Depression in a spouse

[dswhite2]

I have recently been married and I knew that my spouse did suffer from depression. As our lives have changed so dramatically in a month, it seems to get the best of her at times. I wish I could understand more but I would extrapolate and say that it is maybe like addiction, for those who don't have it, it is hard to understand. In any case, my spouse has stopped taken celexa and because we are trying to get pregnant. It was suggested for her not to take a medication as such during a pregnancy period. She did consider a natural medication to help with the depression (ie St. John's Wort) but to my knowledge is not taking anything at this time. Are there any suggestions to help her through this? Should she stay away from commercial medications? Is there a common or less common alternative? Thank you for your time.

[dswhite2]

Thank you for your thoughts. That is wonderful advice. Sometimes it takes another set of eyes to look at the problem objectively. Thanks again.

[mammo]

I would not rely on a PCP for advice on this while trying to get pregnant, and during the pregnancy.  She should make an appt. with her OBN-GYN (or a psychiatrist) and ask him/her what is best to take during this time.  I know there are some that are safe because many women remain on them throughout their pregnancy.  Good luck to you both and take care...

[dswhite2]

Thank you for your comments. Its helps to know that others are out there. She did talk with her PCP and it seems (from what I know) that he let her take herself off of the citalopram. Good suggestions, I will have to review more with her to what he told her exactly. Have a great day Dame

[dame_wilbur]

I'm sorry that your wife is suffering so badly right now, and through her, you. Have she/and you talked to her PCP about your goal of getting pregnant? There might be a medication that is less stressful to the fetus but will still help with the depression. I'm not really familiar with the natural anti-depressants, so I don't know if St. John's Wort would help or not, but I do know that talking to a doc would be key to finding something that would work.

Good luck to you and your wife both,

~Dame