MM Depression
Antenatal depression is very common. But what happens if you don’t want to go down the root of medication? Here are some alternatives to help you feel better…
natural The way
While postnatal depression is widely recognised and accepted, much less is known about antenatal depression, despite the fact that it is very common. It’s estimated that around ten per cent of
women will experience some form of depression during pregnancy. Indeed, it’s estimated that there are as many women suffering from antenatal depression as are suffering from the postnatal version. So, how do you know if you’re suffering
from antenatal depression? Well, first of all you need to understand
that there’s a big difference between normal pregnancy hormonal activity and full-on depression. It’s very common during pregnancy to feel a bit down from time to time – after all, your hormones are raging at this time and we all know what fun they can be, don’t we? Hormonal changes are linked to mood
swings and tearful tantrums, but these are perfectly normal during pregnancy, and are just to be coped with and tolerated. What isn’t ‘normal’, however, is feeling
constantly down or unusually anxious – particularly for long periods. This is where antenatal depression may be kicking in. Other symptoms resemble those of normal depression and include:
4 Modernmum
• Feeling tired all of the time • Constant sadness and crying more than is usual
• A lack of desire to leave the house • An inability to concentrate • Anxiety • Extreme irritability with others and with your self
• Sleep problems – either too little or too much
• Eating problems, particularly lack of appetite
If you feel that you’re becoming depressed during your pregnancy, it’s vitally important that you seek professional help immediately so that it doesn’t become any worse. Whether or not you’ll require medication depends on the level of your depression. Some antidepressants can be taken in pregnancy, but you’ll need to weigh up the pros and cons, because there’s a small chance that your and your baby’s health could be affected. The most commonly prescribed
antidepressant is a tricyclic antidepressant, which is considered the safest type of antidepressant to take during pregnancy. (If you’re a person who prefers to go down the ‘complementary therapy’ track,
don’t take St John’s Wort, which is often used to treat mild to moderate depression. Researchers still haven’t come up with definitive proof that it’s safe to take in pregnancy.) If you don’t want to go down the
antidepressant route at all, here are a few alternatives that you may like to try. Make sure though that you discuss how you’re feeling with your GP or midwife and tell them what you’re planning to do to help yourself.
Therapy Talking therapies are always good for treating depression. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is particularly recommended and is believed to be as effective as antidepressant drugs in relieving mild to moderate depression. Again, your GP will be able to refer you to a qualified professional.
Adequate rest Lack of sleep always affects the mind and body’s ability to handle stress and the daily challenges of life, so make sure you have a routine sleep schedule and have a warm, milky drink before bedtime.
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