Signs of Depression When You Can’t Get Pregnant

Depression when you can’t get pregnant is common, because not conceiving a baby after months or years of trying is a major life stress. Not everyone recognizes depression right away…so how do you know if you’re depressed? Here’s a list of the major behavioral, emotional, and physical signs of depression. 

Here’s what actress and model Brooke Shields said about feelings of depression: 

“I just felt as though I would never be happy again, and as if I had fallen into a big black hole,” said Shields, when dealing with post-partum depression. 

Hollywood actress Linda Hamilton agrees, saying, “The lows were absolutely horrible. It was like falling into a manhole and not being able to lift the lid and climb out.” 

Click on the book cover for information about The Mindful Way Through Depression: Freeing Yourself From Chronic Unhappiness by Mark G. Williams et. al. And, read on for some common signs of depression when you can’t get pregnant. 

Signs of Depression When You Can’t Get Pregnant

These lists include a wide range of behaviors that could be signs of depression. If you exhibit more than one or two in each category, then you may be dealing with depression. If you exhibit just one or two signs of depression overall, then you may simply be sad that you’re having trouble getting pregnant (which is normal). If you’re not sure if you’re depressed, talk to a doctor, counselor, or fertility specialist for help figuring it out. You need to stay positive if you’re trying to conceive.

Physical Signs of Depression

• Fatigue, low energy, exhaustion are often signs of depression
• Poor sleeping patterns – waking early, not sleeping even when exhausted
• Loss of appetite or, occasionally, increased appetite
• Loss of sexual interest

Behavioral Signs of Depression

• Withdrawal from people, work, pleasures, activities is one of the first signs of depression
• Spurts of restlessness can be signs of depression
• Sighing, crying, moaning
• Difficulty getting out of bed is a sign of depression
• Lower activity and energy levels
• Lack of motivation – it’s a physical sign of depression when everything feels like an effort

Emotional Signs of Depression:

• Consistent sadness, misery, and gloominess  are clear signs of depression
• Overwhelmed by everyday tasks (eg, cooking dinner)
• Numbness or apathy
• Anxiety, tension, irritability
• Helplessness is a sign of depression
• Low confidence and poor self-esteem
• Disappointment, discouragement, hopelessness
• Feelings of unattractiveness or ugliness
• Loss of pleasure and enjoyment

Cognitive Signs of Depression:

• Inability to make decisions
• Lack of concentration or focus
• Loss of interest in activities, people, and life
• Self-criticism, self-blame, self-loathing
• Pessimism can be a sign of depression
• Preoccupation with problems and failures
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Dealing with depression is different for everyone

Different causes of depression can cause different signs of depression. They also require different treatments for depression, such as antidepressants. The first step is to talk to your family doctor or a counselor. Reaching out to people and being as honest as you can is the primary way to get help with depression – and start enjoying life again.

For help overcoming depression, read Dealing With the Disappointment of Not Being Pregnant. And if you have any questions or comments, I welcome your thoughts below…