Ever heard the term “Baby Blues”? This is a mild kind of depression that women face after giving birth. A worse form of this depression is called Postpartum Depression. Did you know that 25-75% of new mothers face Postpartum Depression and it can be a lot to deal with?
Postpartum Depression (PPD) can develop anytime during the first year after childbirth, but it typically begins within the first few weeks or months. You need to know that PPD is more severe and long-lasting, and it can interfere with your ability to care for yourself and your baby. It’s important to seek help if you think you may have postpartum depression, as it is a treatable condition with therapy, support groups, and sometimes medication.
Take this assessment and find out if you suffer from Postpartum Depression. You don’t need to worry as your information will not be shared with anyone.
What Are The Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression?
There are some cases where you might mistake Postpartum Depression for Baby Blues and that is when you have to be extremely careful. The symptoms can be very severe and it might even interfere with the ability to care for your baby. Here are some symptoms of Postpartum Depression that you need to be careful about.
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
- Irritability or anger, especially towards the baby or your partner
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
When You Should See A Doctor?
If you immediately feel depressed after giving birth, chances are that you will feel embarrassed about it. This means that you are having Postpartum Depression, it is best to call your health care provider at this point.
Call your personal doctor if the symptoms of depression have these features:
- Are getting worse
- Don’t fade after 2 weeks
- It is hard to care for your baby
- Cannot complete everyday tasks easily
- Include thoughts of harming yourself or your baby (Contact a suicide hotline. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat. Services are free and confidential. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. has a Spanish language phone line at 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free).
How To Prevent Postpartum Depression?
Here are some ways through which you can prevent Postpartum Depression.
1. Talk To Your Healthcare Provider
This could be a doctor, nurse, or mental health professional. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend treatment options.
2. Consider Joining A Support Group
Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can be very helpful. Support groups can provide a safe space to share feelings and learn coping strategies.
3. Therapy
Therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be effective in treating postpartum depression. A therapist can help identify negative thought patterns and develop coping mechanisms.
4. Medication
In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms. Antidepressants are commonly used to treat postpartum depression.
5. Involve Your Loved Ones
Family and friends can provide support and help with daily tasks. It’s important to communicate openly with them about what you’re going through.
6. Self-Care Is Must
Taking care of oneself is important. This includes getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and making time for activities that bring joy.