It’s estimated that 700000 women a year experience postpartum depression. That’s about 1 in every 5 mothers! This clip is from a video that features two postpartum depression experts: Shoshana Bennett, Ph.D., and Pec Indman, Ed.D., MFT. The video describes five mood disorders, how to find a specialist, treatment options, and strategies family members can use to help the mother during recovery. http://www.FeelLikeYourselfAgain.com. Available for purchase, 25 minutes. Used by nurses and therapists nationwide.
The term “postpartum depression” refers to depressive episodes following childbirth. These can occur after the birth of any child, not just the first. Depressive episodes can even follow a miscarriage or termination of a pregnancy. Many women experience postpartum blues, or baby blues, characterized by mild sadness, anxiety, irritability, fluctuating moods, and fatigue. These blues are considered normal and are short-lived, resolving themselves without medical help within about ten days after childbirth.
However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists estimates that in 1 out of 10 new mothers, these feelings escalate and go beyond the first few days. They can even appear several months after the birth. This may be full-fledged postpartum depression, in which the feelings of sadness, anxiety, or despair are so intense that the new mother has trouble coping with her daily tasks. Additionally, between 1 and 3 new mothers in every 1,000 suffer from an even more severe form of depression called postpartum psychosis, in which the mother has delusions or hallucinations that often focus on hurting herself or her baby. This latter condition requires immediate medical attention.
Causes of Postpartum Depression
There is no single clearly defined cause of postpartum depression. Both physical and emotional factors seem to be involved. One physical factor may be that in the first 24 to 48 hours after delivery, estrogen and progesterone levels drop sharply, to a point lower than before conception, creating an abrupt change in the physiological state of the body. This may trigger depression in much the same way as mood swings and tension are triggered before menstrual periods. The level of hormones produced by the thyroid may also drop after childbirth. This could result in symptoms that mimic depression. For these reasons researchers are calling PPD a “biochemical and hormonal disorder.” Interestingly, one medical newsletter suggests that postpartum depression may be caused by a nutritional imbalance, perhaps a B-complex deficiency.
Fatigue and lack of sleep can also play a role. In the period shortly after childbirth, lack of energy and an inability to sleep may make minor problems seem much more major. Some women might be frustrated to find that they have difficulty coping with things that they had handled well before delivery, without the baby blues, and with a full night’s sleep. Emotional factors such as an unplanned pregnancy, a premature birth, loss of freedom, concern about attractiveness and lack of support can also add to depression. Hence, with the many causes of this depression, it is then worthwhile to know the different postpartum depression treatments available for sufferers today.
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Postpartum depression is normally classified into three different categories. These categories range from mild to severe. The first type of postpartum depression is simply referred to as the “baby blues”. Normally, within a few days, a mother may start to experience a variety of emotions that may seem stronger than any that they have ever previously experienced. This type of depression has been known to last for up to a couple of weeks immediately following the delivery of a child.
This condition is actually considered to be quite normal as it is a side effect of fluctuating hormones. Mothers and fathers alike can rest assured that the baby blues are not an indication of mental illness. Furthermore, while the feelings of depression and irritability may be uncomfortable for the parents, it will not interfere with the capacity of the mother to properly care for her child or herself. It is simply a stage that will pass as the hormones resume their normal composition in the body.
The second category of postpartum depression in new mothers is a tad bit more serious. Not every female that gives birth to a child will experience this form of depression. However, there are a few that will. When a female encounters this state of mind, it may become difficult to properly care for herself and the new baby. However, if this form of depression is dealt with in a proper manner and treated, it can quickly be eliminated. The only problem is that many parents do not seek assistance with this type of mood complication immediately.
There are many common signs and symptoms associated with the second stage of postpartum depression, or “nonpsychotic” depression. They are as follows:
* The woman may feel extremely depressed, yet cannot identify a reason for why this is occurring.
* There may be times when the mother is unable to concentrate appropriately.
* There may be suppression in the appetite, or the female may overindulge when it comes to eating.
* Fatigue may be a common symptom with this form of postpartum depression. Sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep may also be common.
* Many women may find that they lose interest in things that they once enjoyed.
* There are some women who feel as if they are no good at parenting, or they may worry consistently about various aspects of the health of their new child.
* Some mothers who experience this type of depression after pregnancy may consider committing suicide. In some cases, a woman may actually have thoughts where they want to do harm to a child. However, in nearly 100% of the cases, the mother will never act on these thoughts in any way whatsoever.
It is important for women and men alike to become familiar with the second type of postpartum depression. It is to be understood that a female who has understanding from her family and friends, support and assistance from these individuals, and as little stress as possible often recover from this type of depression quickly and successfully.
