Postpartum Depression: How You Can Cope

      Prior to the baby’s due date, during the pregnancy and after the baby is born a mother may experience sudden and at times terrible bouts of depression. Prior to the birth a depressed state is usually caused by anxiety about the huge undertaking mommy is preparing for and wondering if she’s strong enough to handle the responsibility. It is only natural to feel this way and most doctors will not suggest treating this feeling because it rarely lasts.

      The ‘mommy blues” occur right after the birth and is usually a reaction to the end of a massive ordeal and includes crying spells and sudden mood swings but is not considered abnormal. Most mother’s will feel an anxious, restless feeling after the birth and again doctors will hold off on treatment since these ‘blues’ pass after usually a week or two.

      However, there is a diagnosis known as postpartum depression and this can occur anytime within the first year after a child is born. Postpartum is different from the “mommy blues” in that this syndrome affects a woman’s well-being and the symptoms though very much the same are more intense and last much longer. Women who suffer postpartum depression will experience prolonged feelings of sadness, lack of energy, unusual anxiety and a very strong sense of guilt. These emotions do not simply go away and it begins to effect how the mother interacts with her child, her partner and those around her. It is strongly recommended that a woman who has a child and still feels intense sadness three weeks after the delivery consult a doctor, psychiatrist or psychologist for professional counseling. There are a number of therapeutic options that range from talking to a clinician to mild medications that can balance a woman’s hormones and give her perspective on the change that has occurred in her life. Depression can be a mood we all go through but it can also be a serious mental and physical issue.

      Unfortunately many new mothers will keep these feelings to themselves in a display of courage since everyone expects her to be happy. This is a very dangerous form of denial and it will have serious consequences for you and your child. There is nothing to be ashamed about feeling sad, lonely or guilty. You have experienced an incredible life change and your body has gone through a hurricane of hormonal changes that would knock the happiest person in the world flat on her back. Before you can speak to a doctor remember two things: you don’t have a ‘problem’ and you are not alone.

      Doctors and clinical psychologists will be able to help you through this very difficult experience but there are some simple steps you can do to ease the transition.

  • Give yourself a break: Don’t add pressure by thinking you have to do everything. Do what you can and feel good about what you’ve done. Congratulate yourself for all that you accomplished in bringing a new baby into the world.
  • Rest: Try to get as much rest as possible. If the baby naps, you should nap too. Ask friends and relatives to lend a hand with babysitting and helping with chores around the house. You’ll be surprised at just how eager friends and family can be to assist and how much relief it can bring.
  • Talk: Let your husband or partner know about what you are feeling. If you don’t tell people what’s wrong they can’t help. Talk to your friends, relatives, other new mommies and your mother since she probably knows exactly what you’re feeling. And be sure to let your doctor know if you are having severe mood swings since it may be something beyond your control and could require mild anti-depressants.

      In extreme cases of postpartum depression a woman may go into a state known as postpartum psychosis. This rare but very serious condition combines the feeling of depression with hallucinations, delusions and obsessive thoughts about the baby. This state is also marked by sudden and extreme mood swings that range from inconsolable despair to delusional euphoria. This state is very serious and will require immediate medical intervention before it gets any worse. It is necessary that the husband, partner or a friend or relative identify these signs and get help since the mother may be on the verge of a mental breakdown and long-term schizophrenia if not treated.