I had my daughter at for a labour/brith debrief as being pregnant again has brought up a lot of anxiety and trauma from then (I didn’t have a debrief at the time 3 years ago). There’s also a 6 week mental health in pregnancy course with my trust and she’s suggested medication as the lack of oxytocin and increase in cortisol can affect baby’s brain development which I wasn’t aware of so something I’m considering!

This is so reassuring to hear, I've had such a low mood and crying constantly the past week, I want to just be happy but feel so defeated, I don't know if I feel lack of something, just can't quite figure it out. I haven't seen many people in the past few weeks which it could be that but my partner is super supportive and tries to get me to open up but I just don't know how to explain how I feel or what it is that's making me feel like this. Taking all your advice, got to try speak to midwife to see if they can help at all.

I’m glad I’m not the only one 🤍

I can relate to this soooo much!!! I’m going through the same thing, it’s awful because you have no control over how you are feeling! I told my midwife and my GP and she’s referred me to perinatal mental health. I would definitely recommend you do the same, don’t fight this on your own. You aren’t alone in this. Here if you need to talk 🩷🩷