Postpartum Depression
You're not alone.
The Emotional Struggles of Pregnancy
Women go through a lot of emotional, physical and hormonal changes when having a baby. These changes can affect her moods and how she acts and feels. Serious mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression (PPD) impact about 15 to 20 percent of all women who give birth.
The "baby blues" are a normal experience.
About 80 percent of new moms experience the "baby blues." Because it is so common and the symptoms are milder, it is not considered a mood disorder. Symptoms may include crying spells, mood swings, feeling sad, anxious or overwhelmed. The "baby blues" usually start a few days after delivery and last a couple weeks. The symptoms go away on their own, especially when mothers get more sleep, eat healthy and receive emotional support.
Characteristics of Postpartum Depression:
- Symptoms can happen days, weeks or months after birth.
- It's caused by a change in brain chemistry. It is not your fault.
- It's treatable with counseling and/or medication.
Signs of Postpartum Mood & Anxiety Disorders:
- Excessive worrying and anxiety
- Irritability
- Persistent crying or sadness
- Inability to sleep, even when you're exhausted
- Difficulty concentrating
- Not finding pleasure in things you used to enjoy
- Changes in appetite
- Thoughts of suicide
- Inability to take care of yourself or your baby
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Extreme changes in your behavior
Women at risk include those who:
- Have previously experienced postpartum mood disorders or another psychiatric illness, such as anxiety.
- Have recently experienced high level of stress.
- Don't get at least five uninterrupted hours of sleep a night.
- Don't have support from a partner, family members or friends.
- Experience domestic violence.
Partners Can Experience PPD Too
A report in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that 10 percent of men or non-birthing parents worldwide showed signs of depression. This can happen from the first trimester of their partner's pregnancy through six months after the child was born. Men or non-birthing parents may feel detached from caregiving, helpless, irritable or overwhelmed by the new family dynamic. They may also feel anxious or have grief over the loss of the old relationship with their partner. Treating a new father/non-birthing parent for PPD can affect the overall health of a family. It's important to address these mood changes as soon as possible.
Call Your Healthcare Provider
Your doctor can help you determine if you are struggling with PPD. You may also seek counseling on your own without a referral. If you hallucinate (see things that aren't there) or fear that you will harm yourself or your baby, call 911 or go to the Emergency Room.
Resources:
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Call (800) 944-4773
Text in English (503) 894-9453
Text in Spanish (971) 203-7773
https://www.postpartum.net/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call (800) 273-8255
Local Services:
Broadlawns Pregnancy & Postpartum Depression & Anxiety Support Group
Register Here!
UnityPoint Clinic Counseling & Psychiatry - Lakeview
(515) 241-2300
UnityPoint Clinic Behavioral Health Urgent Care - Des Moines
(515) 263-2632
UnityPoint Health – Eyerly Ball (Polk, Story and Warren Counties)
(515) 241-0982
EveryStep
(515) 558-9946