What is this feeling?
Since I found out that I am pregnant, I've been feeling really sad.
I don't know how to handle this, sometimes I even think about harming myself or the baby.
Is this normal?
What can I do about this?
Many women have negative feelings about being pregnant, even when the baby is planned.
We all go through many different emotions in our daily lives, add the pregnancy hormones shooting through your body and now things seem out of your control. Especially the dark or sad ones.
It is normal when faced with something you are not sure you can handle to become overwhelmed.
It is also normal to become a little crazy as the reality starts to sink in. Suddenly you are going to have a baby! How do you tell your parents? How is my life going to change? The father is acting a fool! What are my choices or options?
How do you know if your feelings are signs of a depression and not the normal part of pregnancy?
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If you feel down for two weeks or more
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If you are not interested in things you used to be interested in, such as fun activities, friends or schoolwork
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If you feel extremely guilty about getting pregnant
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If you appetite suddenly changes on the extreme, either you do not want to eat, or suddenly you eat and eat and eat.
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You cannot sleep
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You have crazy mood swings
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Any feeling that seems to be extreme
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Thoughts of suicide
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Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby
If this sounds familiar talk to someone now!
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Discuss with your doctor, a counselor or others going through the same thing as you.
Do not keep these feelings to yourself. This helps you get control of them and taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your baby.
You should also know that depression can last after the baby is born.
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