I am still struggling with depression/anxiety, and it is getting worse. Worse some days, not so bad others. I have had a pretty bad last few days dealing with my Dad and schoolwork. I didn't go to one class Friday and one class Sat. Instead I went shopping trying to make myself feel better but basically just wandered about and couldn't decide on a thing. Anyway, I have some concern now whether I am sabotaging myself. The last few days I really felt very unstable mentally and started really truly wondering if I do not have a mental problem (family hx). As time goes on, I feel less and less with it mentally. Can anyone relate to that?
My *new* therapist and I have been exploring a conflict between my TRUE values and what I am doing with my life lately. I am still unsure but the thought of having a baby has come to me lately. Sometimes I think maybe that is what I really want but just don't realize it. Others times I think that having a baby would take the focus off of me and would possibly really fulfill me. I turned 30 on Saturday so maybe it seems more pronounced now. I love my husband and having a child seems to be the next progression in our relationship. I just wonder if I can handle a baby. Nursing School is in the way too...
I have been exploring also Birth Control Pills being the source of some of my mental dysphoria. I have been contemplating going off BCP's and using a diaphraghm to just "see" what happens. Maybe take some vitamins and try to exercise more...Any experience with depression/anxiety and going off the pill? How bout depression/anxiety and pregnancy??
My psych, who is mad at me (but understands) for being noncompliant with my meds (they all make me very sick and tired) recently prescribed Cymbalta. I took one and it made me very nauseous. Then I learned that it is somewhat harmful to a fetus and I had second thoughts about taking it while off BCP's.
Which should I try first? Go off the pill, exercise more (hopefully), and see what happens.........OR.........take the cymbalta despite the nasty side effects and stay on the Pill. I don't want to take the Cymbalta off of the Pill, too risky.
If the Cymbalta doesn't work she is going to put me on a Manic Depression med, Lamictil? She did not think I had that prob, but the AD's have not working for me very well so we have run out of options....
For some reason, I always need everyone else's opinion, so fire away...
i too would never purposely bring a baby into the world knowing the mom was so depressed; it's not fair or healthy. going to nsg school could go either way; you might find it a welcome distraction or you might become overwhelmed in the enormity of the curriculum.
trust me, i understand depression. i would never take on add'l responsibilities until i knew i was stable and functional. wishing you only the best.
I really feel for you, dealing with depression and anxiety - and not having the meds work well for you. :icon_hug:
I also get the feeling that perhaps you are kind of 'sabotaging' yourself by missing classes and thinking about having a baby at this time. Like you don't (unconciously) want to finish nursing school. And, if you don't that's one thing - but think you need to make that decision conciously.
Being pregnant while depressed and not taking meds? Sounds like a recipe for more problems. Having a baby is a huge step, and generally causes more turmoil in your life, not less.
Don't know how you feel about alternative therapy, but doesn't sound like allopathic medicine is helping you. Sounds like your doc doesn't know what to do if she is now thinking about trying Lamictal, even though she doesn't seem to think it will work. If it were me, I'd seriously consider going to a naturopath. Taking antidepressants may not be the answer for you.
I hope you find something that will help, and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Let us know how things work out, O.K?
Having a baby was a stupid idea and out of the picture now.
I did take the Cymbalta today (running out of options) and went for a hike, which helped my spirits. May discontinue the BCP because I really want to go off hormones, don't know yet. We will see what the Cymbalta will do. So far today, not sick from it. Maybe I was coming down with something before???
you know thrash, coming off the bcp would not be a bad idea. personally i would find another method of birth control. we all know how hormones can affect our mental status. i'm glad you had a pretty good day. i'll keep the prayers going.
Baby-wise I've had two PG with healthy happy babies and dropped so far into depressions both times it's a wonder I survived. DH had to look out for them.
I'd like to add my prayers to all the rest. It is very hard to determine which antidepressant works for you. I think I've been on just about every SSRI and Tricyclic on the market. Right now Luvox is working well, but who knows for how long.
No one can decide for you but consider all the options. Maybe you need a different shrink. I've fired a couple and not regretted. The one now I have does "medication management" every 3 months for $125 a pop. Two minutes at the most. Last week I wanted a discussion....he looked like a deer in the headlights!
I hope all works out well. Just remember you have friends and support here.
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
Depression---huge issue in my life off and on. I agree w/those saying not to get pg while this depressed/in so much turmoil.
Also, really consult w/your doctors (primary care dr, psychiatrist if you have one, and one day, obstetrician) to come up with a workable plan whereby you can successfully live with and hopefully, improve your emotional/mental health and get the meds titrated in the most safe manner.
First off, your therapist is MAD AT YOU!!!! WTF????? You are paying for a service and I don't think hostility and anger are perks kiddo. Find a therapist who doesn't ***** foot around with any "past life issues" etc. You need a Dr. Phil who will stay on point and be a resource for your lack of assertiveness and low self esteem.
It's very easy for everyone to say " I have been there and can sympathize" but truly, we are not walking in her shoes every day, waking up cloudy minded, buzzing around a shopping mall and seeking salvation in a diaphram all the while contemplating the clutter and confusion that is nursing school, not to mention the family "issues" that are eluded in her post.
