bipolar and (treated) alcoholism and (prescription) drug addiction? Or any of the above? I am questioning the possibility of bearing children in this situation. Taking in to account mental and physical capacity as well as medication. Any advice gratefully received.
Have any members healthily (for mother and baby) conceived while suffering from depression?
- Posted:
- 14 May 2011 by Delila
- Topics:
- antabuse, celexa, depression, bipolar disorder, alcoholism, drug dependence, alcohol dependence, amitriptyline, citalopram, tramadol, addiction, alcohol, prescription
Details:
Responses (3)
LaurieShay14 May 2011
Hey Delila,
I conceived and gave birth even though I suffer from depression and anxiety. I was not being treated at the time. I was abstaining from alcohol. I gave birth three months early. The doctor said it was because my uterus didn't want to get any bigger. I think it was because of stress and my inability to handle it. I think my depression played a big part in the problem. I am now being treated for my depression and have received years of therapy for my disorder. I handle stress much better and am living a relatively normal life. My daughter is a happy, well adjusted woman and really although born preterm did very well.
Mary63200914 May 2011
I personally would really consider your decision. Bipolar depression, addiction, & alcoholism are hereitary problems. These things can be passed down to your children. Please read as much as possible about all of these conditions before conceiving. If I had known of the hereitary factors years ago that I passed down to my children, I think I would have made different choices.Adoption is always an alternative. My parents adopted 9 children because my mother could not conceive. Just some thoughts. Know it's a big decision. Everyone wants to have a baby when they are young & able. Best of luck to you...
Delila
15 May 2011
Hi, thanks for your response. I shed a tear when i read it, because that is a big concern of mine. I have struggled so much with my addictions and mental health. My father and uncle are alcohol dependent and my mother and her brother suffer with depression, although my mother is under control. I think i would feel guilty if i gave birth to my child and then he/she grew up and had a life like mine. I have an open mind about adoption (my dad is adopted) but i also have a fear that the child would grow up and leave me in favour of finding their blood parents?
Mary632009
15 May 2011
Delia, I was adopted at 12 years of age & already knew my birth parents. I loved all 4 of my parents, in no way would I have abandoned my adopted parents in favor of my birth parents.
WYATTSMOM...15 May 2011
Delila my dear I was depressed and that led to alcoholism when I became preg. (after 3 years of unprotected sex with his father) I was told it was unlikely I would concieve becuz of my issues with endo and cyst ect. and as soon as I turned 21 and started drinking often because I was self medicating with booze pills coke and weed! I became pregnant within 6 months! I was high risk bled the whole first trimester they didnt think the pregnancy would stick... It did in fact they brought him 2 weeks early bcuz he was getting so big so Oct. 24th 2008 My life changed a 9lb 2 oz boy changed me soooo much I have since quit cocaine,weed,pain medication abuse, and when I do get depressed HE MAKES ME FEEL BETTER! So it can be done it just depends on the person and situation I suppose.
Delila
15 May 2011
Hi, thanks for sharing you experience. I am so happy for you that you have your son! My biggest concerns are whether i could get through the pregnancy healthily and if i gave birth i worry that i will be giving my child the same life that i've had/have. I have struggled so much with my mental health and addictions, and close family members also suffer with alcoholism and depression. I do believe (or want to) that i would abstain from alcohol and wouldn't mistreat my meds if i was going to put another life at risk. Maybe having a child would have an affect on my life like yours has though? Big decision
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Hi, thanks so much for sharing that. I'm so happy to hear how well your daughter is despite the early birth. I have always questioned whether i could have a healthy pregnancy. I want to say that i wouldn't drink or abuse my meds. I don't always try so hard when it is only me to consider, but it would be different if i was responsible for another life. It scares me when i think about how it would affect me psychologically and especially if i couldn't continue taking meds for depression & bipolar?
Hey Delila,
I just wrote you a book and then hit the wrong key and deleted it all, :(. I just wanted to enocurage you. You deserve the right to raise a child whether by conceiving or by adoption. I again share that my daughter has turned out to be a healthy, well adjusted woman even though she is a product of a family riddled with alcoholism, depression and bipolar type 1 and 2. I have always been very honest with her about my alcoholism and drug addiction and she has had to live with my bipolar disorder. She is a very conservative, productive woman contributing richly to society and the joy of my life. I believe a stable, healthy family produces a stable, healthy child; genetics aren't everything. Have a good heart to heart with the doctor, your partner and with God, He is the ultimate decider. I wish you the very best in this decision, relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor, lol. No pun intended.
Laurie
Thank you for your kind words. I actually am single but i am at the age that i need to make a decision soon whether or not to carry a baby. I know some people may think me selfish, but i would be considering raising a child as a single parent. I would have a lot of support from my mother, sister and sister in law though. I'll speak to my psychiatrist as you suggested.