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I've been diagnosed with both in the past. I think what helps me is that I'm generally a pretty positive person, which I think developed as a result of dealing with these illnesses. I started realizing how much I hate feeling that way, and tried to take the feelings and turn them around. It's hard and with depression the feelings don't just "go away" and you can't always "change your attitude" because it is a mental illness... But keeping that spirit does help even in the darkest times.

Physical activity helps as well. It releases the feel good hormones dopamine- and I know many doctors who prescribe exercise before anti depressants

I have to say my faith has helped give me something to fall back on all the time too. It's a big sense of peace and hope in my life.

Yup, I've had it and was put on anti-depressants that lasted 3 months. I really didn't want to be dependent on meds, so I learned how to make myself think more positively. The meds helped with that. I do have depressive/anxious tendencies and I can usually tell if I am depressed. If I catch it on time, I can usually change my thoughts.

Although because of my history, if at any point I think it is bad, I will go see a therapist and get meds.

I don't see a therapist now but a couple years ago, I would go regularly. Talk therapy helped me out a lot. She was able to help me see how negative I was and help me rephrase my thoughts.

ETA: I don't think I have a problem, but now that we are moving to IVF, I'm more sensitive in what people say regarding pregnancies. I think having those failed IUIs is what changed me. There are times I am bitter and angry with the world. Thanks to this thread, I think it might be good to find or go back to my therapist. Although, a part of me thinks, I'm allowed to be angry or annoyed at the world for giving others the gift of fertility while keeping it from us.

Yep, I've dealt with it since my early teen years, more than half of my life. It's been better since dd was six months, although I still find motivation to do things very challenging. I just make a goal of one thing I want to do every day in addition to taking care of her. Makes me feel like I can do something, and the more I do, the more I want to do. I also try to go to bed very early. Sleep has a huuuuuuuuge influence on my mood.

I have generalised anxiety disorder. When not pregnant I take zoloft daily and it works wonders for me, even on a small dose.

At the moment I'm pregnant, so try and use exercise and therapy only. The midwife will put me back on zoloft the day I give birth though, to try and prevent post partum anxiety (my mother had a breakdown with my sister, #4, so it is a legitimate concern)

Yes, severe anxiety and panic attacks, which I've dealt with my whole life. I've seen countless therapists and I've been on and off meds for 11 years (mostly on.) I never wanted to be dependent on medication and have tried (with doctor's supervision) to go med-free and cope using therapy and other strategies, but I've accepted that I have a real chemical imbalance and need to be on the medication. I'm not living life when I'm not on it. I will continue to take medication throughout pregnancy, as the risks outweigh the benefits for me.

yes mild case of both. I always found that exercising really helped me and acupuncture too. it's especially tough for me now being on bed rest and not being able to do the things that helped me feel better prior, but I think all the hormones going thru me from this pregnancy are helping to keep me staying positive

Yep. I was actually about to post a thread asking HBers what anxiety medications they have tried... but maybe folks will chime in here? Not all meds are good for breastfeeding & I am generally nervous about that, but I need to try something.

@daniellemybelle: I felt a difference after two days on cipralex, it was crazy, and it's a low dose. I had no bad side effects. Some people take it at night like me in order to help them sleep, and some people find it keeps them up at night so they need to take it in the morning.

@babycanuck: Appreciate the info! Apparently what you take is called Lexapro in the US & it's not the best choice if you are breastfeeding

@babycanuck: I was on cipralex during my pregnancy and throughout breastfeeding as well.

@daniellemybelle: I don't know too much about ativan, though I know my mom takes a sublingual one when she feels a panic attack coming on.

Have you tried B6? I found before I lost control B6 was a great help balancing things out.

@NurseMommy: I'm curious, does your psychiatrist do talk therapy with you in addition to medication?

@babycanuck: I just started taking "Nutri Calm" which has a bunch of B vitamins. I feel like it might be helping a little...

@Mrs. Bee: I fear I hijacked your thread a bit! Sorry!

@bluestriped bee: I think getting some proactive help is a great idea. Because when you get pregnant, that's got it's own challenges (especially emotionally) and then when you have the baby it really takes a toll on you - the baby's not sleeping, bf-ing is hard, you and DH are short with each other, etc. And it's very conflicting because you went through so much to get pregnant and have a baby, it seems like you should be thrilled all the time. But that's just not reality.

ETA: I totally agree you have a right to be angry or dissatisfied about IF.

Yes. I've struggled with both since I was a teenager. My depression is worse, although I can experience really bad panic attacks, too. I take anti-depressants and have done talk therapy, too. What helps me even more immediately is doing something creative. I love to write stories and draw comics and, corny as it sounds, feel more positive and connected to the world around me when I'm writing and drawing.

As for Lexapro, I took it regularly while pregnant and breastfeeding. My psychiatrist and I discussed the risks and benefits. We determined that going off of Lexapro was too risky a move for me. DS is a healthy 14 month old and seems no worse the wear (except he won't eat vegetables!)

@ShootingStar: Oh, that's true. Didn't think about that part yet. Thanks!

@Katrocap: I was on Lexapro when I was on it. Glad to know it's safe during pregnancy and postpartum.

When I get pregnant, I will be worried about PPD.

I had ppd pretty bad but no chronic depression. I do get stressed out sort of easily (particularly when it comes to parenting) and I have to sometimes be proactive to manage anxiety (didn't really think about it before becoming a parent.) I don't know if I necessarily struggle with anxiety though.

I have struggled with depression since I was a teenager and only recently started thinking about returning to therapy. I don't think I've really taken time to process our miscarriage or new pregnancy and how that will change our family. I am not interested in meds because I've had a lot of issues with side effects but I think talking with someone would probably be a huge help.

I struggled with depression as a teen. I still have bouts of it every now and then but it's mostly under control. I was worried about PPD, but besides a few bad days it has stayed away. I have anxiety like no ones business though.