Post Partum Depression
Depression During and After PregnancyDepression that occurs either during or within a year after pregnancy is called perinatal depression. Perinatal depression is a very common form of depression and a large number of women will experience it. This type of depression can sometimes be hard to diagnose as there are a lot of changes going on within our bodies during and after pregnancy anyway. Some signs of perinatal depression are tiredness, changes in body weight, emotional changes and problems sleeping, but these also occur during pregnancy without necessarily having depression.
Causes of Depression During Pregnancy
Chances of becoming depressed during pregnancy could be increased by any of the following factor:
Family history of mental illness
History of depression
History of substance abuse
None or little family support
Anxiety about the baby
History of problems with pregnancies or births
Marital problems
Financial problems
Becoming Depressed after Pregnancy (Post Partum Depression)
Hormonal changes after pregnancy may trigger symptoms of depression. The amount of two hormones, estrogen and progesterone, in a woman's body increases greatly during pregnancy. In the first 24 hours after childbirth, the amount of these hormones rapidly drops back down to their normal non-pregnant levels. Tthe fast change in hormone levels may lead to depression, just as smaller changes in hormones can affect a woman's moods before she gets her menstrual period.
In some women thyroid levels can decrease after pregnancy. Especially if there is a family history or you are more prone to have hypothyroidism, it can be brought on by pregnancy. When thyroid levels drop it can cause symptems of depression including depressed moods, fatigue, irritablility, weight gain, difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating and a decreased interest in things. Hypothyroidism can be picked up by a blood test and can be treated with medication.
Other factors that may contribute to postpartum depression include:
Tiredness after delivery, broken sleep patterns, and not enough rest may keep a new mother from regaining her full strength following the birth
Feeling overwhelmed with a new, or another, baby to take care of and doubting your ability to be a good mother.
Stress from changes in work and home routines. Some women want to do everything perfectly, which is not always possible with a new baby, you need to be realistic and not stress over things that don't get done.
Having feelings of loss — loss of identity of who you are, or were, before having the baby, loss of control, loss of your pre-pregnancy figure, and feeling less attractive.
Less free time. Having to stay home indoors for longer periods of time and having less time to spend with the your partner and loved ones.
Baby Blues vs Postpartum Depression
Baby blues are quite normal to experience usually on about day 3 after the birth. They should only last a day or two and then go away. Most new mother will experience baby blues and will also experience other symptoms that can be similar to depression symptoms, including sudden mood swings, sadness, crying spells, loss of appetite, sleeping problems, and feel irritable, restless, anxious, and lonely. If you are experiencing these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean you have postpartum depression but may just need a good rest. Try having a sleep when the baby sleeps. Ask for help from friends or family, you're not a failure because you ask for help, in fact the opposite, it could make the difference between coping well or falling into depression.
Postpartum depression can happen anytime within the first year after childbirth. Symptoms include sadness, lack of energy, trouble concentrating, anxiety, and feelings of guilt and worthlessness. The difference between postpartum depression and the baby blues is that postpartum depression often affects a woman’s well-being and keeps her from functioning well for a longer period of time. Postpartum depression needs to be treated by a doctor. Counseling, support groups, and medicines are things that can help.
What To Do If You Are Suffering From Perinatal Depression
Don't feel ashamed about having depression, it is very common and can happen to anyone. Some people deny it and don't talk about it because they are ashamed or embarrassed. Don't deny it, get help. Depression can be treated and the sooner you get help the better. Denying it wont make it go away it just prolongs your suffering which can affect the baby also.
You can join a support group and talk to other mothers that are experiencing depression also. It helps to talk to others in the same situation, to know that you're not the only one going through it. See your doctor, you may be prescribed anti-depressant medication.
Tips for Dealing With Depression:
Get as much rest as you can. Try to sleep when the baby sleeps.
Don't put pressure on yourself to get everything done. Do as much as you can and leave the rest!
Ask for help with household chores and nighttime feedings.
Talk about your feelings, don't keep them bottled up. Talk to your husband, friends and/or family.
Do not spend a lot of time alone. Get dressed and leave the house. Run an errand or take a short walk.
Spend time alone with your husband or partner. Ask family or friends to watch the baby even for a couple of hours so you and your partner can have some time together.
Talk with other mothers, so you can learn from their experiences.
Join a support group for women with depression.
Don’t make any major life changes during pregnancy. Major changes can cause unneeded stress.
How is Depression Treated?
Depression is treated by
Medication - your doctor will prescribe the type and dose of medication they think is appropriate for you
Counselling - it helps to talk about your feelings
A mother’s depression can affect her baby’s development, so getting treatment is important for both mother and baby. It is important to discuss with your doctor if there are any risks involved with medication while you are breastfeeding and working out what is the best course of treatment for you.
If Depression Is Left Untreated
Depression not only hurts the mother, but also affects her family. Postpartum depression can affect a mother’s ability to parent. She may lack energy, have trouble concentrating, be irritable, and not be able to meet her child’s needs for love and affection. As a result, she may feel guilty and lose confidence in herself as a mother, which can worsen the depression. This can lead to behavioral problems, lower activity levels, sleep problems, and distress. It is important for the father or other family members to help out with the baby or children while the mother is depressed.
Don't suffer alone - there is help out there if you ask for it. Talk to your family or visit your doctor straight away if you think you have post partum depression. Your child deserves a happy mother. You deserve to be happy and enjoy your babies childhood.
ShezzP
Depression Days
posted by Shezz @ 1:24 AM
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