Anyone who has followed my blog for a while knows that I’m not a niche blogger. I write about everything… my latest craft project, day-to-day life with my girls, my recipes, parenting ideas, activities for kids, and the list goes on and on. Sometimes I write personal stories too.
If you’re familiar with the blogging world, you are probably aware that you can run analytics on your site. I am sad to report that my most popular posting is Antepartum Depression: Stopping The Tears. Last month it received 442 pageviews… that’s sad and frightening. The keywords that link to my site most frequently are: “Antepartum Depression”. Obviously there are many other women out there who are suffering through the pre-baby blues. I am fortunate. After a few months, my depression passed.
I recently started receiving e-mails through my contact me form… so many women are desperate and looking to me for advice. What can I do? I am not a doctor but I hear you and feel your pain. So today I am going to sum up the information that I’ve been e-mailing back to the women who have been reaching out to me.
Talk to your doctor.
Your doctor is trained to handle all sorts of issues. It is critical to you AND your baby’s well-being that you seek medical attention. Based upon my blog’s statistics, you are obviously not alone. Your doctor has most likely seen this before and may be able to offer several courses of action.
Talk to someone. Anyone.
Your husband, your pastor, a counsellor, your sister, your best friend, your mom… it’s critical to talk to SOMEONE. Don’t bottle these emotions inside. The road to healing starts with letting others know that you are hurting.
Get some rest.
Sleep has a huge impact on mental and emotional well-being. Do what you can to get some extra sleep every day. Your body is working hard to grow and nourish another human being… you need your sleep now more than ever.
Eat some good mood foods.
I think this had the greatest impact on my mood. My dad had read my blog posting and e-mailed me a list of mood foods. I started incorporating healthy, “happy” foods into my diet (i.e. salmon, bananas, mango, and pineapple). Here’s a few links to resources on good mood foods:
- https://draxe.com/mood-boosting-foods/
- http://www.growingraw.com/good-mood-food.html
- http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/food/brain-food
Leave your house… now!
You’re feeling down… I hear you. I know the last thing you want to do is be social but this is not the time to lock yourself away at home. Get out and do something. Visit a friend, join a prenatal fitness class, treat yourself to a manicure, or go for a walk with a friend. Get out of the house and be social.
To conclude, if you are reading this and you are experiencing antepartum depression, I am so sorry that you are going through this. As a woman of faith, I can assure you that I will be praying for you.
I hope that this information has helped you even a little and please, please, PLEASE get professional help for you and for your unborn child.
DISCLAIMER:
As mentioned previously, I am not a doctor and this article should not replace the advice given by a certified medical professional. Please consult your physician for professional advice.
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Jennifer, I love that your heart shines through in your posts…
Sometimes, all it takes is knowing that ONE person cares enough to take your hand when you reach out for help.
And when I was depressed after Mia was born, I was SO very appreciative for the people in the blogosphere that took the time to email me. Just by answering back, regardless of what you said in your emails (although this is great advice), you were a blessing to these women. Please know that.
I am eight months along and feeling exactly the way you described, I knew something was wrong when, i didn’t even want to look at baby stuff, but I see that I have been suffering on the inside, making things worse, I’m so comforted by your strength, that as I read your experience it was like reading my own thoughts and feelings , and to see that you found help, gives me hope that I to can deal with this, that I am strong, I am just scared for anyone to think low of me, that I’m not one of the normal happy pregnencys, but I have an appointment on Friday and I’m finding curage to tell my doctor my feelings, your posts are a message from god to me, I feel better knowing that someone has already been through this, I ask for prayers that I may to find the strength to get the help I need
Thank you for sharing. Please talk to your doctor and know that I will be praying for (and with) you.
I am so glad to see that I am not the only one feeling this way. I am 35 weeks today and have been feling this way since our 20 week ultrasound, but it seems to be getting worse. I had an appointment today with a midwife at my practicioners office and mentioned my concerns about my moodswings vaguely and she told me it was just normal. I dont feel normal. I am not excited about this baby at all and he will be here in just a few weeks. I feel like I’m losing my mind.
Because of your blog, I wrote a message to my Dr. through My Chart and said I might have this “antepartum depression and hit send before I could change my mind.
Its so horrible.
Good for you. I’m so glad you’re getting the help you need. <3
I just wanted to say thank you for this post and the last post on antepartum depression. It has been something I have been struggling with for most of my pregnancy and I finally feel the push to talk to my doctor. I have tried mentioning things to my mom or husband but I feel as though they chalk it up to normal pregnancy hormones and, while supportive, I don’t feel like they are able to really understand. So thank you, it feels good to not feel alone.
Sara, I’m so glad you found relief and comfort from this post. I really struggled with antepartum depression – talking to my doctor helped me understand and validated the feelings / emotions I was experiencing. I hope when you talk to your doctor you find some extra support as well. Sending much love and blessings to you. <3