Mental Health, not able to take my meds and really struggling. suggestions?

[pumpkin0741]

I've been waiting for my therapist/med nurse to fax a referral to a perinatologist before I lose my mind. I have ptsd, aspergers (high functioning autism), bipolar 2 disorder, borderline personality disorder, ocd, adhd, chronic depression, anxiety, and sensory processing disorder. They had to take me off my mood stabilizer (lamictal) and my antidepressant/antianxiety med (Effexor) because of the pregnancy. I'm 20 years old, I've been on meds since I was 10. This is my first pregnancy and I'm losing my mind. Any suggestions? I know Zoloft is supposed to be the safest mood drug during pregnancy but my therapist wanted to consult a perinatologist about it first. Anyone else have problems like this during pregnancy? If so what were you put on? What suggestions were given to you by your mental health provider? And what worked for you? Need help asap! (Also I'm 16 weeks pregnant) thank you!

[specialmom]

Hi.  Gosh, you're sure dealing with a lot hon.  It sounds hard!  If you feel on the edge---  to where you are sincerely struggling, please reach out to your doctor.  Waiting for a referral may not be an option.  You may need to be seen now.  Most doctors do have acute appointments to fit people in that need to be seen right away.  You may need one of those appointments.  

I also think a psychiatrist would be able to guide you in this area as well. Pregnant women DO take medications necessary to control their mental health issues.  they'll try to make the safest choice possible but the bottom line, YOU are a patient yourself and need care in the safest way possible for your pregnancy.  It's really important too that there is a plan for as soon as you have the baby.  Hormones surge at that time and even without pre existing mental health issues, women often plummet into depression and anxiety.  so, be proactive in planning for post pregnancy too.  

So, talk to your doctor and see if you can be seen sooner rather than later.  And remember some of the other things you can do that help such as try to get extra rest, eat well, exercise moderately.  these things help as does proper breathing, square breathing (hold 4, breath in 4, hold 4 breat out 4, repeat) and meditation or mindfulness.  Pregnancy yoga is good too.  Talk therapy with a psychologist may be really helpful.  

You aren't alone hon.  There have been many women before you that have gone through this and I'm really sorry you are having a hard time.  Hope it gets better soon.  hugs