Are you struggling with depression after having your baby?
Have you just given birth and find yourself struggling with postpartum depression? You’re not alone. Between 7 and 20 percent of women may experience this illness following the birth of their child, and the majority do not recognize their symptoms. Postpartum depression is a very real illness that requires treatment by a licensed medical professional. Unlike the “baby blues”, PPD can last for months.
What exactly are the symptoms of this illness? PPD is caused by the significant changes in the levels of certain hormones that rise when a woman is pregnant, but fall drastically after she gives birth. Its symptoms are quite similar to that of regular depression. Women suffering from PPD may experience severe or depressed mood swings, excessive crying, apathy, insomnia, or panic attacks. They may also have suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming their child, as well feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness.
How might my disease progress if untreated? PPD has the potential to develop into postpartum psychosis, a much more serious illness that requires immediate intensive treatment. Symptoms of PPP may include hallucinations, sleep disturbances, confusion and disorientation, or attempts to harm themselves or their baby. The likelihood of a woman developing PPP is increased if she or someone in her family has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
What kinds of treatment can I receive? The good news is both are very treatable conditions. Specific treatment depends on the intensity of the illness, but nearly all cases of both PPD and PPP can be treated with a combination of counseling and prescribed antidepressants (which women are still able to take during breastfeeding). Practicing simple self care habits can also go a long way. SunPoint offers a wide range of counseling services that can help you begin your journey to recovery.
How should I cope with my postpartum depression outside of clinical treatment? It is important for new mothers suffering from PPD or PPP to remember that this does not make them a bad mother, and that the disease is common and very treatable. The counselors at Sun Point are available to schedule an appointment online at sunpointwellness.com or by email at info@sunpointwellness.com.
Article by: Zoe Lamonte