WHAT’S POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION? WAYS TO IDENTIFY IT AND RESOURCES TO HELP
Have you asked yourself: “Do I have postpartum depression?”, “What’s the difference between the baby blues and postpartum depression?”, “When does postpartum depression start?”
If so, it is likely that you or a loved one are in the postpartum period and struggling to cope with unexpected feelings of sadness, grief, anger, or even regret. This is actually a very common experience and one that should carry no shame. This post is intended to provide clarity on what postpartum depression feels like, when postpartum depression starts, and what to do about it if you think you might be experiencing it. You will take away critical resources and have a better sense of whether it’s time to reach out for professional help.
DEFINING POSTPARTUM
To begin, the postpartum period is considered to extend the full year after a child is born. That’s right, your body and mind are adjusting and regulating to an entirely new reality for a full year. There is no bouncing back. You are on an entirely new path. Postpartum depression (PPD) statistics tell us that for up to 15% of women, PPD is a very real reality of this new season of your life.
WHAT DOES POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION FEEL LIKE?
Symptoms range from crying, feelings of guilt, difficulty bonding with your baby, irritability, or possible thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. These symptoms can start anytime from pregnancy through the first year after birth, making it difficult to identify as postpartum depression for some people. It can also be confusing because of the well known baby blues. A key factor to differentiate the two is that baby blues are feelings of sadness or overwhelm that typically only last 2-4 weeks as your hormones are adjusting. If you continue to have overwhelming feelings for weeks to months after your baby is born, you no longer have baby blues and should contact your healthcare provider to discuss postpartum depression or anxiety.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION?
If the symptoms listed above resonate with you and you have had them for longer than a month, it’s definitely time to chat with your doctor or therapist about the possibility of postpartum depression. Many professionals will have you take a short inventory to help determine the severity of your symptoms and let you know their assessment. It’s important to note that it is normal to feel overwhelmed with intense emotions after having a baby and you might not have postpartum depression but it never hurts you or your baby for you to check in with a provider and get assessed.
RESOURCES for POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
If you feel you may have postpartum depression or a professional has told you that you do have it, there are several resources available to you. These include:
Medication – There are several medications that your doctor may prescribe to help with PPD, many of which are SSRI’s. Studies have proven SSRI’s to be safe for breastfeeding women to take without harm to their babies. Your doctor should discuss possible risks and benefits of any suggested medication with you and you should feel comfortable asking any questions you might have about them.
Therapy – Therapy is good for all people but particularly during life changing events like having a baby. Wouldn’t it be great if all postpartum women were able to access long term therapy? You should definitely reach out to a therapist who specializes in reproductive mental health if you are struggling through your postpartum process or join a support group at the least. Postpartum Support International has dozens of free support groups that could aid you in your process.
Perinatal Bonding Programs – If you are struggling to bond with your baby and feel your symptoms are more severe than you can handle day-to-day, please consider a perinatal bonding day program. These programs are specifically designed to support your mental health, help you to bond with your baby, and provide education on all things mothering an infant. They are more intensive and can offer much greater practical support for those who need more than an hour of therapy per week. Swedish Hospital has one in Seattle and Women and Infant’s Hospital has one in Providence if you are a client of mine in Washington State or Rhode Island.
Friends and Family – Finally, as difficult as it can be to need help, it is critical to reach out to your support network via friends and family. Let people know that you are struggling and come up with a list of ways they can help. It can be as simple as having someone come over and fold laundry, deliver meals, run some errands, etc. Any way that you can ease your load by allowing your community to help will be of service to you, your baby, and even those who love you. People generally want to help when they know you are struggling.
As discussed, postpartum has a range of a full year. There is nothing to be ashamed of if you are struggling during this vulnerable time. You are not failing. You are experiencing a radical shift in your life and you deserve informed care. It is possible to feel joyful and free again. So take advantage of the resources listed about or reach out to me directly if you feel you may be experiencing postpartum depression. I am glad to be of support.