Becoming a mother is supposed to be one of the most remarkable experiences in a woman’s life. And that’s a big part of what makes postpartum depression — or depression that sets in after you give birth — such a challenge.
If you’re a new mom and you’re struggling with symptoms of depression, know that you’re not alone. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that 15% of new moms deal with this condition. So what is it, exactly? And what can you do about it? Let’s find out.
Postpartum depression vs. the baby blues
Childbirth takes a toll on your physical and mental health. Nearly 80% of women experience the baby blues during the first two weeks after giving birth. The baby blues are characterized by trouble sleeping, feeling of sadness or anxiety, crying, mood swings, and generally feeling overwhelmed. For most women, the baby blues dissipate after a couple of weeks. When they don’t, you’re left with postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression can start before you give birth and can last as long as a year after birth. Some of the symptoms of this type of depression include pervasive sadness, regular crying, loss of interest in things you enjoyed before, social withdrawal, anxiety, sleep and appetite irregularities, and more. Postpartum depression can also make you feel like you’re not bonding with your baby, while often makes women feel guilty or ashamed.
What you can do about postpartum depression
The first step toward getting help is talking about your postpartum depression. You shouldn’t feel ashamed. There’s no single cause of this type of depression and you didn’t do anything wrong to make yourself feel this way. Depression is linked to chemical imbalances in the brain and it’s not something you can just get over. And you’re not alone, either. Changes in your hormones, sleep deprivation, and a host of other factors contribute to more than one in ten women feeling depressed after giving birth.
Talking to your doctor and a mental health professional gathers a support system around you. Our team at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center is here to rally around you. We can help you explore your treatment options and find what works for you. Talk therapy, group sessions, yoga, and alternative healing are all available for you.
You’re not alone in dealing with depression after having a baby. Our caring team understands the struggle of feeling like something’s wrong with you at one of the most important times of your life. For support and treatment that can help you feel like yourself again, get in touch with us at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center today.
