Depression During Pregnancy: How to Deal With It

Your pregnancy should be one of the happiest times of your life. You are just a handful of weeks away from meeting an adorable little human that you created with the one you love. What could possibly be better?

With so much excitement in the air, you may not be feeling how you expected.

Symptoms of depression commonly include a loss of energy, self-loathing, sadness, anxiety, changes in appetite, and loss of interest in regular activities.

If you feel this way, you may be left wondering if there is something wrong with you. Why aren't you as excited about your pregnancy as everybody else? Why are you feeling so down and out when you should be over the moon about your new baby?

Don't fret. The American Pregnancy Association reveals that 1 in 4 women will experience depression at some point in their lives. This includes women who are pregnant.

We're giving you 6 tips for dealing with depression during pregnancy and revealing how an online marriage course can help.

1. Rest and Relax

It is not good for an expecting mother to have depression. Not only is it a rotten feeling to have, but it could have negative effects on the pregnancy.

Studies show that pregnant women who suffer from depression are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors such as drinking or smoking.

They are also more likely to develop suicidal tendencies and postpartum depression.

Depression can also affect your unborn child, causing him or her to be born prematurely. They are also at risk of intrauterine growth restriction and low birth rate.

For your own health, and the health of your marriage and your unborn child, look for ways to rest and relax such as by signing up to get a massage (or have your spouse give you one), take a bubble bath or look for other ways to pamper yourself.

 2. Seek Therapy

When you are dealing with depressive symptoms, it can be beneficial to see a therapist. A counselor or therapist will be able to help you get to the root of your depression and see what has triggered your dark feelings.

If there is no root, it can still be helpful to talk to a professional about how you are feeling. They can help you make a positive plan moving forward for handling your depression. You can also talk about what sort of parent you want to be - which can ease your stress and anxiety about parenthood and potentially calm the symptoms of depression.

 3. Find a Support Group

Depression is difficult to deal with, especially if you are feeling unmotivated or can't pinpoint why you're feeling so sad. In this case, it is important to surround yourself with an excellent support system.  

Start with your spouse.

Make a habit of having a weekly date night with your sweetheart. Not only will this give you something fun and romantic to look forward to every week, but it can also strengthen your marriage.

Studies show that couples who have a regular date night are less likely to end up divorced. Research goes on to say that couples with high levels of marital tension are less likely to have close relationships with their children.

Studies show that support from loved ones significantly lowers psychological distress.

Therefore, having close friends and family around or even joining a support group can be invaluable when dealing with pregnancy depression.

4. Communicate with your Spouse

The College of Family Physicians of Canada journal reveals: "Up to 1 in 5 pregnant women are affected by depression, but unfortunately many of these cases are undiagnosed or untreated."

Because the symptoms of depression (such as mood swings or changes in appetite) are often similar to symptoms of pregnancy, this depressive disorder can often get overlooked.

Therefore, it's important to report your symptoms to your spouse and to your doctor throughout your pregnancy. You know your body and mind better than anyone. If something feels off somehow, then it probably is.

Taking an online marriage course will help you learn different communication techniques that can help you discuss how you're feeling with your spouse.

5. Make a Doctor's Appointment

If you are feeling depressed and the symptoms aren't going away, you may need to call your family doctor and tell him or her what's been going on.

If your depression is mild, psychotherapy might be the way to go. But if you are feeling severe symptoms, medication may be the most beneficial route for getting rid of depression. However, it will be up to you and your doctor to decide if this will be safe for your particular circumstances.

While this does mean that your child will be exposed to medication in-utero, the Canadian Family Physician states that "Neonatal withdrawal effects are transient, and the effects of untreated depression are of more concern than neonatal exposure to the medication."

6. Take an Online Marriage Course

If you have dealt with depression before and conquered its symptoms, you may be surprised to find it back in your life during such a joyous time. The truth is that according to research, pregnancy is a high-risk time for new or reactivated depression.

Throughout life, and especially during your pregnancy, you need to trust and rely on your spouse.

Unfortunately, the symptoms of depression can have a negative impact on your marriage. It can cause feelings of helplessness, frustration, and distance.

Don't let your depression ruin your marriage. Take action by signing up for an online marriage course.

These lesson plans will help you and your spouse strengthen your relationship, learn to problem-solve, and explore compassion together.

After taking an online marriage course you should be able to speak openly with your spouse about anything that is bothering you. Your spouse will learn how to be compassionate about your feelings. You will be able to work as a team and find the joy in your pregnancy until your mental health is back to normal.