The third type of postpartum depression is often the most challenging and is definitely the most severe. It is important for both women and men to understand that this type of after pregnancy depression requires medical attention. Though this type of depression is extremely rare, it can be experienced. As a parent, you should learn to identify the symptoms associated with this type so that you know when it is time to get help. Here, you will find the symptoms most often associated with this form of postpartum depression:
* Visual and auditory hallucinations may be experienced by the mother who experiences this type of psychosis.
* The woman may start to experience delusions, or a series of false beliefs.
* Individuals who experience mood disorders, such as various types of psychosis or even bipolar disorder, may experience this form of depression after pregnancy.
* Mood swings and varying levels of irritability are quite common with this type of postpartum depression.
* Many women may have thoughts of hurting their new child, or other children, and may attempt to act on these thoughts.
If postpartum depression is experienced, there are many different kinds of treatments that can be pursued. This includes, but is not limited to:
* Individual and group therapy sessions to address the specific psychological symptoms and needs.
* Sharing the issue with friends and family members so that they can be supportive during this time.
* There are many different kinds of medications that can be issued to treat depression and the various symptoms associated with depression.
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It’s very easy for a new mom to feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caring for a new baby. The adjustments to your lifestyle, along with hormonal changes and lack of sleep can contribute to what doctors call the “Baby Blues.”
Every new mom, at one point or another, will experience a temporary emotional slump, which usually occurs anytime within the first six months after birth. For most women, it lasts only a few days to a few weeks while our bodies adjust to a post-pregnancy state. On the other hand, 1 in 1,000 women will suffer from a more serious form of Baby Blues known as postpartum depression or PPD. The symptoms of PPD are similar to those of the Baby Blues but are much more intense and include: irritability, uncontrollable crying or crying for no apparent reason, insomnia, lack of energy, loss of appetite, panic or anxiety attacks, difficulty concentrating, lack of self-esteem or self-worth, and incapacitating feelings of guilt.
These symptoms last longer than a few weeks and can profoundly affect the entire family. A woman who suffers from postpartum depression may feel that she’s made a huge mistake, or may even feel resentment toward her baby. Others can be so depressed that they’re unable to get out of bed and don’t have the energy to take care of themselves or their newborns
Physical factors can bring on PPD, including physical exhaustion, side-effects of pain medication used during delivery, and lingering pain or complications during recovery.
Genetic factors may also play a role in PPD. Anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and other mood disorders have a biochemical component which can be inherited much like other health problems.
Women with little or no family support are at a higher risk of developing PPD. A newborn is a huge responsibility to take on if no one is around to help. Feelings of being trapped or isolated are common, especially for those who were career women and feel at odds with this new role. Financial pressure can be a burden as well, worrying about the extra expenses of the baby can make you feel down and depressed.
Trying to be Mom of the Year or trying to keep your house looking like it came from Martha Stewart Living may not be a realistic goal as a new mother. Get your strength back before you set out to win the motherhood marathon. Don’t spend time doing things that put stress on you. Less may be more, at least for the first few months.
If any of these feelings begin to sound familiar and last for a few days to a few weeks, don’t feel guilty – know that it’s part of the process of getting back to your old self. Ups and downs are normal, considering all of the hormonal changes going on inside you.
Though the Baby Blues are normal, if you realize that the depression does not go away, you should call your doctor as soon as possible. The sooner you’re treated for postpartum depression, the quicker your recovery will be. If the postpartum depression goes untreated and gets worse, it can lead to postpartum psychosis which may need to be treated with hospitalization and medication. For more information, help, and resources, go to the Website for Postpartum Support International or call the PSI Postpartum Depression Helpline at 1.800.944.4PPD (4773).
Our hearts go out to all of you going through the first few months of new motherhood. Having a baby is difficult enough on your body and mind without having to deal with the landslide of emotions that follow. Finding a good support system will be very beneficial. Your partner, sister, or friend can hopefully lighten your new mother load. Just having someone watch the baby while you take a warm bath, rest a couple of hours, read a book, or get out for a walk will give you a refreshed feeling. Having someone take the baby out for an hour walk, leaving you alone in your house can be another welcome blessing.
Above all, keep your chin up! Before long your strength will return and you will see that your life has truly changed for the better. That will be the time to work on winning your Super Mother of the Year award.
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Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear any time from 24 hours to a few months after delivery.
* If you have these, it is important to see a health care provider, who will look for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
o Sad mood, frequent crying
o Lack of pleasure or interest in activities that once gave pleasure
o Sleep disturbance
o Weight loss
o Loss of energy
o Agitation or anxiety
o Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
o Trouble concentrating or making decisions
o Thoughts of death or suicide
o Decreased interest in sex
o Feelings of rejection
* Physical symptoms such as frequent headaches, chest pain, rapid heart beat, numbness, shakiness or dizziness, and mild shortness of breath suggest anxiety. Postpartum anxiety disorder is a separate disorder from postpartum depression, but the two often occur together.
* See the introduction to this article for symptoms specific to each type of postpartum depression.
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