Any ideas?

[irish90]

So here's the story: I'm a newlywed, 12 weeks pregnant (have t-tapped on and off for several years, currently trying to get back on), just had to quit my job of 4 years and move to another state (when you've lived in the suburbs of Birmingham, AL all your life, New Orleans is like another country even though I know we'll be leaving in a year). I come from a small close knit family and they're all back in Birmingham, so needless to say, I'm pretty homesick and that seems to get worse everyday. I am also learning that depression during pregnancy runs in my family. I just started a low dose of zoloft as well as fish oil and natural calm (a magnesium supplement). I know it's a little too soon to see results but does anyone have any other recommendations? I'm past the point of functioning, I don't think I would get out of bed if my husband didn't.

I'm trying to get on a schedule with step away the inches, any other recommended workouts as well?

Sorry, I know this is long.

[Callicrowe]

I know how you feel... years ago when I was a newlywed we moved from Ohio to Mississippi where my new husband was in pilot training. The training was intense, and he often didn't have much time for me, I was hundreds of miles from my family, had never lived anywhere but home (even went to college while living at home). That was a tough year and I cried a lot, but somehow we made it. Sounds like you have some extra strikes against you with the family history of depression, but you can do this! SATI will help. I'm sure others will have great ideas for you as well. I'm glad you found your way to the forums... maybe it will provide you with some extra needed support.

[Gr8fulMommy]

(((HUGS))) I understand how you feel. Being away from that support system is so hard! We went through that, too, and I also struggled with depression. For me, it was important to not be too hard on myself. That just made it worse because then I was dealing with guilt in addition to depression. Getting out of the house helped, especially if it was coupled with a walk. That was really hard for me, since I'm a real homebody. You've made a lot of changes and not replaced things you enjoy (family, work, etc) with new, exciting things. It is natural for you to feel some sense of let down.

Is there a good church for you to plug into? Being around other people helped me a lot, even though I didn't feel like being around them until I was! Join a Bible study or take a class. At home, listening to uplifting music, good reading (but not too much of it, because I would withdraw more), and books on CD (they were tapes when I was newlywed) that could keep my mind occupied while I worked with my hands helped. I felt better when I did something I enjoyed--I liked to sew then, now I liked to knit and scrapbook, make cards, anything that gave me a sense of accomplishment and took my thoughts away from dwelling on myself. It's not too early to start working on baby things.

One other help for me (even now) is to set a very small goal for the day. Unpack three boxes or clean out one drawer and then really celebrate when I accomplished my goal. During a really bad time, I had three goals for the day--get dressed, make the bed, drink water. Doing those three things everyday eventually led to my being able to do a few other things and then eventually I was feeling better. Maybe doing SATI could be your goal.

Things that didn't help--beating myself up, worrying about what was "wrong" with me, worrying I'd "always" feel the way I did today (I didn't and I don't), watching TV, staying up late at night.

I have several friends who have found natural progesterone cream to be a safe and more effective alternative to antidepressants. Some believe that it is better since it supplies what your body may be lacking rather than not addressing the root problem. You may want to look into that.

And you did the right thing by posting. Just knowing that what you are feeling is normal and that it won't last forever may help.

HTH

[BlessedMama]

HUGS to you! Congratulations on both your pregnancy and being a newlywed!

I've not had to move away from everyone like that, nor dealt with depression during pregnancy--you've already gotten some good advice. I think walking is a good exercise, whether through SATI or outdoors.

The main thing from my bouts with depression were to get out and do something especially if I didn't feel like it. If I did what I felt like, I'd have stayed in bed! I lost a baby between my second and third dds, and if it weren't for my then two little girls, I probably would have crawled in bed and stayed there for days. So I learned from that that getting out and doing something, taking care of others, serving others, really helped.

You have a wonderful new life to plan for, too, so maybe that will help!

[msnyder315]

Boy can I ever relate. About a year and a half ago I finally moved out of my mom's house, just a few months shy of turning 30. I moved from big city, Ohio, to small town, Wisconsin. My only real friend here is my boyfriend, so needless to say I've spent the better part of my first year here in Wisconsin in bed or on the couch in tears. I've never been pregnant, but I do know caring for another person has helped with my depression. I babysit a 3 year old, so most days it helps if I remember I have to take care of myself first so I can help take care of her. I imagine any mother would feel the same way, but I wouldn't pretend to know. Just know you're not alone {HUGS}

That being said, I think fish oil really helped me. Kara made a great suggestion as well, getting out really was the trigger which helped me get over my deep depression. Even if it just meant going outside for a walk around the block. Take it slow if you have to - each little step counts and helps. It gets so much easier with time.

[just7]

Hi! And Welcome to the forums. Congratulations on your new marriage and your pregnancy.

Are you taking a good prenatal?? There is one called Prenatal Forte from NFormula that has some really great herbs added in. It is SOOO important to be getting enough Vit Bs while pregnant.

I always loved being pregnant because it was the only time when I was NOT depressed. That is...until my last pregnancy. I had stopped taking care of myself, stopped exercising, and stopped taking my prenatals some time during the pregnancy previous to that one.

I had the worst post-partum depression I'd ever had that lasted for 2 years and then it took another 3 to come out of it fully. I still have occassional hormonal bouts with it...but it is hormonal and I recognize it and I'm able to deal with it much better. I know, now, that my body was really depleted of the B Vitamins.

It might be one way that you can support your body during this time. As the weather gets better and the sun is shining, even just getting outside and sitting on the patio while you read would be a good thing. Vit D is so helpful with depression.

Definitely do some stepping. Try not to think about it too much. I know it's hard. But you WILL get through this. The days will pass. Start a "gratefulness" journal. Look for 3 things each day that you can add to the list. By the time the baby comes, you may be surprised at just how many things you were able to write down. (Number them)

Come back here as often as you can. This is a GREAT group for encouragement and support.

HUGS

[Nikki Dawn]

Congrats on your pregnancy and you new dh! Hugs!

I think you have great suggestions here. Ontop of the b&d vitamins, I would do magnesium. Magnesium deficiency is know to cause depression. I am sure the whole switch in moving, pg and new dh would cause a huge mood thing. Hormones are so fickle they are hard to control. DO trandermal magnesium. Joan from health and wisdom is on here all the time and sells it. It is wonderful stuff. Keep tapping, read your bible, pray and keep praising!

[cbuffy]

You've already gotten tons of fantastic advice, so I just wanted to add my congratulations and best wishes. Maybe it will help to know there are lots of people thinking of you and waiting to hear from you again. Check in often and let us know how you are doing. Just having friends and someone to talk to helps...

[irish90]

Thank you everyone. Lots of good advice and it is good just knowing there is support here and other people who have been in similar situations (easy to feel isolated).

Saw a psychiatrist who specializes in care for pregnancy today since most OB's here won't prescribe anti-depressants and don't seem to know much about natural remedies. He prescribed a different drug - Lexapro which he said would probably be more effective. He also knew about natural treatments and really encouraged upping the EPA in my fish oil so I've ordered a supplement called Omega 3 Mood Boost that should also help.

[just7]

That sounds good!! Join in with us on the Fit Mamas thread. It is a GREAT bunch of ladies with a variety of situations and children!