ADD, SAD, Pregnancy

[joannqn]

Everyone I know who has experience with ADD laughs at me when I remind them that I have never been diagnosed with ADD. They say there is no question that I'm ADD. The only reason I haven't been diagnosed or treated is because it isn't covered by insurance and I don't have the $800 to get testing done by the specialist I was referred to. My doctor refuses to treat without the testing being done. Plus, I have to deal with the fact that my husband thinks ADD is an excuse for bad parenting (ADD in kids) or lack of discipline (ADD in adults).

 

I know I deal with Seasonal Affective Disorder because ever since I moved to this dreary place, I've had split personality between my summer self and my winter self. During the summer, I'm a bundle of energy, flitting from task to task, getting a little bit done on everything and occasionally finishing some things. During the winter, I struggle to wake up after 10 hours of sleep, am tired all day, lack motivation, have no energy, have a foggy brain, etc. It's hard to get even the basics done or to stay on task for even 5 minutes.

 

Now I'm pregnant so add pregnancy fatigue to the mix and the fact that part of my anti-nausea medicine that I take for my entire pregnancy is a sleeping aid. I also have that "pregnancy brain" thing going on on top of my normal winter fogginess. I got quite a bit of teasing yesterday for calling our piano a computer.

 

I've got a ton of stuff to get done in the next month but I'm not even getting the bare minimum done lately. I can tell my husband has been feeling a bit annoyed with the lack of completed housework and progress on this particular special project I have to get done.

 

Anyone have any great ideas for improving productivity given these hurdles?

[Ottakee]

One thing that might help is http://www.omegabrite.com 3 capsules per day. It does cost about $1/day though.

 

The Omega 3s have studie to prove they are effective for ADD. They are also studied and effective for depression and mood stuff. They might hit bot the ADD and SAD for you. The good news is that they are safe for pregnant and nursing moms. They even add this to many baby formulas now as it is so good for the infant's brain developement.

 

Try to add in a good diet, exercise every day, time out in the SUN (or those special lights to mimic sunlight), regular bedtimes, etc.

[Cedarmom]

Time outside. Even if it is not sunny-the outside will help. Taking Vit. D. helps too. I bought a special light from Costco. It seems to help somewhat. I have not gone for a walk this week outside, and I am very draggy. Make yourself spend at least 15 min. outside a day.

[joannqn]

I guess I should look into the omega 3's and vitamin D. I'm probably very deficient in the latter considering we get very little sun here in the Pacific NW and I don't drink milk.

 

I have a hard time believing spending time outside in the dark, dreary, cold (mid 40's), rainy weather would help. I hate being cold and wet. Then again, maybe I should try it. The only time you'll find me out there in the winter is walking to and from the car or if there's snow.

[Kay in Cal]

I had a psychiatrist once who recommended light therapy, and I had some success with it.

 

He said: You don't have to buy a fancy light. Just buy the brightest light bulb you can (I think I found a 350 watt bulb, was around 10,000 lumens). Get up BEFORE DAWN, sit under the light at a 45 degree angle. You can read or watch TV, but try to glance at the light occasionally. It has to be dark outside still for your body to feel it. You can go back to bed afterwards, but you should sit for half an hour.

 

I had some success with this method when I was pregnant and didn't want to take anti-depressants. PM me if you have any questions and are interested.

[Confuzzled]

This is my third year using a therapeutic light box. It has enabled me to quit taking antidepressants. I mentioned this on another thread and was quickly drowned out by people who said that vitamin D works better. But it has made a world of difference to me! I actually enjoy winters now!

 

Kris

 

Edited to add: I take fish oil for diagnosed ADD and can tell a huge difference.

Edited December 12, 2008 by Confuzzled

[Kay in Cal]

My doctor had lots of studies to back up that light is effective... but that it has to be done properly to be effective (consistently, long enough, when it was dark). However, he didn't think there was any use in buying a particular type of light--just a very bright one. I put a big bulb in my kitchen lamp and would sit at the table and read...

[Cedarmom]

I guess I should look into the omega 3's and vitamin D. I'm probably very deficient in the latter considering we get very little sun here in the Pacific NW and I don't drink milk.

 

I have a hard time believing spending time outside in the dark, dreary, cold (mid 40's), rainy weather would help. I hate being cold and wet. Then again, maybe I should try it. The only time you'll find me out there in the winter is walking to and from the car or if there's snow.

 

I live in the NW too. I understand not wanting to go outside when it's gray. But, the expert on SAD say it helps, even when it is gray. I have found by experience too that it works. This week I didn't go outside and I can tell the difference. Next week its supposed to be really cold...but maybe it will be sunny too I hope.

[klmama]

I agree with this. I feel crummy if I don't get outside in the light, no matter how gray it is. Also, I try to exercise when I'm out there. It helps to get my blood pumping and that helps with mood, too. Honestly, getting online makes my mood worse. It could be that the computer is in a darker room.

