postpartum depression

Having a baby is a wonderful and exciting time in a woman's life. But it is also a major change and this can upset the balance in your life.  If you are experiencing depression or anxiety during or after your pregnancy there a few things we want to you know right away:

• You're not alone!
• You're not to blame!
• You will be well again!

About 80% of women will experience some mood upset within the first 2 weeks after childbirth.  This is completely normal. During pregnancy, the amount of two female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, in a woman's body increases greatly. In the first 24 hours after childbirth the amount of these hormones rapidly drops back down to their normal non-pregnant levels resulting in mood upsets such as feeling tearful. This should resolve on its own without any problem.  But, for about 10% of women it doesn't go away and this is when we start to consider the possibility of a perinatal mood disorder. 

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services depression is one of the most common complications during and after pregnancy.  Perinatal mood disorders respond well to treatment so you have every reason to be hopeful that with the right kind of help you will be yourself again.

During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and experiencing depression or anxiety that is interfering with your ability to work, socialize, take care of your daily responsibilities or take care of yourself and your unborn baby you should talk with your doctor and consider meeting with a qualified counselor about what you are going through. Some factors increase the risk of having depression or anxiety during and after pregnancy. They are:

• History of depression, anxiety or substance abuse
• Previous episodes of postpartum depression
• Family history of mental illness
• Lack of emotional or hands-on support
• Anxiety about the baby’s health
• Previous miscarriages or stillbirth
• Marital or financial problems
• Young age (of mother)

After Pregnancy

While there is no guaranteed way to ensure against postpartum depression early identification is key.  If it is has been more than 3 weeks since you had your baby and you are still struggling you should talk to your doctor about your symptoms and consider meeting with a counselor to help your through this difficult time.

Common Symptoms of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety

• Feeling sad and tearful
• Inability to sleep or sleeping too much
• Changes in your appetite
• Fear of being left alone with your new infant
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Feelings of guilt and shame
• Feeling that your baby would be better off without you

You can get better and we can help. We work closely with you to add important components to your support system, teach you powerful mind/body techniques to reduce stress and anxiety and assist you in making needed lifestyle changes to improve your health and wellbeing. We will also work with your partner or spouse to help them understand what you are going through and how they can be helpful.  As a new mom it's more important than ever that you take care of yourself so you can meet the challenges of motherhood head-on. 

If you think it may be time to talk with a counselor please call us at 505-821-5894 for a free phone consultation.  You can also email us.

Remember, you are not alone. You are not to blame and you will be well again.