Pregnancy-Related Depression
It is important that you talk to your practitioner if you are experiencing negative feelings or attitudes toward your pregnancy. Your practitioner may want to do thyroid tests and other tests to rule out medical reasons for your feelings. Regardless of the cause of your thoughts and feelings, there are techniques you can use to help you cope with them.
Journaling
Keeping a journal of your feelings, even the negative feelings, provides you with an outlet to express the feelings without having to worry about the reactions of others. Write out your feelings, dreams and thoughts in the journal.
If you are worried that someone else will read your journal, write your daily entries on loose leaf paper and burn it after you write your feelings down. You can also write in a small journal for each trimester and keep the small journals in your purse or in a locked safe.
Support Group
You can try to find an online support group for people experiencing depression. By joining an online support group, you never have to reveal the fact that you are pregnant.
If you want a support group that meets in person, you can ask your practitioner for suggestions about groups in your area. If that is what you choose to do, be prepared for generalized statements that you should be happy since you are pregnant.
Talk About It
If you have any friends or family members that you feel comfortable talking to about your feelings, ask them to meet you for lunch and discuss your feelings. If that conversation goes okay and you feel comfortable continuing to speak to that person about your feelings, ask that person if she will be available to talk again. If she says she is, call her whenever you feel the need to talk.
Get Active
Unless your doctor has placed you on bed rest or restricted activity, you can walk or workout to help you feel better. Exercise releases hormones in the brain that can help your mood. Plus, exercise can help to control pregnancy related weight gain, which can also improve your mood.
Conclusion
If you are suffering from pregnancy related depression, it is important that you realize you aren't alone. There are places you can go for help and things you can do to help your mood. The important thing to remember is that if you feel like hurting yourself or others, you need to head to the nearest emergency room or your doctor's office immediately.
Published by Casey L. Holley
Casey Holley is a freelance writer specializing in Christian content and medical content. She has more than a decade of experience. She also enjoys writing about animals, beauty, fitness, weight loss, travel... View profile
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