Having a baby is one of the most life-changing experiences a woman will ever face. Some feel joy and bliss, others feel dread and fear when they give birth for the first time. Sometimes, feelings of intense, unexplainable sadness can overwhelm a new mom, with seemingly no answers to turn to.
This could be a sign of postpartum depression, which is a mental illness that 1 in 9 women face after giving birth. It can be unexpected, confusing, and take a serious toll on everyone in the family. So what are the signs of postpartum depression, and what are the best treatment options for new moms?
Signs of Postpartum Depression
The signs of postpartum depression (PPD) can be similar to other types of clinical depression. Symptoms appear after the birth of a baby and can cause feelings of intense guilt, hopelessness, or disconnection within the mother. Some of the signs to look out for include:
- Sadness that lasts for more than two weeks
- Feeling hopeless
- Not being able to connect with your baby
- Constantly wondering if you’re going to be a good mother or if your baby is even your baby
- Experiencing thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or harming your baby
- Lack of motivation to take care of yourself or your baby
- Weeping spells that don’t seem to end after a day or two
- Headaches, body tension, or muscle pains
- Sleep issues (insomnia, avoiding sleep, or excessive sleeping)
- Loss of appetite
- Emotional emptiness, feeling “numb”
- Irritability and mood swings that aren’t typical to you
Your doctor or pediatrician will be able to properly diagnose you based on your symptoms, lifestyle, family history, and health condition. If you think you have PDD, it could benefit you to communicate with your healthcare provider.
Why Do Some Women Get Postpartum Depression?
Every woman’s body goes through labor and recovers from birth a little differently. Hormones fluctuate, a lot of healing takes place, and rest is essential for the mother to recoup and be able to function normally pre-pregnancy again.
Several factors contribute to postpartum depression. The top three most doctors observe have to do with hormones, lifestyle changes, and thyroid health.
Dramatic Hormone Changes
During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through a lot of major hormonal changes. The body changes itself to provide essential nutrients and development for the growing baby. Hormones can affect mood and behavior– this is why so many pregnant women go through mood swings, sensitivity, and emotional distress during pregnancy.
A similar hormonal shift is true with birth, as well. After birth, the mom’s body releases many hormones that were keeping the baby alive and healthy in the womb. Estrogen and progesterone are two of the main hormones that drop after birth. Both hormones can cause emotional symptoms like sadness, moodiness, fatigue, and even depression.
Life Changes of Being a New Mom
Having a baby requires major life changes. Your schedule will change, your priorities might completely be reset, and many new parents’ worldviews change dramatically after the addition of a newborn.
Some mothers have sudden overwhelming realizations as to how much in life will change. This is a normal part of childbirth. You’re not your old self who lived your old life anymore; now you seem to be consumed by a new life with this new tiny person to focus on entirely. Some of these feelings can contribute to postpartum depression if they become extreme.
Thyroid Issues
The thyroid helps regulate energy and hormones in the body. Some people have thyroid issues without realizing it. During or after pregnancy, if the thyroid is out of balance, some drastic side effects can occur.
New mothers have a flood of oxytocin which is a hormone that causes happy feelings of love and connection. Some studies show that thyroid diseases can prevent necessary hormone production, which can disrupt the natural bonding and regulating process between the mom and baby. These hormones play a big role in mood and brain function. It’s not the mother’s fault, though.
Can Postpartum Depression Be Avoided?
Nobody can control whether they get PPD. However, some lifestyle factors can play a role in decreasing the risk of PPD. Eating healthy, having a loving supportive family, not having to worry about financial issues, and having healthy habits can keep the body (and hormones) in balance, which can prevent postpartum depression.
How is Postpartum Depression Treated?
There are postpartum depression treatments available for women with PPD. It’s best to focus on a “whole”-person approach. There’s no one size fits all cure, and PPD will likely go away with time and proper care.
Therapy
Seeing a psychologist who specializes in PPD can help tremendously. Being able to work through difficult emotions, have someone who understands your situation, and identifying the steps to move forward in recovery helps treat PPD.
Nourishing the Body After Birth
It’s important the mother gets the right nutrients and rest she needs after birth. Fueling the body and brain with all the main foods they require should be a priority to getting back to normal.
Medication
Sometimes, medications can relieve extreme postpartum depression. Talk to your psychologist or psychiatrist to get the type of medication that can help you in your specific situation.
Support Groups
Support groups are great ways to relate to other moms when you feel all alone. It’s also a safe space to share any offensive feelings you have bottled up inside. Remember, it’s not your fault if you have PPD, and it can get better in time.
What Can a Mother with Postpartum Depression Do to Relieve Her Symptoms?
Alongside professional treatment, there are some healthy habits you can start practicing to relieve the ongoing PPD symptoms. Here are some tips:
- Don’t isolate– Surround yourself with friends and family who can help you and the baby.
- Get support– Remember you are not alone.
- Rest– Get plenty of sleep and don’t try to overwork yourself. Your body is recovering.
- Eat Well– Nourish your body and mind as best you can.
- Do things you enjoy– Help combat the “baby blues” by finding joy in hobbies and interests.
- Find ways to bond with your baby– The more you bond with your baby, the easier it will be to find the strength and resilience to keep healing through depression.
- Keep up with doctor visits– Stay in contact with your doctor(s) so they know how you’re doing and can intervene if anything goes wrong.
Many women think there’s something wrong with them when they have PPD. But this simply isn’t true. Your body and brain are adjusting to this major change, so remember it is possible to find the help you need.
New Dimensions Can Help!
If you find you are struggling with symptoms of post-partum depression, New Dimensions can help. We provide Intensive Outpatient Programs and Partial Hospitalization Programs to address mental health issues such as post-partum depression. We also provide treatment for substance abuse and mental health issues for adolescents and their families. To learn more about our treatment programs, visit our website at www.nddtreatment.com or contact us at 800-685-9796. To learn more about individual, family, and couples counseling visit www.mhthrive.com.