POST PARTUM DEPRESSION– Can Effect New Moms Up to 1 Year After Giving Birth!
What is post partum depression, or PPD exactly? Did you know that 1 in 8 women experience post partum depression after giving birth, whether it’s after the first, second, third, or even fourth child, it can happen to anyone. There is some talk amongst the medical community about post partum depression, or what is also known as the “baby blues”. However, the medical community, new parents support groups, family members, friends, co-workers, a community as a whole has in my opinion not given this condition enough attention, and addressed it with all pregnant women, so that they will know there is a chance of occurrence, and if so they should be educated, able to identify the signs, and have the ability to give positive advise for a new mom who may be experiencing ppd.
Experts agree that there are no specific reasons, but rather a combination of new things occurring after giving birth that can cause ppd. The most common reasons include a combination of psychological, biochemical, hormonal, environmental, and genetic factors that can bring the onset of ppd. There are many imbalances that can bring this on, and having the ability to identify the symptoms and openly discuss with supporters around you is detrimental to overcoming the depression. Surrounding yourself with supportive people, and absorbing the tremendous amount of information out there to educate yourself, and those around you is the most important thing to do when all or some of the following symptoms arise, again up to one year after giving birth.
- Irritability or hypersensitivity
- Difficulty concentrating
- Anxiety and worry
- Crying or tearfulness
- Anger
- Negative feelings such as sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, or guilt
- Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
- Difficulty sleeping (especially returning to sleep)
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Changes in appetite or eating habits
- Headaches, stomachaches, muscle or backaches
Examining the above symptoms, and comparing what you, or your loved ones may be experiencing is important. Many times women who have PPD don’t see the signs themselves, and need those whom surround them on a regular basis who may have witnessed these emotions, such as a spouse, family member or friend, to bring it to their attention.
PPD is no longer a taboo of such, where women should feel afraid, or embarrassed to discuss. There are a tremendous amount of resources and support groups that can help you identify, and treat the condition. The positive in this is that PPD is a short term, temporary condition. Most women will experience the onset of it from as early as two weeks to up to one year of giving birth.
Below are several resources available in the Washington, DC area, which can be of assistance in finding the right treatment and/or programs for you.
RESOURCES INCLUDE:
http://centerformaternalwellness.com/pregnancy-and-depression/
http://www.babycenter.com/0_postpartum-depression-and-anxiety_227.bc#articlesection2
There are many others, so please research and explore the options, most importantly, take advantage of these programs. Such symptoms if left untreated, could lead to more severe problems.
Please note that we acknowledge that we are not providing medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice, merely providing resources for the public’s use.
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