Mental Health and Pregnancy
I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was 25 (I am now 31) after a suicide attempt which resulted in an involuntary committal to a mental health facility. I was diagnosed with depression in middle school and was on and off meds through my teens. I often felt worse with treatment and went off meds when I went to college, but soon began self medicating. (I am still amazed that I completed my bachelor's degree.) After college I really lacked direction and began abusing drugs and alcohol and made other poor life choices and got into some legal trouble. I also developed an eating/exercise disorder.
Long story short, my husband and I are TTC #1 (since May of this year). I am seeing a psychiatrist who specializes in med management during pregnancy. I considered going off meds but my symtoms tend to be really severe and my doctors said the risk to the baby from being a stressed out mama is greater than the risk from taking meds during pregnancy. Even on meds I still experience some mood cycling. It took years to understand my moods and recognize triggers, but I am stable and my mood swings are very manageable. My husband has done his homework on the disorder and has been my rock through this journey. (We started dating before I was diagnosed right before the peak of my self-destruction.)
Looking for others who have struggled with mental health and are TTC or have children who want to share their experiences. I am very excited (but nervous) about this next big step.
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