You just gave birth to a bouncing baby boy. The whole family is rejoicing. Everyone seems to be happy except you. You notice you are experiencing feelings like irritation, anger, anxiety, depression and even finding it difficult to bond with your baby.
Well, it could be that you are suffering from postpartum depression.
This seems like a rare condition but it is actually not. It is a serious condition affecting mothers especially new mothers. In Nigeria, 1 in 5 women have experienced postpartum depression.
What Does Postpartum Depression (PPD) Mean?
Postpartum depression is a mental health condition that affects you after giving birth. It causes you to experience frequent mood swings, anger, tiredness and can even affect you in taking care of your baby. It is also known as postnatal depression.
According to the NHS, 1 in 10 women globally experience postpartum depression every year.
Having a baby can be a very life-changing event which can be affect you both physically and emotionally. Your daily life starts revolving around your child and you may not have time to take care of yourself.
Your body also changes and your hormones fluctuate which can lead to mood swings, tiredness, etc.
How Common is Postpartum Depression?
In Nigeria, it is so common that it affects 20-35% of new mothers and even this number is not totally correct. This is because many women fail to speak up about it and so it goes unreported.
What does Postpartum Depression look like?
Here are a few signs that you may be experiencing postpartum depression:
- Frequent crying.
- Insomnia/difficulty sleeping.
- Loss of appetite / weight loss.
- Feelings of shame, hopelessness and embarrassment.
- Constant fatigue/tiredness.
- Dislike/lack of interest in your baby.
- Having suicidal thoughts.
- Loss of interest in your hobbies/interests.
- Headaches/stomach pains.
What Causes Postpartum/Postnatal Depression?
Some of the factors that can cause you to experience postpartum depression are:
- Family/genetic factors: If your family has a history of postpartum depression i.e if the mothers in your family have experienced postpartum depression in the past, then you may be at risk of experiencing it too.
- Changes to your body: During pregnancy, your body experiences physical changes and hormonal changes. You may also start feeling insecure about your body which can cause you to feel tired, stressed and depressed.
- Fear of the inability to take good care about of your baby: This is very common especially if you are a first time mother. You may feel inadequate or doubt yourself and your ability to take care of your child. This can make you feel anxious and depressed.
Other causes of postpartum depression are marital conflicts, depression before pregnancy, financial lack, premature delivery, etc.
How Long Does Postpartum Depression Lasts?
There is no specific time on how long you can experience postpartum depression. It can last as long as one year or even more than that. What matters is that you seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
How to Overcome Postpartum Depression
- Regular Therapy: To treat postpartum depression, you may need to speak to a therapist. By talking to a therapist, you will get to the root of your depression and find out why you feel the way you do. They will also recommend ways on how you can cope and get better.
Book a session with a postpartum therapist here.
- Medication: There are drugs that would be given by your medical doctor/practitioner for treating postpartum depression such as antidepressants. If you experience signs of postpartum depression, be sure to consult with your doctor.
- Make Lifestyle Changes: This is a way to treat postpartum depression alongside the options mentioned above. Apart from therapy and medications, you should also make some changes in your lifestyle like:
- Regularly exercising and staying active.
- Eating healthy and balanced meals.
- Regular rest and sleep. It might be hard to sleep when you have a baby but you need to make time for it. You can consider having your partner or relative take care of your baby so you can have time to sleep.
- Be ready to ask people for help in taking care of your baby. Don’t do it alone.
- Practice your hobbies/interests that makes you feel good and reduce your stress like reading, dancing, spa treatments, etc.
ALSO READ: 10 Self-care Practices to Help You Relax and Unwind
Where Can I Find Postpartum Depression Treatment Near Me
At Mycarebuddy, we offer postpartum depression therapy services both online and offline at affordable prices. You can contact us online at we.care@mycarebuddyhq.com to book a session with us.
We can also provide physical or face-to-face therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
A. Is Postpartum Depression the Same as Baby Blues?
No. Postpartum depression is not the same as baby blues.
Baby blues occurs after giving birth and it can cause you to feel stressed, experience frequent mood swings and anxiety, etc. However, this is a temporary condition and it usually ends within 1-2 weeks.
However postpartum depression lasts longer and can be more intense. There is also an increased risk of postpartum psychosis.
B. Is there a difference between Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Psychosis?
Yes, there is a difference between postpartum psychosis and postpartum depression.
Postpartum psychosis is a more severe and rare variation of postpartum depression. If you have postpartum psychosis, you experience more severe symptoms like hallucinations and delusions, paranoia, intense anger and it could go as far as trying to hurt your baby or yourself.
Postpartum psychosis also requires more immediate medical attention as there is an increased risk of you hurting or attempting to hurt your baby.
Conclusion
Postpartum depression is a condition that affects most mothers. It is not something to be ashamed of or embarrassed about.
If you are experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, book a therapy session for postpartum depression counseling here.
Remember postpartum depression is not your fault neither is it a character flaw. Do not be afraid to speak out and receive help.