10 Tips For New Moms About Pregnancy & Postpartum Mood Disorders

We have this picture of a glowing pregnant mother who is smiling and has her hands resting on her “bump.” Perhaps a new mother gazing tenderly at the child she is holding serves as our mental representation of motherhood. Dad’s arm was slung across her shoulder, grinning down at the infant.

Then there is the truth. It might be challenging to get pregnant or have a baby. Women often endure significant hormonal changes or major life transitions, such as financial strain from quitting a job or moving from the city to the suburbs. Additionally, many women no longer live with their parents and receive little help from their families. Many people lack significant emotional or practical assistance, not even from the father of the child. Women who have previously experienced or have a family history of mood disorders like anxiety and depression are also more likely to experience them during pregnancy or after giving birth.

All of these elements have an impact on a woman’s mothering experience and coping mechanisms. Remember that these 10 suggestions are intended for women who are curious about what postpartum and pregnant mood disorders are, how to avoid them, and how to obtain therapy if your experience of motherhood hasn’t been what you had hoped.

5 Things To Do That Help

1. Recognize that women don’t just experience postpartum depression

2. Be aware that mood disorders related to pregnancy and childbirth go beyond feeling down.

3. Pick a medical professional with knowledge of treating prenatal mood problems.

4. Learn about the risks so you can get preventative help.

5. Do what you need to do for yourself to feel better.

5 Things That Don’t Help

1. Consider yourself the only person who feels this way.

2. confusion between postpartum depression and the baby blues

3. So harsh with yourself

4. Do you believe that mothers with PPD will damage themselves or their unborn children?

5. alone, suffer

Do realize that women don’t just get depression after the baby is born

Research has shown us that many women suffer these symptoms throughout pregnancy as well. Previously, we used to believe that depression only occurs postpartum (after the baby is born), and we focused on treating postpartum depression (PPD). Contrary to what many people think, pregnancy does not shield women from experiencing depression. 15% of pregnant women also struggle significantly emotionally during their pregnancy. Once research on this topic became more focused, we also found that symptoms of pregnancy and postpartum can include anxiety, obsessional compulsive disorder (OCD), and posttraumatic stress (PTSD).

Do know pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders are more than feeling sad

Although everyone is unique and no two women feel exactly the same way, perinatal mood disorders may include a combination of the following symptoms:

• Angry or irritable thoughts

• Absence of concern for the infant

• Food cravings and sleep issues

• tears of sadness

• Guilt, shame, or hopelessness emotions

• loss of enthusiasm, joy, or enjoyment in previously enjoyed activities

• Possibilities of injuring yourself or the child

• constantly worn out

• cry a lot, seemingly for no reason.

• I’m in a panic

• extreme concern for her health or the health of the child

• lack compassion for the infant

Statements such as these below are very common:

Mothers:

• I have the want to flee.

• I no longer feel like myself.

• I’m a bad mother and a bad person.

• I think I’m going insane!

• I occasionally consider harming myself or the infant.

Partners:

• When I arrive home, I never know what to anticipate.

• Will my companion ever change?

• I don’t know how to help her, but something is very wrong.

• Living with a depressed individual is challenging.

• Everything I do in her presence is wrong, and I have to tread carefully.

These feelings and sensations are perplexing since they go against what most women anticipate feeling, but there is support out there if you need it, so you don’t have to stay in this state of mind.

Do choose a provider who has experience treating perinatal mood disorders

When treating perinatal mood disorders, however, you should find a mental health professional who has specialized training and experience in treating pregnant and postpartum women. It is also a good idea to ask the following questions. Before you arrive for the examination, a skilled therapist won’t mind speaking with you to address your worries and questions.

• What specific training do you have in diagnosing and treating perinatal mood disorders?

Anybody can declare themselves an authority. To find out how many pregnant or postpartum women they have treated, inquire about the conferences, courses, workshops, etc. they have recently attended or presented at. When the therapist has a lot of experience, treatment goes faster.

• Do you belong to any organization that educates its members about PPD?

Postpartum Support International is the leading organization in the United States.

What type of psychotherapy are you trained in?

According to studies, the most effective treatments for PPD are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IP). While IP focuses on your behavior and interactions with family, friends, and other people in your life, CBT can help you discover and alter false ideas of yourself and the world around you. Psychoanalysis that lasts for several months or even years is typically not the best treatment option for PPD.

Do read up on risk factors so you can seek preventative help

It is unclear why some women experience prenatal mental disorders while others do not. We are unable to isolate a single reason. According to some researchers, it is mostly caused by the quick hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy and after giving birth. Others believe it has more to do with personality, coping mechanisms, or challenging environmental situations. There is no doubt that social, psychological, and biological variables all contribute.

Physical:

• treatment history for infertility

• thyroid dysfunction

• Diabetes (type 1, type 2 or gestational) (type 1, type 2 or gestational)

• Obstetric, delivery, or nursing complications

Psychological:

• Postpartum depression, anxiety, or depression in the past

• family history of mental illnesses

• dysphoria prior to menstruation (PMDD or PMS)

Social:

• inadequate sentimental and practical support for taking care of the infant

• financial anxiety

• marital tension

• Important recent life events: death, relocation, and job loss

• mothers of many children

• mothers of newborns receiving intensive care (NICU)

It is advisable to speak with a therapist before delivering the baby if you have any of these risk factors, especially if you have ever experienced depression or anxiety. This will allow you to receive the help you require.

