Depression during and post-pregnancy – risk factors and treatment
As many as 20% of new mothers develop postpartum depression and anxiety in the weeks and months after giving birth.
Although postpartum depression can affect any woman, some risk factors have been identified.
The Baby Blues
It’s perfectly normal to feel sad, weepy, overwhelmed, anxious and exhausted, for the first few days to a couple of weeks, following the birth of your baby. As many as 85% of all new moms experience some, or all of the above symptoms, for a while after giving birth. If these feelings persist and worsen for weeks and months following the initial two week period (“baby blues” period), you are likely suffering from the symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety.
Prevalence and Risk Factors
Estimates vary, but up to 20 percent of women are believed to have postpartum depression at some point in the year after giving birth. The risk of postpartum depression is higher among women who have a history of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Any woman can develop postpartum depression, but the following factors are believed to increase your risk:
- Personal or family history of depression, anxiety, or another mental illness
- Previous postpartum depression
- History of severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Sleep deprivation
- Chronic pain
- History of fertility treatments or miscarriage
- Abrupt discontinuation of breastfeeding
- History of trauma or abuse
- Traumatic or disappointing birthing experience
- Poor support system
- Stresses (such as marital or financial)
- Substance abuse
Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Although symptoms of postpartum depression vary quite a bit from woman to woman, the following list include some of the symptoms you may be experiencing:
- Irritability, anger or rage
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Sleep problems such as insomnia or excessive sleep
- Appetite changes
- Suicidal thoughts
- Thoughts of wanting to leave baby/partner
- Lack of interest in the baby
- Feeling disconnected from the baby
- Thoughts of harming the baby
- Sluggishness
- Exhaustion
- Memory loss
- Sense of guilt or shame
- Sense of doom
- Scary or odd thoughts that repeat in your mind
Coping with Postpartum Depression
In addition to psychotherapy or counseling, the following may help you on your road to recovery:
However difficult and overwhelming it may seem, it is crucial to take care of yourself. Take some “me time”! It’s important to do things like eating healthy meals, exercising (go for a walk), and — perhaps most important — getting enough sleep.
Consider alternative treatments. Complementary and alternative therapies may help. Sunlight, Omega 3 fatty acids, seeing a professional homeopath, yoga, meditation and music therapy are among the approaches that have helped many women recover, gently, naturally, and without the risk of side effects.
Find a support group. It helps to be around other people who have experienced postpartum depression, to share experiences and coping skills.
Ask for help, and say yes to help from friends and family!!! Your friends and family members can help around the house, watch the baby so you can sleep, run errands for you, or be there to listen when you need to talk.
Be patient. Treatment can help, but it may take some time before you feel like yourself again. You will recover with help, support and good treatment.
Feel free to get in touch with me to talk about how homeopathy can help. I offer 15 minute free consultation so you can ask me questions you may have.
All consultations are done online using Skype or VSee.
“Seeing a health professional from the privacy of your own home, while enjoying a cup of coffee, or your favorite tea, feels very comfortable and relaxing for many. No need for baby sitters, getting in traffic, or finding and paying for parking. You can even meet with me in your PJ’s if you like!”
