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Sat Oct 29, 2011 3:33 am  |
Hi everyone my friend has just discovered she's pregnant, she suffers from depression and had been doing really well on tablets she was prescribed but can no longer take them due to risks to her baby she has seen the doctor about other medication but they all carry risks she is not willing to take, I suggested she look at her diet to incorporate more feel good foods but she does not want to eat loads of chocolate and is a vegetarian, also gentle exercise like walking what else can I tell her.
Any advice really apprecited don't want to see her so stressed about this |
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Sat Oct 29, 2011 10:54 am |
I used to suffer from some fairly serious depression, but have been in the clear for several years, without the help of medication, so please remind her that not everyone's doomed to a life of darkness (like certain people had told me, threatening that that'd be the case if I didn't resort to pharmaceuticals).
Eating balanced meals on time/regularly is incredibly important for balancing blood sugar if nothing else. I snack on almonds if I can't eat at the right time. B-Vitamins are crucial for me - I don't take many supplements, but I feel soooo much less grounded without my B's.
Omega-3 fats are supposed to be important for those suffering from depression, & amino acids (for boosting serotonin). I suspect all this may be a bit more challenging for a vegetarian, but easy enough to research... probably fish & beans.
By the way, I of all people respect her decision, but sometimes emotional health trumps the risks to physical health, so I hope she doesn't beat herself up if it comes down to taking meds. Emotions affect baby too and I believe that the most important thing you can give, or show, a baby is faith that there is an abundant world here just waiting to take of our every need.  |
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Olive, normal/oily skin. Using rinse-off ocm, Vit C, Tretinoin since Nov/10, GHK since Feb/12, Niacinamide & glucosamine, alternating, & now skipping nights! Concerns include oiliness, hyperpigmentation from occasional zits, 11's & nasolabial folds. |
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Sat Oct 29, 2011 11:10 am |
She could try yoga and meditation, that can really help with depression and would be very good for the baby too, and help her prepare for the birth.
She could try and look into aromatherapy. Find a good aromatherapist, who knows his/her stuff so the safety of the baby is guaranteed! My own experience (and that of friends of mine) with aromatherapy to deal with depression is VERY good, but not all oils can be used during pregnancy so she will need an expert.
And lots, lots of love and support, but that goes without saying, does't it? |
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Sat Oct 29, 2011 11:46 am |
| Oops.. that should have been "take CARE of our every need", of course! |
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Olive, normal/oily skin. Using rinse-off ocm, Vit C, Tretinoin since Nov/10, GHK since Feb/12, Niacinamide & glucosamine, alternating, & now skipping nights! Concerns include oiliness, hyperpigmentation from occasional zits, 11's & nasolabial folds. |
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Sat Oct 29, 2011 1:13 pm |
| Thanks for your replies I will tell her your suggestions it goes without saying she has everyones love and support, we are all worried about how the hormone changes are going to affect her it broke my heart when she told me the other day it would be easier if she wasn't pregnant as I know how much she loves and wants kids. |
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Sun Oct 30, 2011 11:14 am |
I was on the verge of taking pharmaceuticals at one point but resisted. So glad I did. No side effects to deal with and I didn't want to line the already plush pockets of Big Pharma.
Exercise has been a lifesaver. She can go to classes for pregnant women or do DVDs. Tracey Mallett specializes in pregnancy and post pregnancy exercise. Her website is a useful source of information as well. http://www.traceymallett.com/
Diet is also key. When I eat too much sugar or bread/rolls/pastries, I get tired and depressed. If she could suspend her vegetarianism for a few months for the sake of the baby's health, then she should eat fish.
Her pregnancy hormones might actually put her in a better mood because that is nature's way of preserving the species. Of course, afterward there is a chance of post natal depression, so everyone is different.
Perhaps she should think about having her tubes tied during the delivery. One baby may be enough for her, considering her inability to handle sress. |
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Sun Oct 30, 2011 11:16 am |
I was on the verge of taking pharmaceuticals at one point but resisted. So glad I did.
Exercise has been a lifesaver. She can go to classes for pregnant women or do DVDs. Tracey Mallett specializes in pregnancy and post pregnancy exercise. Her website is a useful source of information as well. http://www.traceymallett.com/
Diet is also key. When I eat too much sugar or bread/rolls/pastries, I get tired and depressed. If she could suspend her vegetarianism for a few months for the sake of the baby's health, then she should eat fish.
Her pregnancy hormones might actually put her in a better mood because that is nature's way of preserving the species. Of course, afterward there is a chance of post natal depression, so everyone is different.
Perhaps she should think about having her tubes tied during the delivery. One baby may be enough for her, considering her inability to handle sress. |
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Sun Oct 30, 2011 11:48 am |
| Having her tubes tied? During delivery? Over here I don't think any doctor would do that, considering things like age, hormonal imbalance at such a moment etc., such an irreversible decision. And depressions do pass, eventually, with or without medication. |
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Sun Oct 30, 2011 12:42 pm |
Oh wow, that one shocked me!
I always feel the need to point out that once people have been mired in depression for long periods of time they think they'll never get out. Like I said, so many people (especially doctors quoting pharmaceutical company literature) seem to label you "sick" forever, even after you've been successfully well for a long time. In most cases, this isn't the truth, and its worth reminding people of that, and in my opinion, treating them as if its only a matter of time before they're well. I think if they believe they're sick, or prone to sickness, they'll watch for signs of depression and be more likely to slip again and not be so quick to replace old habits with new, healthy ones.
While it takes a long time to sink, it takes a long time to resurface, so figuring out how to be patient & "exercise" their way to wellness is key.
I liked what you said about pregnancy hormones perhaps putting her in a better mood - maybe if she hears that it'll remind her to watch out for those bright spots and focus there!
I know that it was said with good intention, and "inability to handle stress" is probably a good reason not to have kids, but I don't think considering having her tubes tied right now, if she loves kids that much, is a good idea. I've known MANY women who've recovered completely from depression after having a kid - it changed them, perhaps grounded them and gave them more of a reason to stay on track.
I used to define myself as moody & prone-to-depression. While at one point it served its purpose (explaining my thoughts, behaviour, & acted as a reminder for me to take proper care etc), I now know that it was the result of circumstances and not WHO I am. Have you seen the quote "Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-esteem, first make sure you are not, in fact, just surrounded by assholes."? lol. In my case, not really assholes, just people who didn't know any better, and therefore couldn't teach me much in the way of how to care for myself. |
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Olive, normal/oily skin. Using rinse-off ocm, Vit C, Tretinoin since Nov/10, GHK since Feb/12, Niacinamide & glucosamine, alternating, & now skipping nights! Concerns include oiliness, hyperpigmentation from occasional zits, 11's & nasolabial folds. |
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