How can a pregnant woman get psychiatric help?

Allyson - posted on 04/01/2013

Haylee,

Here is a good article on the subject.

http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications...

I didn't read anything about exercise in the first article, but exercise really helped my mental state with all three of my pregnancies and is currently a key component for managing my stress as it is beneficial for alleviating depression; my youngest is four years old.

Interesting article:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/544214...

Best of luck!

Allyson

Janna - posted on 03/31/2013

you can try some holistic approaches, such as working on self empowerment by working on some self discipline and learning to understand your emotions and being able to catch what triggers your downs and working to change your levels of perspectives. But also, sometimes if you need to cry.....crying can be healing to let it out, holding it in isn't so healthy. But just being at peace with the crying and simply allowing it.

Miranda - posted on 03/30/2013

I had the same problem. What I did was told my O.B doctor. And there are some things that you can take while you are pregnant. Or maybe call a counselor of some sort. I know how you feel. Hope this helps.

Merel - posted on 03/28/2013

Dear Sara Beth, i'm so sorry to hear about your sad experience, i wish you all the best.

Merel - posted on 03/28/2013

Tracey is right, i read in an article about it too.as well as the omega 2 oils they said that dairy products also work against mild depressions. My hubby works as a nurse in a mental hospital, and he also says that most people who suffer from depression, often dont have enough vitamin d in there system.

Tracey - posted on 03/28/2013

I have read that fish oil supplements can help with mild depression. There is a good fish oil supplement from mothersmilkdha.com that is perfect for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Might be worth it to try something safe and natural.

Bri Lee - posted on 03/25/2013

@sara Beth I'm so sorry for that to happen. I have to say I was VERY scared to take meds but when I kept calling my doctors and feeling like I was losing it, I decided to try it. I was on 150mg before I got pregnant but only took the 100mg. I was also Rx Xanax but of course my doc took me off that due to the classification and being prego. I wouldn't reccomend taking something unless you an your doctors discussed it and what will work for the individual.

Sara Beth - posted on 03/25/2013

Had a miscarriage last year was taking Zoloft 100Mg Doctor said it would be fine and i miscarriage at 4 in a half month pregnant.

Bri Lee - posted on 03/24/2013

My advice is seek help now cuz it will only get worse. I just had a baby and was on 100mg of Zoloft. It helped me with my general anxiety disorder/panic disorder...which would spiral me into a depression before I seeked help! My psychiatrist and I weighed the benefits and risks of taking the meds and being pregnant and decided with my ob consent to take it. It was better for me and my baby for me to be medicated other wise I could have stressed myself out and miscarried.

BRANDI JO - posted on 03/23/2013

Hi Hayleigh, I'm so glad you wrote about this. I have been having a hard time since becoming pregnant. my mom passed away around the same time i found out i was pregnant. and on top of that i found out im having my first (only) girl and i have issues thinking about what to do when she comes and needing my mom to talk to about changing diapers and what not. plus I'm high risk and my last pregnant was almost deadly I was bleeding so bad during my c section. i'm scared of all this and i don't have my best friend/ mom to talk to now. and dealing with her death still and grieving. i am also afraid of some one trying to "commit" me and them taking my baby if not the medial personal but my baby daddy filling for custody based on these facts. I wish that my family became closer after my mom passed but it seemed we all went our separate ways or i would def talk to my sisters who have girls... and c sections.

Ana - posted on 03/19/2013

I had the same doubts with my 3rd pregnancy and because I was suicidal it was very scary! :( I did what was best and went anyway..it was a good choice. Ironic I now help in a support group of helping women who deal with depression. I am a good listener:)

Blanca - posted on 03/19/2013

Hi Hayleigh,
I work in an Outpatient Mental Health facility and we see many women suffering from Post Partum depression, it can also happen while you're pregnant. Talk to your OB/GYN so they can refer you to a psychiatrist/therapist/advanced practice nurse to help you. All the best to you...

Katelyn - posted on 03/17/2013

Definitely get help if you need it. It takes so much courage to admit you need help and even more to go out an find it. Therapists are bound by confidently and can not talk about your sessions (or even acknowledge that you are being seen) without your written permission (except if you tell them you plan to kill your self or are hurting a child.) You know yourself best and if what you need is help dealing with your depression find someone who can help.