Do give yourself what you need to feel better

It’s crucial to give yourself permission to solicit and accept assistance from your partner, family, and friends. The most crucial thing is to think about what will make you feel better. Although every person is unique, in general, become conscious of your own needs, which are separate from those of the infant, and allow yourself to get:

• Support and trustworthy information on overcoming sadness and anxiety

• Medications and/or therapy from a reputable healthcare provider

• Maintaining a healthy diet and eating every three hours will help you maintain stable blood sugar.

• relaxation and childcare breaks

• Getting outside, moving, and breathing fresh air

• conversing with other women and families who have overcome it and are doing well

• Realistic assistance with tasks

Don’t think you are the only one to feel like this

A rising body of research has revealed that between 15% and 20% of women experience postpartum depression, and there has been an increase in awareness of postpartum mood disorders over the past two decades. So, if it is the proportion of women who genuinely express their emotions, consider the amount of additional women who would prefer not to do so. The percentages can even be higher for teen parents and are considerably greater for women who are simultaneously experiencing poverty. Perinatal mood problems can affect women from all races, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. During pregnancy and the first 12 months following childbirth, symptoms might arise at any time.

Don’t get confused between the baby blues and postpartum depression

The baby blues, which afflict 60–80% of new mothers, are characterized by recurrent and protracted sobbing spells, anxiety, mood fluctuations, and a feeling of vulnerability. A woman’s milk usually starts to come in around the same time as she gets the blues. The first three days are typically when baby blues start, but they can last for up to a week. When symptoms of postpartum mood disorders last longer than two weeks and become more severe and incapacitating, they are identified.

Don’t be so hard on yourself

Women frequently have very high standards for themselves. They think they should naturally know what to do and be the only one with the necessary skills to feed the baby, soothe the baby, and complete all tasks successfully. Many women also think they shouldn’t need to seek for assistance because other people are taking care of things. Since we have a tendency to put on a show and conceal our true emotions, I’m sure it appears to others that you are doing just well. Women only start to open up when they express how alone and unprepared they feel. Everyone may use some assistance when having a baby. It’s not always possible or convenient for our own mothers and families to assist us,We must therefore request me.

When ladies visit me, I frequently ask them to write down and repeat to themselves these words when times are difficult:

1. I have no power over everything.

2. Right now, I’m doing the best I can, and that’s fine.

3. I’ll attempt to stay in the now and concentrate on one item at a time.

4. I’ll strive to be adaptable

5. I cherish both my family and myself.

Do not think women with PPD are going to harm themselves or their babies

We only learn about perinatal mental problems when a mother has a rare and dramatic reaction and kills her infant or commits suicide. This is because the media frequently only highlights more sensational instances. Because of this, many mothers are now too afraid to express their emotions out of concern that someone might kidnap their child. You are likely experiencing the more common symptoms mentioned above because this extreme reaction, known as Postpartum Psychosis, is quite uncommon.

Women endure significant confusion, delusions, auditory hallucinations, fast and illogical speech, and hyperactive behavior during a postpartum psychotic episode, which affects 0.1% of women. Only a very small fraction of this 0.1% may experience a psychotic break and try to harm themselves or their unborn child. The majority of these reactions happen between 3 and 14 days after birth. Psychosis is a dangerous condition that frequently necessitates hospitalization, treatment, and prompt medical intervention. Because of this, there is a very little chance that you will hurt your child. Professionals are aware of this and want to help you, not punish you, so please ask for assistance.

Don’t suffer alone

Treatment is accessible and very beneficial. Many women feel they should persevere and go it alone since they are the only ones who aren’t enjoying parenthood. But assistance is available, and you are not alone.

• Make a phone call to your doctor. They can examine your symptoms to see whether they have a physical cause, such as thyroid malfunction.

• Contact a therapist who focuses on helping expectant or recently delivered ladies.

• Speak with a support group.

• I am the director of this non-profit organization and we have a ton of information regarding symptoms and what works, as well as support groups in Illinois, if you live in Illinois. If you live outside of Illinois, call Postpartum Support International at 1-800-944-4PPD or visit their website to connect with a local supporter who can also connect you with resources in your area.

• To free up some time for self-care, ask friends or family for assistance.

• The most essential thing is to find someone you can trust and express your feelings to. You are not the only one who is experiencing this, and with support, your mood will improve. Additionally, you and your husband need to learn how to handle immediate mental health difficulties if you have PPD and are suffering from serious depression.

Summary

Women can get overwhelmed by mood disorders including depression and anxiety both during pregnancy and after giving birth. These are known as perinatal mood disorders (PPMDs).

If you are a woman who is pregnant or recently gave birth and are suffering any of the symptoms listed above, or if your spouse, a friend, or a family member is exhibiting these symptoms, please seek out professional support. Make an appointment with your doctor for a full medical examination, which must include a thyroid screening because an under- or hyperactive thyroid as well as other disorders might resemble the symptoms of sadness or anxiety. Mental health experts like psychologists (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), or licensed clinical professional counselors (LCPC) can assist when there isn’t an underlying medical problem.

The majority of women who experience postpartum mood disorders are aware that something is wrong but frequently do not seek assistance. Recall that the symptoms are transient and that they can be treated with expert professional care and social support.