These days, Teen Mom‘s Catelynn Lowell is gleefully preparing for the arrival of her second daughter with middle-school sweetheart Tyler Baltierra. Just one year ago, however, Catelynn was in a dangerously different mental space.
“My depression and anxiety were so severe I didn’t want to live another day,” Catelynn told InTouch. “I started having severe panic and anxiety attacks in the middle of the night, which led me into a deep depression. I couldn’t stop crying. I felt I’d be better off dead. I needed help.”
Fortunately, Tyler — who’s battled depression — recognized the signs of depression and helped Catelynn make her first appointment.
She was then diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety, prescribed antidepressants (Abilify and Zoloft) and advised to speak with a counselor. Now that she’s expecting a baby, Catelynn’s doctor recommended she stop taking Abilify. According to WebMD, taking certain antidepressant medications during pregnancy increases the risk the baby will be born preterm, with heart defects, at a low weight, etc. However, experts acknowledge failing to treat depression during pregnancy also has certain risks. As a Category C drug, Zoloft is considered to be one of the safer antidepressants for mothers to take during pregnancy.
Catelynn said the regimen is working for her: “I’ve been taking my meds and talking to someone regularly, and it’s gotten easier.”
She also hopes her experience will help others realize it’s ok to ask for help — and encourages those who don’t struggle with depression or anxiety to take the time to listen to friends who do.
“It’s not a joke,” she said of this Instagram picture, which she posted shortly after Robin Williams’ death. “I struggle with depression/anxiety on the daily! We are not alone… there is help out in the world! #listentoeachother”
