Pregnancy and Depression/Mental Illness

Not a mistake.

I think what's going on here is a desire to keep the children you already have happy and being that one of them is unhappy about the pregnancy it's causing shockwaves which are adversely affecting you, your husband, and your marriage.

What I would recommend is sitting down with the child who is upset about the pregnancy and finding out why he/she is upset with this pregnancy. Siblings often see a new pregnancy/child as a threat. It is important to reassure your other children that this pregnancy does not mean you will love them any less, that you are not turning your back on your past, but that this is a new life that will be respected and loved as much as they are. Get them involved in planning for the new baby - let them help choose the nursery design, colors, etc. You can even help them do a scrapbook for the pregnancy, birth, and arrival. Or help them make a present for the baby.

I think at this point it would be helpful for you to possibly have a few sessions with a therapist to talk through some circumstantial issues.

The anxiety attacks - have you noticed a pattern or do they just hit out of the blue? I'd recommend you keep a small notepad with you so when they hit you can write down when it was and what you were doing - see if a pattern emerges. It will also give you something to be distracted with. Many women will name states, capitals, colors, sports teams, etc to get their mind headed in another direction. Think of it as a stalled car engine. You have to get those sparks firing again in a different way to get the motor going again.

I'm glad you found us and look forward to sharing your journey.

Sending lots of hugs!

Warmest,
Lauren