Depressed at 28 weeks

[Anonymous]

I am 28 weeks and all of a sudden the past week or so I feel really, really depressed. I've been depressed before but never had it come on this suddenly. It is hard to sit at my desk at work without crying. I think at least part of it is situational - holiday stress, work stress, etc. - but does pregnancy cause this? I guess I'm wondering if it will lift after the holidays are over or if I need to be more concerned about it.

[Anonymous]

While post-partum depression is more common, it can definitely strike during pregnancy as well. You can wait a bit to see if it gets better with the situational stressors removed, or you can call your Dr. But either way, know that yes, this too can happen during pregnancy, and it is normal (if unfortunate.)

[Anonymous]

Actually, postpartum depression isn't more common - it's just more commonly talked about. Depression during pregnancy is, sadly, just as common.

OP, if you've been depressed before and you recognize your symptoms, I would strongly encourage you to talk to your provider. I've coped with depression for 10 years and really wanted to go off meds before getting pregnant, tried it and everything, but it turned out that wasn't such a good idea for me. Crying at work was always one of my big red flags. I'm not trying to freak you out! But if you've been down this road before, then you know how important it is to take care of yourself before it gets worse.

A really great expert review was recently published in ACOG's journal about treating depression during pregnancy. I can post the full text of the article if folks want to see it (if that's allowed on DCUM, not sure -?) but here's a link to the press release when the review was published: http://www.acog.org/from_home/publications/press_releases/nr08-21-09-1.cfm

From one anonymous DCUM poster to another: I know where you're coming from and how hard it is to weigh the risks and benefits of treatment. You do the best you can, and more often than not it all works out for the best. Take care of yourself!!

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the responses. 20:36, I did not know this was so common! I realized after I posted that this bout coincides with a drastic reduction in exercise for various reasons. I think I will try getting back to my daily treadmill walking routine, as exercise is a big mood booster for me, and if I'm still feeling crappy by my next appt (next week) I'll talk to the doctor about it.

[Anonymous]

The pregnancy hormones wreck havoc with your emotions sometimes. I haven't had extended periods of depression with the pregnancy, but I have had days here and there of it. I'll be fine and then wham, out of the blue, I can't stop crying and thinking unhappy thoughts for a day or two.

Definitely seek help if it's a problem or it worries you. And kudos for being self aware enough to ask these questions instead of pushing them under a rug (which is the easier "solution").