This unique kind of depression felt by new mothers is known as post partum depression. Many mothers experience a feeling of "baby blues" for about a week following the birth of their new child. However, when this period of low mood extends beyond a couple of weeks, then the individual has likely fallen into post partum depression.
New mothers should know that these feelings of despair, guilt or weakness are normal following childbirth. Everyone experiences some form of fear during this time, and approximately 10 percent of women experience post partum depression.
Symptoms of Post Partum Depression
There are varying degrees of post partum depression that each encompasses unique symptoms. The least severe form of post partum depression is known as the baby blues, and typically only lasts a few days. Symptoms associated to the baby blues include:
Irritability
Sadness
Anxiety
Mood swings
Disrupted sleep habits
If the above symptoms begin to hinder your ability to care for your baby or accomplish other daily duties, then you may have post partum depression. Additional symptoms include:
High level of fatigue
Insomnia
Trouble eating
Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Feelings of shame or guilt
Avoiding friends and family
Thoughts of harming the baby or yourself
Post partum psychosis is a rare, severe form of post partum depression. If you experience feelings of confusion, paranoia, hallucinations and attempts to harm yourself and your baby, then it is important to seek treatment immediately.
Treating Post Partum Depression
Post partum depression is treated similarly to traditional depression. Oftentimes, visiting a psychiatrist or other medical professional is helpful. Your psychiatrist may also prescribe antidepressants or hormone therapy to assist in the healing process.
Because post partum depression is highly related to excessive stress and anxiety, many mothers also seek help at specialized centers for stress, anxiety and depression. These centers, such as the Midwest Center for Stress (http://www.stresscenter.com), teach you proper stress and anxiety management techniques so that you can mitigate the depression before it overwhelms you. These centers are a great, non-drug alternative to traditional one-on-one counseling.
No matter which treatment sounds right for you, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. That way, you can return to normal as soon as possible so you can best care for the baby and yourself.
