Postpartum depression is a real issue that can strike any woman after childbirth, without warning. Hormone fluctuations can make even the most grounded and well-balanced mom feel “off.” And for many moms, we have a need to have the perfect life with our baby, and feel embarrassed if life doesn’t seem quite right.
For some, postpartum depression goes beyond what is considered “normal.” If you suffer from 3 or more of the symptoms below after having a baby, talk to someone and get help.
- I feel more tired than I think I should feel now that I’ve given birth.
- I feel overwhelmed now that the new baby is here, and I can’t think of what to do next.
- I don’t think I’m a good mother, and I’m notable to care for my baby like I want to.
- I have had bouts of depression in the past and/or it runs in my family.
- I am not the perfect mom I want to be.
- I don’t even know who I am anymore.
- I hate the way I look; I’m not even the same person.
- There is too much other stress in my life to be the mom I want to be.
- I use legal or illegal substances more than I should.
- I don’t have the support from my partner and family that I need.
- I feel like I’m going to “come unglued” at any moment, and I want to just run and hide.
Having a child takes a toll on a woman’s body, and postartum depression isn’t something imagined. While it can happen in varying degrees to women, it is an issue that needs to be considered.
The best treatment for postpartum depression is talk therapy and maybe even a mild anti-depressant. If you or someone you know exhibits the symptoms above in abundance (i.e. more than what would be considered “normal”), get help form a professional.
Photo credit: Lst1984 @ flickr
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