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As a new mother, you are prepared for tons of dirty diapers, multiple loads of laundry, middle of the night feedings, and many new responsibilities that come with parenting. But are you prepared for the possibility of depression and anxiety?
Depression and anxiety can occur both during and after pregnancy. This is known as Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), which refer to mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, as well as anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorders. These symptoms can interfere with a mother’s emotional wellness, her ability to bond with her infant and her overall functioning.
According to Postpartum Support International, one in seven women will experience a mood or anxiety disorder within the first-year of delivering a baby. The percentage is even greater for women who are dealing with poverty and twice as likely in teen mothers. And although, 15% of women will experience depression and/or anxiety, many do not seek the help that they need. Becoming a new parent can be stressful and there is a normal adjustment to parenting. What many new mothers fail to realize; however, are that these feelings of depression and anxiety are not uncommon; and therefore, new mothers who experience such challenges should not be ashamed.
If you or someone you know is a parent who is struggling, this is what you need to know:
The Facts:
DEPRESSION
Approximately 15% of women experience significant depression following childbirth.
Symptoms
Feeling down or depressed
Feeling angry or irritable
Lack of interest in the baby
Crying and sadness
Feelings of guilt, shame or hopelessness
Changes in sleep and/or appetite
Loss of interest, joy or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
Thoughts of harming the baby or yourself
ANXIETY
Approximately 6% of pregnant women and 10% of postpartum women develop anxiety. Anxiety can be experienced on its own or in addition to depression.
Symptoms
Constant worry
Feeling like something bad is going to happen
Intrusive thoughts, often about harm towards the baby
Racing thoughts
Disturbances in sleep and appetite
Inability to sit still
Constant checking on the baby
Physical symptoms like dizziness, heart palpitations, chest pain, and nausea
BIPOLAR MOOD DISORDERS
There are two phases of a bipolar mood disorder: the lows and the highs.
Symptoms:
Periods of severely depressed mood and irritability
Periods of mania where mood is much better than normal
Rapid speech
Racing thoughts
Little need for sleep
Difficulty concentrating
Continuous high energy
Overconfidence
Anxiety
Impulsiveness, poor judgment, distractibility
Grandiosity and paranoia
Grandiose thoughts, inflated sense of self-importance
In the most severe cases, delusions and hallucinations
PSYCHOSIS
Although sensationalized in the media, postpartum psychosis is a rare illness, compared to the rates of postpartum depression or anxiety. It occurs in approximately 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 deliveries.
Symptoms
Delusions or strange beliefs
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
Not connected to reality
Feeling very irritated
Hyperactivity
Decreased need for sleep
Paranoia and suspiciousness
Rapid mood swings
Difficulty communicating at times
Information from Postpartum Support International
The Resources:
Suicide Prevention Line: 800-273-8255
PSI Warmline: 800-944-4773
Text4Baby: 4-2229
Emergency hotlines are free and anonymous. It is very important that you reach out to find the support and information you need in order to keep you safe. In the event of an emergency, always call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room.
For more information contact Jamie Kreiter, LCSW here.
Reference: Postpartum Support International. (2017). Pregnancy & Postpartum Mental Health. Retrieved from http://www.postpartum.net/learn-more/pregnancy-postpartum-mental-health/
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