Is It Post-Partum Depression?

 

A lot of new mothers will tell you that they feel a sense of anxiety and unease regarding their babies. After all, there's this whole new, tiny person that is completely dependent on you for her every need. He's fragile, so klutzy people like me are extra nervous because we fear we'll unintentionally hurt him with our 'butterfingers'. When you consider how many hormones a woman who has just had a baby has going haywire, it's no wonder that she might feel sad or have strange mood swings. The fact that new mothers rarely get a full night's sleep and that your mother-in-law is probably driving you crazy doesn't help matters any! But how can you tell if what you're feeling is a medical problem as opposed to 'normal' hormonal shifts? How can you recognize and treat postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis? While only your doctor can truly diagnose and treat you, here are a few warning signs.

• A change in your regular sleeping and eating patterns that causes problems and lasts for more than 2 weeks
• Depression or anxiety that lasts more than 2 weeks and/or interferes with your ability to care for yourself or your baby
• Thoughts of doing harm to yourself or your baby
• Lack of interest and pleasure in things you used to like
• Negative feelings toward/lack of interest in your baby
• Continuous thoughts of suicide or death in general

In addition to these, some signs of postpartum psychosis are-

• hallucinations
• strange behavior
• rapid mood swings
• confusion

If you feel you may have postpartum depression, see a doctor. There is also a related disorder called postpartum psychosis that, while rare, requires emergency treatment. Some of the more high-profile cases involving mothers harming their children (Andrea Yeats, etc) are examples of the dangers of postpartum psychosis.

The chances of developing either of these disorders are higher if you are younger than 20 when you have your baby, have stress in other areas of your life or had mixed feelings about the pregnancy from the beginning. The chances are also higher if you or a family member has had postpartum depression before or currently suffers from depression or bipolar disorder.

Keep in mind that the symptoms of postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis don't always show up right away. While it usually starts soon after birth and develops over a few months, it can also come on suddenly and after several months have already gone by. It can also happen after a stillbirth or miscarriage.

Some treatment options for postpartum depression include therapy and medication. There are, however, other things you can do for yourself at home that can help. Enlist the help of your significant other, family and friends in caring for the baby so that you don't feel overwhelmed. Do something just for yourself each day, even if it is as simple as a walk around the block. Get help with other things like household chores. But, above all else, give yourself a break! No one expects you to be supermom. If they do, well, ignore them because you're only human. Just take care of yourself and you will be better able to care for your baby.