Dealing With Depression During Pregnancy

Embracing the Rollercoaster: Navigating Depression During the First Trimester

Pregnancy is often portrayed as a blissful journey filled with joy and excitement. And while those sunny moments are undoubtedly part of the experience, let’s take a moment to acknowledge that it’s not always rainbows and unicorns. Today, we’re diving into the not-so-sunny side of pregnancy, especially during the rollercoaster ride that is the first trimester. So grab a cup of tea, get cozy, and let’s normalize those pregnancy hormones and emotions together.

It’s Okay to Feel Down:

You’re growing a tiny human inside you, and that’s an incredible feat. But let’s be real—it can also be overwhelming. The first trimester, in particular, brings a surge of hormones that can wreak havoc on your emotions. Feeling down, anxious, or even depressed is not unusual. Remember, you’re not alone in this. Many moms-to-be go through similar experiences, and it’s essential to normalize these emotions. I was so depressed I could barely get out of bed, working out became a chore and everything I used to love to do became unexciting. Who am I?? It was nothing short of horrible, and every day was a struggle. If you’re in the same boat, remember these feelings will at some point pass.

Hormonal Havoc:

Ah, hormones—the little troublemakers responsible for mood swings and emotional rollercoasters – like, IS it my hormones or am I just a bitch? During the first trimester, they can send you on a wild ride, leaving you feeling like you’re on an emotional see-saw. One moment, you may be laughing hysterically at a cat video, and the next, you’re crying over spilled orange juice. Embrace the chaos, dear mama. It’s all part of the beautiful mess of pregnancy. Oh, and let’s not forget about anger. I was so angry about everything.

Seeking Support:

When you’re feeling down, remember that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Reach out to your partner, friends, or family members who can provide a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. Additionally, consider joining online communities or local support groups where you can connect with other moms-to-be who are going through similar emotional journeys. If you want to reach out, I’m here. One thing that helped me in addition to sharing with close friends was journaling. Sharing your experiences and finding comfort in others’ stories can be incredibly healing.

Self-Care for the Soul:

Taking care of your emotional well-being is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Embrace self-care practices that resonate with you. Whether it’s journaling, going for walks in nature, practicing meditation or yoga, or indulging in a guilty pleasure (hello, Netflix binge!), make time for activities that bring you peace and joy. Remember, you deserve to prioritize your emotional well-being during this transformative time. What did I do? Well, I spent A LOT of time in bed watching Netflix to try and distract myself from all of my problems. Then, I booked an Akashic reading with a dear woman named Megan Coetzee, who I highly recommend. She gave me clarity on my pregnancy when I was having doubts. I played with my tarot cards A LOT (even though I didn’t exactly know how to read them lol), I forced myself to walk a little bit each day and I spent A LOT of time with my dog and cat who provided me a little glimpse of joy through the darkness. I tried to pinpoint the areas I felt most depressed about, and what I realized was that my fears were bigger than anything else and they were consuming me. That was a huge start in figuring out ways to cope.

Professional Support:

If your feelings of depression persist or intensify, it’s crucial to seek professional help. Speak openly with your healthcare provider about what you’re experiencing. They can offer guidance, and resources, or even refer you to a mental health professional who specializes in supporting pregnant women. Remember, there’s no shame in asking for help. Your well-being matters, and seeking the right support can make a world of difference. I was so close to getting some therapy through one of these resources during this difficult time: BetterHelp & Talk Space.

Dear mama, pregnancy is a remarkable journey, but it’s also okay to acknowledge the challenges and emotional ups and downs that come with it. The first trimester can be particularly tough, and when your world feels like it’s crumbling, remember that you’re stronger than you realize. Embrace the not-so-sunny side of pregnancy with compassion and understanding, and know that you’re not alone. Together, let’s normalize the reality of pregnancy emotions, and depression, supporting and inspiring each other along the way. You’ve got this, mama!