Before Baby Blues | Handling Depression During Pregnancy
As you watch your baby bump grow, the overwhelming sense of sadness and gloom starts to take over and this is the exact opposite of what you expect to happen during your pregnancy. Everyone may tell you that being pregnant should be a joyous occasion as a mother, but not every mom-to-be will have the same sentiments about expecting a child. If your feelings of pre-baby depression are starting to consume your life, it may be time to do something about it to help. Here is your guide to handling feelings of depression during pregnancy.
Talk to Your Doctor About Your Feelings
The first step in tackling depression and anxiety during pregnancy is to talk to your doctor who will likely be more understanding than you think. At least 10 to 15 percent of pregnant women have symptoms of major depression during their pregnancy. Even though many women will never seek help for their depression, either do to feelings of guilt or something else, many of these women do talk to their doctors. In some cases, a doctor at a place like All Women's Clinic can help determine the root cause of the depressive symptoms or help recommend you to a therapist or support group who can help.
Be Open with Friends and Family Members
Having feelings of depression while you are pregnant can make you feel even more alone in your situation than usual. This is often related to the fact that women who are pregnant can be reluctant to share their feelings with their significant other, family members, or friends. Because pregnancy is expected to be a time of happiness and well-being, there can be a lot of shame and guilt carried by the mother. By opening up to friends or family members about what you are feeling, you may be able to find some comfort in not having to carry the burden of pregnancy depression on your own.
Take Advantage of Pregnancy Counseling
Pregnancy counseling addresses the feelings of depression in a variety of different ways. You may be assigned a personal therapist who can work with you to find the reasons for your emotional triggers or exposed to group therapy sessions designed to help you find solutions by talking alongside other moms-to-be about your feelings. Because many psychiatric drugs are out of the question throughout your pregnancy, pregnancy counseling can be one of the more effective forms of treatment.
When it comes down to it, not every woman who becomes pregnant will have the same emotions about the experience. Pregnancy may not always feel like the best thing for you and your life at the time. Be sure you know how to handle feelings of depression if and when they do arise during your own pregnancy.