Let's first go over the facts-
15-25% (and thats just reported cases, most woman dont say anything) of woman suffer from some form of postpartum. Its not just depression that can happen, it can manifest itself in the form of pp anxiety, pp ocd (obsessive compulsive disorder) ptsd (post traumatic stress disorder) and even pp psychosis.
It can start anytime while you are still pregnant (mine starts in the 3rd trimester every time) or any time in the first 12 months after delivery. Which means your baby can easily be 8 months old when it starts! I will also add the the social worker I met with at my 6 week PP appointment with Weston said that it can start any time within TWO years. (I met with her because I was showing signs of PPD already)
The great thing is you can GET HELP! And if you or someone you know is suffering please don't suffer a second longer. Its not something to be embarrassed about or ashamed of. It's not a question about loving your baby or whether you are good mom. You didn't cause this, it is NOT your fault. And no, no one is going to call CPS on you. By getting help you are proving just HOW much you love yourself and your baby. You are sound enough to put their needs first.
Symptoms may include-
feeling sad or depressed
feeling irratable or angry with those around you
having difficulty bonding with your baby
feeling anxious or panicky
having problems with sleeping and/or eating
having upsetting thoughts you cant get out of your mind
feeling out of control or like you are "going crazy"
feeling like you should have never become a mother
worried you might hurt your baby or yourself
Baby center has a quiz that is similar to the one a doctor will give you, you can take that HERE
It is so important you dont ignore these symptoms. Baby blues go away, this doesn't. And dont be afraid to talk about it- talking can help.
Hello, my name is Lauren, and I suffer from postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and a little postpartum OCD. It's nice to meet you.
1 comment:
A dear friend of mine suffered from pp psychosis. I can't even imagine. Thank you Lauren for talking about it. I have many friends who have husbands who think their wives are choosing to be this way and that simply is not the case. People need to learn about this condition.
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