Dora - posted on 03/15/2013

Dont suffer with ur problem...they will not take ur baby from u...the majority of the world suffers from some sort of mental illness, and its ok to admit u have one. I actually have depression, severe social anxiety, bipolar disorder, and a few others. I have a 2yr old son and im in week 35 with this boy...i didnt feel i could deal with it after i went off my meds, the drs say its actually dangerous not to seek help when its needed. The ob and psych couldnt agree on meds and sent me to see a dr called a perinatologist, an ob that specializes in high risk preg and maternal-fetal meds. He was able to put me in psych meds that r safe for baby and r helping me cope. Dont be afraid of getting help, stress from the depression can cause early labor, low birth weights, and other problems. Good luck and best of wishes.

Francesca - posted on 03/14/2013

AMEN SISTA!

Francesca - posted on 03/14/2013

of course you are not crazy! depression is a very common thing especially with women who have a family history of depression. i was very depressed when i was pregnant and i got through it with the help and support of my family. after i gave birth i decided to go into therapy and start antidepressants. There is no shame nor should there be any worries about seeking help as long as you don't feel like harming yourself or your child seeking help is very responsible and sensible. don't be ashamed or have fear of wanting help. you are very brave!

Gretchen - posted on 03/12/2013

If you need help with your depression - please go get it. I was very depressed and anxious during my pregnancy and my obstetrician and psychiatrist were very supportive. 1 in 4 people suffer from depression or anxiety disorders...you are not disqualified because you are pregnant. Your doctors should support you wanting to get all your health needs met. After my little boy was born I had postpartum depression. I informed my pediatrician about my rough pregnancy. My son's doctor even gave me direct access to 2 nurses to call directly for any concerns. You are absolutely correct....you are not crazy..... you have a health need. Take the steps you need to partner with a team of healthcare professionals who will be able to support you through this.

Merel - posted on 03/12/2013

Hi Hayleigh, My name is Merel from Holland and your message was the first one that came up on the screen. I have only been here for three minutes an allready have an appinion on the topic. I hope my English isn't too bad, and i hope i says things right. Your story caught me right away, because i had the same feelings when i was about 4 months pregnant. I talked to by husband but it's just not the same. I didn't seek counceling, and to be honest i wish i did. There is nothing to be ashamed about, and i'm sorry your mother feels that way, and acualty is making you scared of your own feeling. Feeling are there for a reason, and so they must be felt. After a few months my depression went away. Now i feel fine i quess, but Dion being my first child i deal with all new kinds of worries. So i will go and talk to someone, other then my husband( he has a lot on his plate as well) who can just listen. I hope you will do the same and remember that if you take care of yourself you will be a happy mommy, and that makes a happy baby. All the best to you love from Merel

Stephanie - posted on 03/11/2013

Depression is NOT SOMETHING TO BE ASHAMED OF! WHY DOES EVERYONE TALK AS IF IT IS!?!?!?

Elizabeth - posted on 03/11/2013

If you seem to be at risk for PPD I'm sure the nurses at your doctor's office will be willing to find you a place to get help now without getting CPS involved. When I had my daughter I had a fleet of nurses and counselors come into my room and give me pamphlets upon pamphlets about depression and counseling. People would rather help the mother than take the child away. Regardless of what some CRAZY MEN might tell you, and believe me I have had some mentally abusive ass holes tell me I'm wrong for needing help with depression and need to get a mental evaluation. WRONG. We are women, depression is so common among women.

Emily - posted on 03/10/2013

Hi Hayleigh! I must say, you're a stronger woman than I for seeking help ahead of time. I had EXTREME depression, anxiety and mood swings throughout my whole pregnancy. I wish I had sought help if only to create a more joyful pregnancy for myself and my family. Although once our son was born all the depression and horrible psychiatric problems melted away like hot butter. Even now 7 and 1/2 months later, if I ever feel down all I need do is look at him and I'm elated :) Don't worry, no one will take your child away and I'm sure you'll be a wonderful happy momma... But for your own health and peace of mind, go see a psychiatrist about it. All pregnant women are crazy with raging hormones. Boy If they started taking kids away for that I think 90% of children would be motherless lol

Christina - posted on 03/08/2013

Wow I'm sorry but your mother is out of her mind! My obstetrician had me on Zoloft when I was pregnant because I had really bad mood swings and now I have post partum, I'm still on Zoloft and have an appointment to see a therapist about it. CPS will not get involved when a mother is trying to take care of herself and her child by seeking help.

