You are going through a life-changing experience, so it is common to feel overwhelmed or scared. Your hormone levels change during pregnancy and this affects your mood. So, at times you may feel happy or excited, and at others, very miserable and irritable. These are mood swings which may last throughout the pregnancy.

• You may have problems sleeping. When this happens, you may be even more tired than usual, and so become more irritable and impatient.
• You may find it difficult to find people you can trust. But try to connect with people around you and explain how you feel and what worries you. They may understand you better and then will be better able to provide the support you need.
• If you feel low in mood for a few weeks, you may be experiencing depression.
• If you feel worried a lot for a few weeks, you may be experiencing anxiety.
• Some people have symptoms of depression AND anxiety. Mental health counselling and sometimes medication can be very helpful.

You may feel that ending your life is the only way to end the stress you’re feeling. This is not a sign of weakness or ‘craziness’. It means that you are experiencing more pain and stress than you can cope with. Call the Lifeline National Helpline 0861 322 322 (Toll Free). When you feel this bad, it is difficult to imagine another way of living. Yet, another person may be able to offer a different view of your situation and choices that you have not thought about.

See the section “I feel sad most of the time”