Anyone consider or on anti-depressants?

I have always considered myself a pretty upbeat person. The only time in my life I ever considered going on antidepressants/anti anxiety meds was when my mom suddenly passed away when my twins were 8 months old. That was a super hard time in my life. Right after she died, we had a surprise pregnancy a month later which is honestly how I coped. I put everything into my kids and my pregnancy (and was working full time etc). So while that wasn’t easy, I got through.

Fast forward, my 3rd child who is 5 1/2 has autism. To say it can be tough at times, is an understatement. Lately I have found myself crying a lot, very stressed out, worried about the present, the future, etc. I can’t seem to enjoy the moment, enjoy my other kids. The other day he was having a meltdown over a cup of milk, while I was getting it, he grabbed it and it spilled everywhere. I was a mess. I sobbed for a good 30 minutes over it. Obviously I must’ve had things building up inside of me. I was talking with DH about it and said maybe I need to go on something, nothing high dose or anything, but something just to stabilize my mood. I hate feeling this way. I follow the blog Autism Daddy and he is very open about being on antidepressants and said he takes a low dose of Wellbutrin and it has helped him immensely.

Sorry for this novel, but anyone else go through this? Any advice?

Re: Anyone consider or on anti-depressants?

I am not on anti depressants but can totally relate. Sometimes it just becomes too much and you need a break- I try to go out every now and then with friends (either DH watches them if he is off, or if DH comes then whenever we can get one of our IL's to babysit). I have joined some FB groups of special needs parents (also one for severely autistic parents) because I feel like they can relate. I have let self-care go to the wayside although I have been trying to change the way I eat a little bit lately.

If you think you need meds there is no shame in that! Do what you think will make your life easier.

Re: Anyone consider or on anti-depressants?

Thanks! Just helps to hear others who can relate, hence the reason I posted this on the special needs board rather than the Health board. Yes, DH and I try to have a date night when we can and he is great about telling me to have a girls night or go get a mani/pedi. I too have let self care go to the wayside and feel like crap lately I’m sure bc of all the junk I’ve been eating. I need to tackle that too!

Anyone consider or on anti-depressants?

I started taking zoloft. I told my dr I just needed something to help me regulate because I am so stressed out and can snap in a heartbeat. I just needed to take the edge off. I just started so I can't say if it is working yet.

Anyone consider or on anti-depressants?

I’ve posted in a couple of threads recently about being on antidepressants. My son has some special needs but I’ve dealt with anxiety and depression long before. What made me finally go on meds was after dealing with a lot of his health and school issues last year. I was crying a lot and would snap at him, which wasn’t helping his behavior issues. I feel a world of difference being on antidepressants. I just feel more equipped. When my sons school calls I don’t freak anymore and can speak with his teachers objectively. I still worry but I don’t let it consume me. My DH is supportive as well but he says the whole family is happier with me happier. Don’t feel bad if you feel you need help. You need to be healthy to take care of your kids and be present. I see a therapist and see a psychiatrist for the meds.

Anyone consider or on anti-depressants?

I am possibly depressed . I am not on any medications.
I did buy St Johns wort, but then decided not to take it .
Light therapy can also help
( it’s a mild antidepressant)

I also feel worse in winter...

Certainly talk to a psychiatrist or your PMD
Our lives are hard , and very challenging

Message edited 11/14/2018 6:20:32 PM.

Anyone consider or on anti-depressants?

I am not but I have nothing against them at all. If you feel that it will help you then go for it! Anything that makes you less stressed will be beneficial to all your children. I just started seeing a therapist (literally just started so I can't give any feedback) mainly just so I can vent to someone impartial and whine about how hard being a mom to my daughter is without any judgement. Do what you need to do for you : ).