Becoming a mother is seen as one of the happiest, most life changing event a woman can experience. But for a lot of women, pregnancy and giving birth are rife with a serious mood disorder known as postpartum disorder (PPD). If you or someone you know is experiencing PPD, joining a new parent support group and talking about how you feel can lighten the burden.
4 FAQs about Postpartum Disorder
PPD is far more common than most people think. It affects around 20% of women. But unfortunately, a lot of them go untreated due to misconceptions and lack of awareness.
If you’re experiencing depression during and after your pregnancy, you may be experiencing PPD. Learn more about the condition below:
- What is PPD? Like depression, PPD includes symptoms such as feelings of anxiety, sadness, and exhaustion. You may also feel demotivated. OCD, mood swings, and panic attacks are also not uncommon.
It’s usually accompanied by an inability to bond and care for her unborn or new-born child. In addition, mothers with PPD often feel irritable, and are unable to take care of themselves. They may also cry often.
- Is PPD the same as the “baby blues?” No. Post-birth, some women experience symptoms like anxiety, sleeping problems, depression, and frequent crying. This is commonly known as the baby blues. But unlike PPD, the baby blues only last for a few days up to a couple of weeks, and it gets better without treatment. Postpartum depression lasts longer. And with more severe symptoms, patients generally need treatment to recover.
- What are the symptoms of postpartum depression? PPD affects individuals in different ways. But there are some common warning signs to look for:
- Persistent empty, anxious, or sad mood
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- No interest in bonding with, caring for, or being alone with the baby
- No interest in one’s usual hobbies
- Outbursts of rage or anger directed at others
- Restlessness and being fidgety
- Avoiding tasks and responsibilities
- Sleeping difficulties like insomnia or oversleeping
- Appetite issues
- Issues with remembering, concentrating, and making decisions
- Suicidal thoughts and attempts
- Physical issues like headaches, pains, aches, digestive problems, and cramps. Most of the time, these are without apparent cause and does not go away without treatment
Furthermore, understanding these symptoms will help you identify the warning signs in you or someone you know. The ability to describe the signs can also help mental health professionals and physicians determine its severity and the proper treatment plan.
- Who is at risk for PPD? Anyone can experience PPD, but some women are at greater risk than others like mothers who have:
- History of mental illness and depression
- Unplanned pregnancies
- Lack access to a support system to help with child care
- Underwent severe health, financial, emotional, or relationship stress recently
Find Compassionate Support for Postpartum Disorder
At Talking for Therapy, you’ll always find someone willing to listen. Let us help you navigate the complex emotions surrounding motherhood and postpartum disorder. We can also help you find a local new parent support group and other resources to help you.
Aside from PPD support, you can call us for anything you want to talk about. Learn how to help a husband with depression, improve your mental health awareness, receive emotional help, and more. Book an appointment today and let’s talk about YOU.
