Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
Postpartum depression and anxiety are real concerns facing many women today. In the past, this condition was not always well understood. Even today, women struggle against social pressures and stigmas when they realize that the postpartum period can involve fear, loneliness, constant worry, or unhappiness.
As many as one in seven women will experience postpartum depression, with 70 to 80 percent or women experiencing "the baby blues."
Depression and anxiety after giving birth is normal: it is not your fault and the experienced counselors at AICC can help.
In this article, we will:
explore the causes of postpartum depression;
distinguish between postpartum depression and "the baby blues;"
and discuss treatment options that can help.
Of course, if you are in crisis, please visit your nearest emergency room or call 911. This article is for informational purposes only.
Do I Have Postpartum Depression?
If you're a new mom who is feeling down, you might be asking yourself this question. Some symptoms of depression and anxiety after giving birth are to be expected. You have a new human living under your roof, one you are responsible for 24/7!
Your body has just done the amazing work of getting that little one out into the world, and you are being flooded with hormones constantly.
Everything is changing, including your relationships with your partner, your family, and your friends. Maybe you even feel differently towards your pets now that your bundle of joy is home. Who wouldn't be overwhelmed by all of these changes?!
All of these concerns are underscored for women giving birth during the COVID-19 crisis. (See our previous article on anxiety during these times.)
The "baby blues" occur within the first two to three weeks of giving birth and generally pass as you begin to settle into life with your new sidekick.
According to The Mayo Clinic, these are the signs of "baby blues":
Mood swings
Anxiety
Sadness
Irritability
Feeling overwhelmed
Crying
Reduced concentration
Appetite problems
Trouble sleeping
Postpartum depression is more severe and does not go away within the first days or weeks of giving birth. Postpartum depression can be long lasting and can be effectively treated by healthcare professionals.
Difference Between Postpartum Depression and Baby Blues
Postpartum depression makes everyday life difficult. Symptoms include:
Depressed mood or severe mood swings
Excessive crying
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Withdrawing from family and friends
Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
Intense irritability and anger
Fear that you're not a good mother
Hopelessness
Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
Restlessness
Severe anxiety and panic attacks
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Postpartum depression may have you feeling your worst, unable to enjoy the things you once loved and unable to embrace your life as a mother the way you had imagined.
Constant worry might keep you up at night, even when sleep is the thing you crave most. You might feel as though you are all alone in your struggle, and you might avoid telling trusted friends and loved ones because you fear being judged.
Despite the darkness and pain of postpartum depression, there are interventions, treatments, and therapies that can help. You don't have to fight this battle alone!
Postpartum Depression Treatment Options
According to Psychology Today, “Postpartum depression is treated much like other types of depression. The most common treatments for depression are psychotherapy, and participation in a support group, antidepressant medication, or a combination of those treatments.”
Short-term therapy (10 to 20 weeks) or a more long-term therapeutic relationship may be most appropriate for you depending on your specific needs. Talk-based therapy allows you to share your fears and concerns openly with your therapist in a safe, confidential setting.
Depending on your therapist and your needs, a behavioral approach might be most helpful. Coaching you to recognize and choose specific behaviors, your therapist can help you “obtain more satisfaction and rewards through [your] own actions and how to unlearn the behavioral patterns that contribute to or result from [your] depression,” as noted by Psychology Today.
And there is excellent news for those who are dealing with postpartum depression: according to postpartumdepression.org, “a full recovery from postpartum depression is almost always possible for anyone affected. Though no one can guarantee when it will go away, it eventually does pass.”
Postpartumdepression.org also notes that “recovering from postpartum depression involves ongoing treatment, family support, education and coping skills as well as regular self-help practices.” Recovery will take time, but it is possible.
Engaging a supportive counselor such as the clinicians at Atlanta Innovative Counseling Center who can support you on this journey is an excellent and monumental first step in working toward recovery from postpartum depression.
Postpartum Depression Help Near Me
At AICC, our therapists are here to walk alongside you in your journey through postpartum depression--and parenting!
Serving both children and adults, we represent a group of experienced, dedicated therapists offering innovative counseling solutions that meet your needs and fit your lifestyle.
In this age of social distancing and quarantine, we even offer telemental health options (see our article on telemental health). This is especially useful for new moms and for single moms who may not have childcare to attend counseling sessions in person. Please reach out to us to learn more about our services and to be connected with a therapist who is right for you.