Bipolar and Pregnancy.

[Xanda]

Hi everyone,

So late last year I was diognosed with bipolar disorder. My medication was changed and life has been improving and generally great.

i found out a few weeks ago that I am pregnant (very unexpected as it has a less than 5% chance of happening) but as a result I have been taken off all my medication I have an appointment with my psychologist next week, but I'm finding everything a huge struggle. I don't sleep, my moods are terrible and my thoughts are dark. As a first time mum I'm terrified as it is, but putting the lack of medication, no sleep and pregnancy symptoms together I am an absolute mess.

Is there anyone who has or is experiencing something like this?

Or anyone with any advise on how to get through the next week before my appointment?

i would really appreciate it.

thank you

[Zeal]

Hi Xanda,

Welcome to the forum!

First of all, congratulations on your pregnancy! Secondly, I'm sorry to hear that you aren't sleeping and are having such dark thoughts. That's the difficulty of being pregnant while living with mental illness - medications usually have to be stopped during pregnancy.

I am glad you have secured an appointment with your psychologist for next week. Until then, using mental health helplines is a good option. Beyondblue's 24/7 service is on 1300 22 4636.
This site has free call numbers specifically for pregnant women experiencing medical or mental health problems: http://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/freecall-numbers

Do you have family members and/or close friends who can offer social and emotional support at this time?

Hopefully others with personal experience related to yours will also reply 🙂

Best wishes,

Zeal

[Dr_Kim]

Hi there, 
 
You are not alone.  Mental illness flares during or after pregnancy is common and taken very seriously. There are whole departments set up to deal with ,for example 
https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-professionals/centre-womens-mental-health/womens-mental-health-s...
 
I suggest that you liase closely with your GP, obstetrician , psychologist and if necessary , get some expert advice from a somewhere like the department above.
 
I think you will feel better once you have a team around you, a plan and you are aware of what your team expect of you and what their recommendations are. 
 
In the meantime, take care of yourself as best as you can. Eat healthily, go for walks, listen to meditation apps, schedule some nice activities to keep yourself distracted. Remember thoughts are just thoughts, they are not truth, so if you know they are just your “ dark thoughts”  stay strong and try to not take what they are saying to heart.