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Postpartum Depression
Have you recently had a baby and you’re wondering why you can’t be happy like other moms seem to be?- Have you been feeling extremely sad, anxious, and angry since giving birth?
- Do you find yourself resenting your baby and not being able to take care of his/her needs?
If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions, it’s possible that you are suffering from post-partum depression. It’s a mental illness that affects some mothers, and it can inhibit them from functioning normally and taking the best possible care of their babies.
If you’re experiencing this illness, it’s important to know that you are not alone; post-partum depression affects many women. Fortunately, with proper treatment, you can greatly reduce your suffering. Please keep reading for more information.
Normal Baby Blues, or Post-Partum Depression?
It’s normal for new moms to experience the ‘baby blues’ for a short period of time, such as a few days or a couple weeks. While symptoms may differ depending on the individual, here are some of the common ones:
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings
- Sadness
- Crying
- Sleep problems
For most women, these symptoms disappear on their own after a short while, and are not cause for concern.
However, women suffering from post-partum depression experience some different, more intense symptoms that don’t go away after a couple of weeks. Here is a checklist to determine whether you are experiencing some components of post-partum depression: (Please note that it’s an informational guide only, not a scientific survey. For a proper diagnosis, you’ll need to consult a mental health professional.)
Decreased appetite
Extreme irritability
Extreme fatigue
Decreased sex drive
Feelings of guilt and shame
Intense mood swings
Isolating yourself socially
Trouble bonding with your baby
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Intense anger
In addition to this checklist, you may also wish to take the following survey. Please choose “true” or “false” depending on whether the statement describes you.
True/False I have difficulty completing day-to-day tasks due to my post-partum symptoms.
True/False I have trouble caring for my baby.
True/False I have thoughts of hurting my baby and/or myself.
True/False I have been experiencing the above symptoms for more than a few weeks.
True/False My symptoms are getting worse, not better.
True/False I feel like an inadequate parent.
The more symptoms you’ve checked off the checklist, and the more “true” descriptions you’ve identified above, the more likely it is that you’re experiencing post-partum depression, as opposed to normal baby blues. Again, these are not scientific diagnostic tools; they are intended as an educational guide. It’s important that you consult a mental health specialist for an accurate assessment.
What Causes Post-Partum Depression?
Researchers are not entirely sure what causes some mothers to develop post-partum depression, though studies indicate that there is likely a combination of factors at play. Specifics differ from person to person, but here’s an example of some of dynamics that may contribute to the illness:
- Hormonal imbalances (After giving birth, women experience a dramatic reduction in certain hormones. Some may be extra sensitive to this change.)
- History of post-partum depression in the family
- Having other mental illnesses, such as depression or anxiety
- Difficult life circumstances (such as losing one’s job, worrying about finances, etc.)
- Lack of social connectedness and/or support from others
- Poor self-image (Women experience many bodily changes after giving birth which may make them feel physically and sexually unattractive.)
Self-Help Methods
While these suggestions may not work for everyone, here are some ways you may be able to reduce your suffering:
- Lean on family members and friends for support. Don’t be ashamed – let them know what you’re going through. Feeling connected to others is vital and can help you get through this struggle.
- If trusted friends or family members offer to babysit so you can have some free time, take them up on their offer. Having some time to yourself can help you to feel more refreshed, and will help you to appreciate your time with your baby more.
- Take care of yourself as best as you can. It can be difficult to keep up with exercise, eating well, sleeping enough hours, etc. when your baby is young, but it’s important that you try to pay attention to your own needs. If you have a partner, figure out a routine so that you’re both involved in care-taking. This will ensure that you both have some time to look after yourselves as well. Your baby’s needs are important, but so are your own!
Seeking Professional Treatment
While the above suggestions may be helpful for some, they are no replacement for psychotherapy. Qualified mental health professionals are trained in techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which may help you to deal with the emotional difficulties you’ve been facing since giving birth and to develop stronger coping skills, so that you can be a great mother for your baby.
If you’re suffering from post-partum depression, you might feel like you’re crazy and alone in your struggles. But you are not crazy and you’re not alone. Plenty of other women have experienced this illness, and they’ve conquered it with the help of mental health specialists. You deserve to be back to your happier self, too. For the sake of yourself and your baby, please don’t let your suffering continue.
Mark is available for speaking engagements for the general public and professional communities, radio and tv appearances, seminars, webinars, enhancing professional development, workshops and trainings.
If you’d like more information, you can
contact Mark Dworkin LCSW at (516) 731-7611 or mark@markdworkin.com or check out Mark’s mental health store for helpful videos on topics such as: “Dealing with Depression,” “Fight Domestic Violence,” “Recovering from Emotional and Physical Abuse,” “Build Your Teen’s Self Esteem,” and more.
(*Please note: If you are suicidal or in danger of harming your baby, please call 911 for immediate assistance.*)