Kyrsten - posted on 03/08/2013

Dear heart, you are not alone. I was on anti-depressants during both my pregnancies. I didn't start on them, but needed to go on part way through. After my first was born, I struggled with post partum depression and saw a psychiatrist and therapist. Family and friends helped me through 6 VERY hard months. There was never any threat of CPS getting involved. I know you probably feel very alone. Depression does that to you. But many of us relate and feel for you. I will be praying for you, sister.

Kelly - posted on 03/08/2013

Hello Hayleigh! Im a mother of 2 children. When i had my first, which is a boy first. He is now 22months i had no problems with depression or anything like that. I had my family there always there to help me and was by my side all the time. But, when i was pregnant with my second, which is a girl goin to be 2months on the 12th of March. When i was pregnant with her i did not have any patience with anyone or put up with anyones crap i should say. Later on i realized that i had no patience with my babyboy and wanted to hurt him. The thought in my mind hurting my child put me to tears. It was probably the third week when my babygirl came into this world that i realized i kept to myself which is very dangerous that i was going through POST PARTUM! i never thought it was real but it is. When i confided my husband what i was going through and going through my mind i was in tears but felt better telling him. POST PARTUM is something no woman should ever go through because your just not hurting yourself but your endangering your child. Im a christian and thank God that my huisband is there to listen and help me through. I asked and prayed that God will help me through this also because if it wasnt for HIM i wouldnt be the mother i am now. If you have support from family or friends but talk to your spouse and get help from there. POST PARTUM is serious and it should be handles right a way. Find a good therapist or talk to your OB and they can help you. Good Luck! I hope this advice helps. Kelly

Hannah - posted on 03/07/2013

unless the therapist believes that you will physically harm yourself or your child, they can not get anyone involved.

Brenda - posted on 03/06/2013

I suffered from depression during my pregnancy. Talk to your ob/gyn. Mine put me on antidepressants. For the record, a psychiatrist, other Dr, or counselor have a legal obligation to confidentiality unless you are threatening to harm yourself or someone else. They cannot by law call DCS. If you have depression, get help. It's important and nothing to be ashamed of. Plenty of people get depression, including pregnant women. Also, getting help now will minimize your chances of postpartum depression.

Simone - posted on 03/05/2013

Hayleigh,

You should definitely talk to your OB about your depression now rather than after the baby is born. Your OB should be able to prescribe the appropriate medication that is safest for your baby. You may want to consider the medication and counseling together. I have never heard of DCF being involved ulness you were to harm yourself or something like that. Many blessings.

Carmen - posted on 03/05/2013

pre postpartum depression.... I had it... seek a postpartum depression/anxiety counselor... she or he will help you with your case.... make sure that the counselor is certified.

Anita - posted on 03/04/2013

children services if called will appreciate the fact that you voluntarily got help for yourself & won't take your baby unless you threaten its life or cause injury. I've been through it all.

Miguelina - posted on 03/03/2013

By asking help to your parents too.. and ofcourse make sure you will take care of yourself because your baby need you most. You should aware for your sourroundings and need a doctors advice too.
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Manganimatondo - posted on 03/01/2013

you right

Hayleigh - posted on 02/20/2013

Its fine

Angela - posted on 02/20/2013

Sorry, I'm British! It's all so different!

Hayleigh - posted on 02/19/2013

Thank you everyone! And Angela..its kind of neither. I don't need free because my insurance would cover it and idc of its on my health record honestly I was just seeing what everyone has answered of there was a way to get help without losing the baby but apparenntly I wont lose him anyway so thank you all bunches((:!

Heather - posted on 02/19/2013

Best to get the help now and get your depression under control before the baby gets here. the last thing you need is to get a bad case of postpartum that could have been prevented!

Angela - posted on 02/19/2013

Are you asking how you can get FREE psychiatric help?
Or just psychiatric help that won't go on your health record (as in no strings attached)?

Rhianna - posted on 02/18/2013

Taking care of your mental health shows good parenting skill and i have never hears of any one losing children because of it unless you are harming the children you have or your unborn baby on purpose even then you are trying to fix your short comings chances are they still would not disrupt you family's living state depression is a normal part of pregnancy
http://www.liveperson.com/lp/onlinecouns...

you can start here see what they say or they can refer u to an toll free hotline where you dont need to give your name until u get more comfortable.

Jacquelyn - posted on 02/18/2013

This post was very helpful because I have a granddaughter who is going through depression and we are putting family supports in place as I type this. It would really be hard if there were no family support system. I would really have some concerns. So if there is no family support system, get some type of positive support group. It will help a lot.

