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Bipolar and Pregnant

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I am in my 30's and was diagnosed with depression and panic disorder as a teenager. However a few years ago my doctor diagnosed me Bipolar, not the greatest news to hear but at least I can understand and come to terms with my mental illness. I am a mother to two beautiful daughters and I am currently pregnant. I went off my medication when I found out I was pregnant, I refuse to let my unborn child be exposed or put at risk for health defects. Everything was going fine until now, my depression is and mood is at a breaking point. It is extremely difficult to get out of this funk. All I do is cry on and off and just lay in bed. I forced myself to get up today, at least I am up. My husband is not supportive because he does not understand depression/anxiety/mood swings. God bless him though for putting up with my ups and downs but his comments are not helpful. I hear comments such as "why have you gone crazy" "you have nothing to be depressed about" "don't you know your depression is hurting the family" and the list goes on.... The only one who understands is my mother (she is bipolar) my therapist and doctor who have been treating me for years. I pray that God sees me through this because I know my medication has helped me so much and since I have been off of it during my pregnancy I see many obstacles that I have to overcome on a regular basis and its overwhelming and mentally exhausting. Yes, I will get back on my meds after my child is born. I just wanted to post what I am going through for anyone else who has or is going through the same thing as I am, and to tell you that you are not alone!
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replied March 28th, 2012
Experienced User
You made a wise choice in breaking off the medication during your pregnancy, but perhaps you should talk to your doctor if you aren't very far along. Do you really want to go nine months without any aid for your serious depression? You should talk to your doctor and come up with some kind of compromise. There has to be soemthign that you can take that won't be harmful to your unborn child.( I've heard that Zoloft is one of these medications) If you're far along in your prengancy, I wouldn't worry about it, but make sure as soon after your child is born, get back on the meds. Also for some tips to relieve stress:
Exercise a lot. Not only does it relieve stress, but it's also good to fast walk or do something actve during pregnancy anyway.
Talk to your husband. Even though it may not seem like a good idea, do it. Tell him how hard it is living with this disorder, and if he really loves you, he'll put up with all of this. Communication will make you feel loads better.
Eat a healthy diet.
Eating high fattening foods or sugary things can make you crash and feel blah in the morning. Especially during prengany, you want to be sure you're eating the right foods.

Hope this helped and congrats on the new addition Smile
Lylan
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