Depression and Anxiety - Real Mum story on MoM

12 Comments

I am a 32 year old Mum of One with another on the way. I have suffered issues with depression and anxiety for 17 plus years. Sometimes it has been controlled with medication, sometimes with counselling from professionals and other times self managed pretty well.
I am currently 26 weeks pregnant and had been managing my depression and anxiety for 2 years with minimal help and no medication, I was starting to feel really on top of things until the pregnancy hormones started kicking in.
It has really sucked, not only irrational moods (I suppose a quite normal part of pregnancy) but I am also suffering panic attacks, old fears are surfacing, I feel like I am losing the real me again. Luckily I have fantastic support through my husband, my church, great doctors and counselling. I won’t let this beat me but some days if is jolly hard. I encourage anyone experiencing depression and anxiety to seek help, you are not alone and seeking help is not a sign of weakness it is a sign of strength.

Posted by Lori-Anne, 13th January 2016

12 Comments

- - rachelvk said
  - 26 Jan 2016
    10:05 pm
Thank you for sharing your story. I admire you for speaking so openly about your experiences.

- - mom90758 said
  - 17 Jan 2016
    1:48 pm
Thanks for sharing your story. So many people hide these problems, but the only way to fight them and win, is to share them. Success to you. Keep smiling!

- - Lori-Anne said
  - 16 Jan 2016
    10:05 am
So after returning to work this week and managing pretty well, I had a total meltdown last night after my husband and I had an argument. Goes to show how fragile I still am. Ok this morning. Tired but ok.

- - mom165081 said
  - 14 Jan 2016
    12:28 am
Depression and anxiety can be so very overwhelming and debilitating, as well as hard for others to appreciate and understand. So proud of you for using your great support network to overcome/manage your every hanging condition. Congratulations on the pregnancy and all the very best for your birth.
- Lori-Anne replied
  
  14 Jan 2016 , 9:24 pm
  Thankyou. ♡
  I really do appreciate the lovely and supportive comments from everyone on here. I am trying to hang onto the small things, like feeling my baby kick, a beautiful hug/cuddle from my husband.
- - mom93821 said
  - 13 Jan 2016
    7:59 pm
Good on you for having all of your supports in place as it is so important for you and your family. Also, sharing your story and encouraging others to seek help and support is wonderful, a great and caring sense of community. All the best for you and your family.
- Lori-Anne replied
  
  13 Jan 2016 , 9:06 pm
  Thankyou and your welcome. I think sharing my story might just be able to help others… lets people know that they are not alone.
  - mom93821 replied
    
    14 Jan 2016 , 7:03 am
    
    Sharing stories does help others and sharing stories is a tradition that has endured through the ages and people to learn and get comfort from shared stories.
- - BellaB said
  - 13 Jan 2016
    7:33 pm
I am glad you have good support. That really does make all the difference.
- Lori-Anne replied
  
  13 Jan 2016 , 9:03 pm
  Thankyou it most certainly does. ♡
- - mom94125 said
  - 13 Jan 2016
    11:27 am
yes i agree! you do need support to help you get through it!. not much longer now and you will have your body back and hopefully it calms down again. I am glad that you are seeking help though as it can be so hard to take that first step to recognize that there is an issue at all. well done!
- Lori-Anne replied
  
  13 Jan 2016 , 4:51 pm
  Thankyou. I think that recognizing there is an issue in the first place is the hardest part…
  I really am blessed to have such a good support crew and I am well aware not everybody does…
  I have had possibly the best day today in a number of weeks, relatively pain free, good day at work (exhausted now) & a generally peaceful feeling.