It’s not uncommon for women to experience a brief period of depression after giving birth. You may feel stressed, anxious, lonely, and moody after your pregnancy, but those feelings are usually temporary. For some women, these symptoms can be soothed by supportive partners, friends, and family.

In other cases, having a child can bring about mood disorder symptoms that are more severe. During pregnancy, your hormones can fluctuate, which can cause issues with the brain chemicals that regulate your mood. According to the CDC, postpartum depression affects one out of eight women nationally.

Barriers to Treating Postpartum Depression

The birth of a newborn can have a major impact on the mother, from their well-being to the ability to care for their baby. Some women have a hard time reaching out for help from their doctor, no matter how bad their depression gets. They may even be embarrassed about the idea of not being thrilled to finally have their baby, even having a hard time understanding why they feel this way.

It is important to understand that postpartum depression does not make anyone a bad person. Any woman that is having a baby is at risk for this form of depression.

Signs of Postpartum Depression

Like any other form of depression, there is a wide range of symptoms that can occur with postpartum, ranging from feeling sadness to the point of crying to experiencing moderate to severe insomnia. Some may even experience sleeping too much. Depression can disrupt any of your everyday activities, like eating or socializing, as well. Some women begin eating too much, while others may be eating too little.

Overall, you could feel highly irritable, angry, sad, or have an extreme lack of energy, all of which warrant concern at any point of life, postpartum or otherwise. Sometimes when people are feeling depressed, they lose interest in the things they once loved. When someone is experiencing postpartum depression, they could even lose interest in their family, friends, or their own baby. Although these signs seem extreme, they usually don’t last long, but if they do, they can be managed with help from friends, family, or professionals.

Coping With Postpartum Depression

If you notice these signs in yourself or someone who just recently had a baby, talking about how you feel with your partner, friends or family is a really good first step. If you haven’t, ask for assistance with caring for your baby from your friends and family. A little bit of help can go a long way when battling postpartum depression. If you are experiencing a lack of energy, changing your diet to something more nutritious or exercising more frequently can give you more energy to make it through the day. Even if it’s just walking, swimming, or hiking, you can notice a difference in how you feel after you’ve exercised.

Seeking Professional Help

If you feel as though your postpartum is lasting longer than normal, or if you are having extreme symptoms, you may want to consider seeking professional help. Postpartum depression can be effectively treated with counseling and antidepressant medication.

Treatment options like psychotherapy or counseling can also be highly effective when performed by a mental health professional. These methods allow you to talk about your fears and problems. You can also learn how to develop the skills to help you manage your feelings and cope with your problems or thoughts.

If you prefer to take medication, there is a wide range of antidepressants that can help with postpartum depression. Even a combination of treatment that includes seeking help from a psychologist and using medication could potentially be the most effective way to recover.

Finding Support: You Are Not Alone

When it comes to treatment for mental disorders, everyone has different needs and wants. Some people benefit more from support groups for their guidance, compassion, and assistance. This gives multiple women the chance to understand themselves better while also bonding with other women who can relate to how they feel.

Realizing that you are not the only one dealing with postpartum depression can provide hope if you feel lost or confused. In this process, make sure that you are setting realistic expectations for yourself. Remember that not only are you trying to recover mentally but also physically.

However, you don’t have to do everything at once, especially if you are not ready. Try to take on as much of your regular daily duties as possible, starting over the next day. The last thing you want to do in this process is forget to make time for yourself.

 

When your partner or loved one has had a baby, it is important to pay attention to the potential signs of depression. Postpartum depression can take a significant toll on the body, mentally and physically. So many women are experiencing stress, anxiety, loneliness, and mood swings after their pregnancy. Unfortunately, many are not being open and honest about their feelings and reservations, which can have some bad long-term effects. Turning to your support system is a great option if you are having these feelings. Your partner, family, and friends are a great first source to get assistance with your struggle. If you find that you are still having issues, it may be time to contact professionals for some help. Facilities like The Kimberly Center are perfect for women who are suffering from postpartum depression. We offer a plethora of services that work great for those not only battling addiction but also anxiety and depression. Contact us at (855) 452-3683.