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What You Need to Know about Postpartum Depression

The time around pregnancy, birth, and post-birth is one filled with mixed emotions: joy, terror, excitement, dread. These are all normal responses to bringing a new life into the world, but sometimes they can grow out of control and begin to do harm to your mental and physical health. When this happens, Postpartum Depression can occur.

Postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety, as well as prenatal anxiety and depression, are common ailments. It is estimated that 1 in 7 mothers experience PPD.

Fortunately, postpartum depression and anxiety are highly treatable. You don’t have to wait for this pain to simply pass, act now to create a healthier mental space for yourself and your baby.

What causes Postpartum Depression and Anxiety?

There is not just one trigger for PPD or Postpartum anxiety, and researchers are still figuring out what could be the root cause. One thing is for certain though: it is never caused by something the mother did or failed to do. Postpartum and prenatal depression is a result of environmental and physical triggers.

During pregnancy, your body is in a constant state of change to support the growing baby. Right after childbirth, estrogen and progesterone levels drop, which can trigger postpartum depression.

Other risk factors for postpartum or prenatal depression and anxiety include:

  • Sleep deprivation
  • A history of PPD in your family
  • A stressful pregnancy (can include loss of a loved one, job loss, move, or personal sickens)
  • Medical complications during birth
  • A weak emotional support system surrounding the pregnancy or mixed feelings about the pregnancy

Do I have Postpartum Depression?

Pregnancy, birth, and life with a newborn child can be a chaotic, emotional time. But if you begin experiencing these symptoms, it’s a sign that postpartum or prenatal depression could be setting in.

Symptoms of postpartum depression:

  • Mood swings
  • Frequent crying
  • Irritability
  • Feeling exhausted even after resting
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Change in eating patterns
  • Hopelessness
  • Feelings of shame, guilt, or inadequacy
  • Not wanting to be alone
  • Worst-case scenarios/scary thoughts surrounding yourself or the baby

While some mothers experience primarily postpartum depression, others experience anxiety. Signs of prenatal or postpartum anxiety include:

  • Constant worry
  • Panic attacks
  • Wanting to keep your baby at home with yourself at all times
  • Frightening, repetitive thoughts about harm coming to the baby or yourself
  • Ruminating (repetitive, worrisome thoughts) about the birth or safety of your child
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, and increased heart rate.
  • Nightmares

50% of postpartum cases start in the prenatal phase, so getting help early on is vital.

Our postpartum and prenatal therapists can diagnose PPD and anxiety as well as help you prepare for the birth and everything that comes after it.

What Treatment Options are There?

There are two main options for people going through postpartum depression or anxiety.

  • Medication- Antidepressants can help reset your brain chemicals to a healthy state. Pregnancy and birth released a lot of hormones into your body, and it is possible your brain just needs a little nudge to get back to normal.
  • Talk Therapy- Whether it’s one-on-one with a licensed professional or through group therapy, talk therapy can give you the insight and coping mechanisms needed to manage your depression or anxiety as well as protect you from future bouts of depression and anxiety.

Most likely, a combination of the two will yield the best results but talk with your psychiatrist about your options.

If you are experiencing feelings of depression and anxiety before or after birth, don’t wait. Click here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation, or book directly with a provider of your choice.