Yes diet and exercise are important but in our fast paced "solve it now" society it's going to take a lot more than Jenny Craig to get to a place in your life where you feel IN CONTROL, and BABY, that is a FABULOUS PLACE TO BE!!!! This is a control issue and also a crossroads in your life.
If you think you are there, you are. You can opt out and take the easy path or continue, push on and see where you end up. You do in all logic have time to persue being a parent, but there is a time and place for that as well, good advice given here on THAT subject!
Please continue to update us with all that is going on, good or bad. Remember... as bad as it is, that's HOW GOOD IT WILL BE!!!!
I am still struggling with depression/anxiety, and it is getting worse. As time goes on, I feel less and less with it mentally. Can anyone relate to that?
I can so relate. I've suffered from depression/anxiety since I was 13. No meds because there were no meds appropriate for a 13 y/o plus they didn't recognize depression/anxiety in a teenager as being valid as they do today.
I love my husband and having a child seems to be the next progression in our relationship. I just wonder if I can handle a baby. Nursing School is in the way too...
I have to be honest and say that if you are already stressed out caring for your Dad and going to school that a baby will not decrease your stress but will increase your stess and your depression.
I have been exploring also Birth Control Pills being the source of some of my mental dysphoria. I have been contemplating going off BCP's and using a diaphraghm to just "see" what happens. Maybe take some vitamins and try to exercise more...Any experience with depression/anxiety and going off the pill? How bout depression/anxiety and pregnancy??
I did not find that BCP made any difference for me one way or the other but everyone is different. There are so many better options now than the diaphragm. Talk to your OB/GYN if you're wanting to stop taking the BCP's. Truely having a baby is not a cure for depression. Keep in mind that just because you get pregnant does not mean you'll have a baby. I was using a diaghram way back when and got pregnant x 2 and miscarried both times and I can tell you that losing those babies only severely added to my depression/anxiety. When we finally did have a child my depression did lift for a number of years but I was able to stay home and just be a Mom. When I had my second child I was working and doing fine. Once he was born I went into a severe depression. What I'm saying here is that you just don't know what will happen. Anything can happen.
My psych, who is mad at me (but understands) for being noncompliant with my meds (they all make me very sick and tired) recently prescribed Cymbalta. I took one and it made me very nauseous. Then I learned that it is somewhat harmful to a fetus and I had second thoughts about taking it while off BCP's.
I went on Zoloft 8 years ago. Sure it made me feel weak and tired for several weeks but that wore off and I was depression/anxiety free for 8 years. I cannot tell you how awesome this has been. Several months ago my dose of Zoloft was increased because I went through a bout of depression/anxiety related to job stress/burnout/menopause. I took two months off from work, changed jobs and am on top of the game once again. I would try every and any medication until it works. It's easy for someone who has never experience true major depression to say "do it without the meds" but unless you've been there, you don't know.
Which should I try first? Go off the pill, exercise more (hopefully), and see what happens.........OR.........take the cymbalta despite the nasty side effects and stay on the Pill. I don't want to take the Cymbalta off of the Pill, too risky.
My advice would be to change to a different yet effective method of birth control, ask for a antidepressant that is safe to take so you can stay on it once you're ready to have child. Give the med a fair shake. It can take up to a month to get over the SE's and start feeling awesome. Good Luck.
You have to be able to take care of yourself first before adding on another human into the family. Having a child in your scenerio sounds kind of like what "shopping" does for those that feel low and in the dumps. Having a kid DOES take the focus off of you, but it could further undo you, too. I went in and out of depression for the first 4 years of my daughter's life. Going to school when she was in Kindergarden changed everything for me, and I am in full swing of things looking up and being happy. I knew that I wasn't one of those to have a multitude of kids and be okay with it type of women. We have one, and I like having one. Even the body gives me urges to have more, I do like the "wholesomeness" of a family with a few kids. I bring myself back to reality though. When I go somewhere and someone's kids is crying and throwing a fit, I think to myself, "Ahhh, I'll never have to deal with that again." I remember those days how crappy I could feel when I was at home with a kid who looked to me for EVERYTHING. The older my child gets, the easier it is, and I wouldn't trade her for the world, we have a good time...but I would say NO if I were you. Get your world in order to be fair to yourself, your husband, and a future child.
I think the "kid" thing is an exploration of wanting something new in your life, which is totally understandable!
I speak in a way to relate my experience to possibly help you with your situation. The thing that worked for me was setting goals (in school) and it took off from there. Getting physcial activity DOES HELP! My problem is I was sitting at home "rotting" so I could be the martyr for the family. When I started doing things for me, I became a better wife and mother.
A good stress reliever for me was PEDICURES! sounds goofy, but really worked. Also, this time of year brings forth the most depression, probably because of colder weather (not Florida!) so I'd pop into a tanning bed (use spf still) "light therapy". it just felt good! Good luck.
Also, I believe people should only have a baby when they realize they WILL be TEENAGERS one day!
leslie :-D
11,191 Posts
i too would never purposely bring a baby into the world knowing the mom was so depressed; it's not fair or healthy. going to nsg school could go either way; you might find it a welcome distraction or you might become overwhelmed in the enormity of the curriculum.
trust me, i understand depression. i would never take on add'l responsibilities until i knew i was stable and functional. wishing you only the best.
leslie