Baby blues & postpartum depression Why am I upset?
Your baby has just arrived,
and you’re feeling on top of the world. So why are you crying? You are
simply at the mercy of your hormones as they adjust. Like the majority
of new moms, you’re going through a tearful phase and may feel
overwhelmed by the thought of your new responsibilities as a parent. But
be reassured, this is known as the “baby blues” and happens to most
mothers about three days after the birth, as hormonal changes wreak
havoc on your emotions. It should ease within two weeks, but if you
continue to feel upset, you may be experiencing postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression
Feeling
distressed as the weeks go by, having a sense that other mothers can
cope but you can’t, or feeling low during your baby’s first year means
you may be experiencing postpartum depression. This can continue from a
few weeks to several months, but getting professional help will shorten
the time you feel depressed and make your recovery smoother.
You may be feeling
Exhausted even when you’ve just woken up.
Empty, sad, and tearful often.
Guilty and ashamed that you’re not happy or that you don’t love your baby enough.
Anxious for yourself or fearful for your baby.
Scared of being alone or going out.
Irritable, angry, and agitated.
| Q: |
Who gets postpartum depression?
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| A: |
You may think you’re the only one feeling this way, but it’s not
true. One or two mothers in 10 will go through postpartum depression.
You’re more likely to suffer if you’ve been depressed before or had a
stressful pregnancy or labor. Seek help from the following:
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Health professionals
Your pediatrician will ask
you how you are feeling at your well-child check-ups—speak openly about
your emotions and fears. Your doctors are trained to recognize
postpartum depression and know how to get you help; they may link you
into local services to support new parents. Your doctor may also
recommend that you take medication such as antidepressants, and will
need to know if you’re breastfeeding in order to choose the best ones to
suit you and ensure that the medicine does not affect your baby. He or
she may also recommend you attend some psychological therapy. This
usually involves meeting one on one, or in a small group with other new
moms, with a qualified psychologist or counselor who will try to help
you understand why you are feeling this way.
Wider family and friends
These people can
support you by listening to your worries. Let them know you simply need
to talk, and ask them to avoid treating your concerns as trivial—this
can become frustrating when it doesn’t match how you feel at that time.
They could also help you make and get to appointments with doctors and
assist with day-to-day tasks such as shopping and cleaning. Helpful
relatives may be tempted to take over the care of your baby to give you a
break. However, this can deepen your sense that you’re not good enough
as a parent, so ask them to keep you company and help with practical
tasks rather than whisk your baby away.
Your partner
As well as offering you
love and commitment, a partner can care for your baby while you take a
little time to care for yourself. Partners: Remember that depression is
an illness and people can’t just “snap out of it.” If others are likely
to take this view, you can help by defending your partner from such
unwanted and unsympathetic “advice.”
Different types of therapy
Your doctor may
recommend that you attend some psychological therapy. Cognitive
behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) are common
approaches. These usually involve meeting one on one with a qualified
psychologist or therapist about once a week. Appointments are usually
held in private at a doctor’s office, since it is easier to speak openly
away from the usual interruptions of home life. Another option is to
have non-directive or listening support from a counselor who will
encourage you to talk and help you express yourself. This can happen at a
clinic or in your home if you prefer. This is an opportunity for you to
explore any worries that come to mind.
| Q: |
What does each therapy offer?
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| A: |
CBT
is based on the idea that how a person thinks affects her emotional
reactions. It aims to help people challenge their current thinking
patterns, therefore altering how they feel and behave. It is often
effective after four to six meetings.
IPT
focuses on the relationships in a person’s life, and is based on the
belief that social context can affect psychological difficulties, so
working with people on their history and interpersonal skills will
assist their recovery. The exact length of treatment varies from person
to person.
Non-directive therapy
(also known as client-centered or Rogerian therapy) is based on the
premise that through exploring your thoughts and feelings with a warm
and empathic listener, you can understand and resolve your difficulties.
Little advice or direction is given during this therapy, and it is your
choice what areas you consider. The length of treatment varies
considerably; when to finish is a personal decision.
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Don’t suffer alone
Postpartum depression can get in the way of your relationship with your baby and your partner. Ask for help as soon as you can.
Get enough rest
Let your partner, or
friends and family help out while you recover from the strain of giving
birth. Getting enough sleep will help your body and hormones recover
more quickly.
Sympathetic ear
Talking to a counselor or
therapist is an effective way of tackling depression. Look for state
licenses or certification when choosing your listener during this
challenging time.
