Depression…The Facts
I think that it is important for everyone to know the facts about postpartum depression for many reasons. 1. So you
don’t think I am crazy; 2. So you know that you are not alone if you are feeling any of the symptoms. If you are just tuning in, go here to read part 1 and part 2 of my ongoing tales of depression.
There are different types of depression for new moms…
Many new moms experience the baby blues – a mild, brief bout of depression – for a few days or weeks after giving birth. However, 10 percent to 20 percent of new moms will experience a more severe form of depression – known as postpartum or perinatal depression – that can interfere with daily life. Some women may even develop postpartum psychosis, a rare but severe illness.
The type of depression that I can relate most to is postpartum depression, so that will be the focus of my posts.
Postpartum depression is a condition that is characterized by intense feelings of sadness, despair, anxiety and irritability. The symptoms are usually long lasting and may occur anytime within the first year of giving birth. It often affects a woman’s ability to function, and without medical attention, the symptoms may worsen.
There are many signs of postpartum depression, here are a few…
- Restlessness, anger or irritability
- Sadness, feel like crying a lot
- Worthlessness or guilt
- Fear of hurting your baby or yourself
- Overly worried about the baby or not concerned about the baby at all
- Little or no energy
- Headaches, chest pains, rapid heartbeat, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, or fast and shallow breathing
- Trouble sleeping well
- Poor eating habits
- Trouble focusing, remembering or making decisions
- Little interest in things you used to enjoy, including sex
If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms/ signs… you are NOT alone. If you think you might have some of these symptoms, you might want to take this quiz to see what your next move should be.
Now you have the facts, stay tuned for future updates on how I’m handling my own depression.