[Starr]

I grew up in the NW and SE Alaska. I agree, you must get outside! Get the right clothes and get out for a walk. It really helps. I'm sorry you are having a rough time.

[PollyOR]

I grew up in FL and have lived in the PNW for 12 years now. Go outside in the winter? Are you guys kidding? LOL! When she said dreary, she isn't kidding.

 

Honestly, it would help to go for a walk, but I understand how you feel about being outside during the winter. So, I would definitely try the vitamin D and light therapy. And, if you can drag yourself outside once in awhile, that's great too :001_smile:.

 

Hoping your hubby is more supportive soon!

[Rosie_0801]

The other thing is to give your DH a swift kick in the rear. He isn't being very supportive. Being pregnant itself can be challenging. I have 2 kids and I have to say being pregnant was probably my least favorite experiences EVER. I know that might sound terrible and yeah there are those happy pregnant people out there. I was not one of them!

 

:iagree: I've had SAD this pregnancy too, which I've never had before; and I'm bad enough when pregnant. We wouldn't have any more kids even if we could afford them, just because pregnancy makes our life so horrible. You can only do what you can do. If your hubby wants a clean house, he'll have to clean it himself. Some days I feel like I've achieved just by staying awake. I've had a little bit of relief by having an oil burner going with a decent essential oil, but it won't touch a really bad day.

No solutions, but bucket loads of sympathy...

:grouphug:

Rosie

[PollyOR]

Joann, I was thinking about you today as I was walking a block to my van in the blowing cold rain...and I'm not even pregnant. ;)

 

Hope you are having a better day. :)

[Lovedtodeath]

I take a lot of Fish Oil from this guy. It is called Salmon Oil Plus and It’s the first supplement of its kind to assure a standardized amount of all eight members of the omega-3 family involved in human nutrition. I need it for my Ulcerative Colitis and my mood. I have to take 4-9 a day to see a difference. Pregnancy and breastfeeding deplete your body of the omega 3s. There are studies about PPD and fish oil.

 

I have ADD too and the Vegetarian Multivitamins from the same place are starting to help with that. I have been taking a double dose for a week. I have also been going to bed earlier and getting up earlier... so I think the light therapy is worth a shot.

[Lori D.]

Extremely long hot desert summers (6 months straight of 100+ temp) have caused me to struggle with Reverse SAD for years -- fuzzy brain, irritable, mood swings, depressed. What I've learned that helps combat the depression, most effective in this order:

 

 

1. regular, aerobic exercise

At least 30 minutes per session, at LEAST every other day -- 4-5 days a week is even better! This releases endorphins and seratonin, which combat depression; also helps with deep breathing.

 

This is THE most important and helpful way to combat depression. I swim laps, which I could still do while pregnant. Swimming is especially helpful, as it is a very cardio-vascular, really releases those endorphins and the critical seratonin (brain chemical that is very low in those suffering depression), and is especially helpful in that deep, regular breathing which really helps combat depression by getting more oxygen to the brain.

 

This is also the hardest thing to do when you are depressed -- but MAKE yourself exercise; within 1-2 weeks you will feel a big difference simply by getting 30 min/day, every other day. Do WHATEVER it takes:

- have hubby DRIVE you 3 times a week to the aerobics class that you sign up and pay for

- commit to briskly walk 30 minutes a day with a neighbor

- pay for an annual pass to the local heated/indoor gym or parks & rec pool

- get a treadmill and a TV/DVD player, buy a few seasons of your favorite TV show, and ONLY watch when briskly walking on the treadmill

- pay for a babysitter or trade babysitting with a friend and either go yourself or go with hubby for regular exercise -- or walk around the neighborhood and use it as time to bond, catch up.

 

 

2. vitamins with HIGH levels of vitamin B complex

Vitamin B complex helps combat thyroid and other physical-chemical depression causes. Some people can't absorb the vitamin B through vitamins and need high dose B complex shots every few weeks.

 

 

3. deep breathing/relaxation techniques

Often depression comes from just not getting enough oxygen to the brain through shallow breathing --even sitting slumped/slouched (or being heavily pregnant!) reduces air flow to the lungs and therefore oxygen to the brain.

 

Several times a day, take a few minutes for yourself for regular, slow, deepl breathing and/or relaxation techniques. Taking a few very short breaks -- "schedule" yourself regular times in your day so you WILL do it -- each day can really improve your mental health. It will certainly help reduce your stress levels and make you feel more relaxed! :001_smile:

 

 

4. cut out sodas; drink lots of water

Sugary sodas (diet ones too!) cause a quick high -- and a quick crash in mood into depression. Cut out all sodas, and drink a glass of water once an hour for 8 hours each day; the water will help flush your system of toxins that can also make you feel bad/depressed. If you need to "wean" off of soda, start by drinking a big glass of water BEFORE allowing yourself a soda; then start substituting a 3/4 seltzer water 1/4 fruit juice drink for the soda (carbonated and slightly sweet); then start cutting out those drinks until you're just drinking water every day.

