What is Postpartum Depression?
Arlene F. Serrano, PhD
Motherhood can be a joyful, lifechanging, and loving experience. It can also involve hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, trouble with breastfeeding, and many other challenging situations. Furthermore, for one in seven women it entails dealing with postpartum depression. I am one of these women. One month after having my beautiful son, I was diagnosed with Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Anxiety, and Postpartum OCD. I was not able to sleep or eat. I was shaky and extremely worried, had obsessive thoughts, and felt guilty about not being able to properly care for my baby. I also found extremely difficult to tell other people about my thoughts and feelings. I was tremendously happy about my new baby and did not want anyone to think otherwise.
The stigma that surrounds mental health and motherhood is not helpful for parents and their families. When we welcome a new baby into the world, all people want to talk about is the baby and everything that brings happiness and joy. However, when something goes wrong, we either avoid talking about it or we discuss it in a very secretive way. No one wants to hear about a struggling mom. Oftentimes, we are quick to judge and tell that struggling mother to try harder, to be positive and move on, to focus on the baby and all the good things happening in her life. Sadly, when mama is going through a mental health crisis, this well-meant advice can make the situation worse. Mothers can love their children and family and still suffer from mental health issues. They need love, understanding, and support.
If you believe you have PPD or a related condition (i.e. Anxiety, OCD, Psychosis, Rage) please ask for help. You can get better with support and help from professionals. Look for a psychologist, counselor, psychiatrist, or therapist. If you don’t have access to a mental health practitioner, contact your OB-GYN or PCP. Advocate for yourself. Remember, you’re not alone. It’s ok to ask for help.
Postpartum Depression
15% of women experience depression after childbirth. 10% of women experience depression in pregnancy.
Symptoms of PPD:
Anger
Irritability
Sadness
Hopelessness
Sense of inadequacy
Changes in sleep and appetite
These are some tips to manage PPD (in addition to therapy and/or medication)
Talk to someone you trust about your feelings and thoughts
If possible, ask family or friends to help with the baby or run errands while you feel better
Take little breaks
Sleep (I know it can be difficult)
Exercise and move around (go for a walk)
Eat (even if you are not hungry)
Keep yourself hydrated
Look for tasks that keep your mind busy (reading, listening to music, doing yardwork)
Risk factors for Postpartum Depression
Personal or family history of depression, anxiety, or postpartum depression
Inadequate support in caring for the baby
Financial stress
Marital stress
Complications in pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding
Major recent life event: loss, house move, job loss
Mother of multiples
Mother whose infants are in Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU)
Thyroid imbalance
Diabetes (type 1, type 2, or gestational)
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