Andrea - posted on 02/18/2013

Good for you for recognizing you need help - that's so huge! I've struggled with depression half of my life and I've always found it hard to ask for help but I have gotten better over the years. In seeking help you are a being a very responsible parent. As others have said depression is very common among mothers. You're OB should already be asking questions and be prepared for it so don't be afraid to ask for a recommendation. I was referred to a psychiatrist during my 2nd pregnancy and found it very helpful. And it's nice to get something established now so it's easier to pick up the phone and make an appt if need be once baby is here. Good luck!

Kristi - posted on 02/17/2013

You've already started the road to recovery by realizing you were not just "being emotional" and being brave enough to ask for help. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people and hopefully you'll find the right counselor/therapist to give you the extra guidance and help you need to get through this. You'll be ok. Just keep taking care of yourself so you can take care of precious baby boy. Be sure to keep us updated! Of course we'll want to know name (if you wish to share), weight and height and DOB of "Baby" Brown! ; )

Dove - posted on 02/17/2013

♥ Hang in there and take care of yourself!!

Hayleigh - posted on 02/17/2013

Thanks everyone this has been so helpful And no I'm not suicidal. I would never harm my lil boy. I just hate feeling like this all the time and have breakdowns and sit and cry very often. Its not like me so I will take everything into consideration thanks so much(:!

Pamela - posted on 02/17/2013

Get the help. After the baby comes there may be an Infant Mental Health program or Public Health nurse program that can check in on both you and the baby to help you and be supportive. CPS will only get involved as the people above have stated.

Leanela - posted on 02/17/2013

I think you should get counseling to avoid bigger problems, maybe a therapist or a psychologist. It will do you and your family good. In the mean time , try to exercise ( fit for a pregnant woman) maybe walking or swimming.

Stephanie - posted on 02/16/2013

I'm a legal studies student and although it is illegal to give legal advice. I learned in school that your patient doctor privacy rights protect you. The only way you can get in trouble is if you make any statements that you are going to do future harm or future crimes. Depression is the MOST COMMON affliction among mothrs there is. They really want what's best for mommy and child. Depression is so common among mothers that if they looked at every depressed mother there was, every child in the world be in a foster home

Denikka - posted on 02/15/2013

I'm actually just starting this process right now. I was recommended to prenatal psychiatrist by my doctor. There are a TON of resources in my area for what is called *maternity mental health*. Everything from one on one and group counselling, psychiatrists who specialize in pregnant women (what meds are safe, etc), mom groups, in home visits after the birth....tons of stuff.

As the others have said, depression is not a reason to have child services involved. In fact, getting help for your problem would probably look much better on your records. If nothing else, it shows that you're stable enough to recognize that you have a problem and to reach out for help.

The best of luck to you :)

Mommy - posted on 02/15/2013

I'm a therapist, and have been for years. I am the director of an intensive program that provides group and individual counseling, and I also have a private practice. There is no way getting psychiatric help will cause you to lose your son. I have had several pregnant women come to treatment. Call your primary care physician if you need a referral to someplace or call your insurance company and ask them for referrals. People really need to get the facts before they try and tell you these ridiculous things.

Natalie - posted on 02/15/2013

Depression is common during pregnancy, and they have no reason to get DCS involved unless you are a threat to yourself or the child. Most therapists are very understanding. If you have insurance, I would look into finding a counselor who can work with you. You may want to talk to your OBGYN and get a referral as well. There is no need for you to suffer with depression. There are thousands of mothers who have depression during and after pregnancy and nobody takes their children unless they are suicidal or psychotic, and then once that is controlled, you usually have no issues having them returned, especially if your mom is around. The system is set-up to preserve families. I am not trained, but sometimes even just a good friend who will listen and let you vent is helpful. If you want, you can talk to me. I had depression before, during and after my pregnancy, and no one ever mentioned DCS or anything about taking my son away. Don't worry about that, just get well so you can enjoy being a mom.

Chelsea - posted on 02/14/2013

Your mom is way wrong. Certainly get help for depression, otherwise it will just get worse.

Kristi - posted on 02/14/2013

I'm not trying to discount what happened to you and I am also sorry for your terrible struggles but I have to agree with Dove here. There was to be way more to this story than you just having depression while you were pregnant. Kids are not removed from their mothers just for that.

You said yours was a custody battle, also. So I'm guessing the baby's father had something to do with child services getting involved.

Your situation really doesn't sound similar to Hayleigh's at all. At this point, I think all it is doing is adding fuel to the fire of fear her mother set.