 

 

I know it's not easy -- when depressed EVERYTHING, the least little thing is SUCH a huge effort! But ask a friend, hubby, or even people on this board to help hold you accountable to ask what you specifically did each day for a full MONTH to help you get going in dealing with this AND to establish this as a HABIT! :001_smile: You go girl! Warmest regards, Lori D.

[yslek]

I, too, live in the PNW and deal with Winter Blues. I was outside briefly today to feed our city chickens. Ugh. Dreary, rainy, ugh. I can't imagine taking the kids for a walk in this. I have a hard enough time doing so in the summer!

 

Is there a way you could change your anti-nausea meds? I took Zofran when my pg nausea got really bad (ie couldn't keep anything down & was losing weight). It's really expensive, though, so you'd want good insurance coverage. It doesn't make you as sleepy as some of the more commonly prescribed meds for this, and is actually classified as less risky for pg than others, too.

 

You might try the light therapy & vitamin D supplementation to see if it helps. And hopefully as the nausea lifts, and the weather (hopefully!) improves, things will get better. :tongue_smilie:

[Lovedtodeath]

I know it's not easy -- when depressed EVERYTHING, the least little thing is SUCH a huge effort! But ask a friend, hubby, or even people on this board to help hold you accountable to ask what you specifically did each day for a full MONTH to help you get going in dealing with this AND to establish this as a HABIT! :001_smile: You go girl! Warmest regards, Lori D.

GREAT Post Lori. I wanted to add that there are sprays and sublinguals for Vit. B which are easier to digest than pills and easier to dose than shots. Vit B 6 gets depleted very easily in pg, so this is something to look into.

[cillakat]

Hey all,

 

Light therapy is helpful, but D is more so (in the one study done that compares the two).

 

In addition, optimal D levels are associated with less breast cancer, less lung cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer. Optimal D levels in children are later associated with lower rates of MS. Optimal D levels in adults are associated with lower rates of autoimmune disorders.

 

There is one animal study and one population study indicating that prenatal D deficiency probably plays a role (though certainly not the only role) in learning disabilities in children. D deficiency may play a role in triggering the genetic component of autism.

 

certainly no harm can come from raising serum D levels to optimal, and there is no doubt that it can be massively beneficial. Everyone needs supplemental D. If you're pregnant, you need it that much more.

 

Dosing info can be found at http://www.vitamindcouncil.org It will be at least 2000 IU per day and up to 4000 IU per day.....more for older persons, larger persons, or those with compromised digestion.

 

Your doc can test your 25(oH)D.....or if thats not possible, just start with and stick with 2000 IU.

 

:)

K

[JenniferB]

I just realized this thread is about a week old. How are you doing? Has any of the previous recommendations helped? Have yo gotten out today in the snow? I live in Kent. We have about 7-8 inches in our front/back yard. I got out a little today (a rarity for me). I do have some recommendations for you if you are interested in more...

 

I recommend a heafty dose of Cod Liver Oil twice a day. Take 1 TBSP with a lemon juice concentrate chaser in the morning, and again in the afternoon until you are feeling better, then you can cut down to 1 dose each morning.

 

Cod Liver Oil is a good source for EPA, DHA, Vitamin D and Vitamin A. Keep it in the refrigerator, because it can spoil.

 

You might burp up the taste for the first few days to a week, but your stomach will get used to it.

 

For overall health you might also consider adding probiotics and good fiber to your diet. I recommend kefir and buckwheat. I make buckwheat/kefir pancakes for breakfast for me and the kids every morning, and this keeps my digestion in good health. It's also good for blood sugar. High or low blood sugar can do terrible things to concentration and coping skills.

 

Here is a copy of my recipe for buckwheat pancakes if you are interested. A good serving of this pancake in the morning with an egg will keep your blood sugar stable until lunch, and you will get the fiber and probiotics you need for good digestions. I also posted this on a recent "number one thing you can do for your health" thread.

 

Makes 10 cups:

5 cups of buckwheat flour (the kind I like best is toasted, aka brown roasted, and freshly ground)

5 cups of soft white wheat flour (Again freshly ground is my favorite. This can be substituted for regular white flour if you don't like *grainy* things)

10 Tablespoons sugar (white or brown)

10 teaspoons baking powder

5 teaspoons baking soda

5 teaspoons salt

Mix all together in a big wide mouthed jar, or a small bucket. Use within 1 month.

 

To make 1 batch of pancakes, just add to 1 cup of mix:

1 egg

1 cup kefir or buttermilk or thinned out yogurt (thin with milk)

2 Tablespoons butter (Optional. I've tried it without, and it's not much different.)

This serves me and 4 children (Dh doesn't like my *magic* pancakes :confused:, even though he said his digestion improved after 1 serving. :glare:)

 

Take care of you, and those little ones! ;)

Edited December 22, 2008 by JenniferB