How to Cope With Depression During Bed Rest

Some women suffer from depression during pregnancy. Being on bed rest can compound the problem. Find out the symptoms of depression and how to get help.

Nobody can deny that bed rest can leave even the sunniest person feeling down some of the time. It’s natural to feel sad about being confined, worried about yourself and your baby and isolated while on bed rest. For some women, it crosses over to major depression that requires treatment.

Signs of Depression

• Sleep difficulties – either sleeping too much or too little
• Change in appetite
• Feelings of emptiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Thoughts of suicide or self-injury

If you have any symptoms of depression it is important that you talk to your doctor about them. Make sure tht your doctor understands that you feel your feelings are serious and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. She or he might want to do tests to rule out physical causes such as anemia or thyroid disorders. If you are feeling suicidal it is important that you get immediate help. If you are in a crisis, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

For less emergent situations, there are many options which you should discuss with your doctor. Therapy or counseling is an option, but might be difficult to arrange while on bed rest. Antidepressant medication is another option. There are some risks to taking any medication while pregnant and your physician can help you weigh the risks vs. benefits. 

Ways to Ease Depression While on Bed Rest 

In addition to getting professional help, here are a few more things you can do to help ease feelings of isolation and helplessness.

• Reach out to friends and family members. Invite them to come and spend time with you. If that is impossible, stay in touch by phone or email/instant messenger.
• Find an online support group. Message boards or forums aimed at pregnant women or new mothers are a good place to start. Sidelines.org has a discussion forum specifically for high risk prenancies.
• Immerse yourself in learning a new skill or hobby.
• Keep yourself on a routine or schedule. Get dressed in the mornings if possible. Knowing that you have something planned, even if it’s just 4.00 PM watch Oprah, 5.30 PM eat dinner can make your days seem less formless and empty.

Above all, don’t be embarrassed or feel guilty about feelings of depression or anxiety. Like any other illness, depression is not a sign of weakness and you should not be hesitant to seek help. For more information about depression in pregnancy, The March of Dimes has a page about depression in pregnancy.

Related posts:

1. Postpartum Depression After 1 Year
2. Mother Depression
3. What to Ask Your Doctor About Your Bed Rest
4. Bed Rest Resources
5. Simple Exercises to do While on Bed Rest