Let’s talk about postpartum mood disorders
Most everyone knows that postpartum depression is something that can affect new moms. But did you know that postpartum anxiety is also a thing? How about postpartum rage? Postpartum psychosis? Yep, they can all happen and they DO all happen.
These things are not talked about enough. I know, I know, it seems like EVERYONE talks about mental health these days, right? What I mean is, when women go through these perinatal mood disorders, they often feel alone, guilty, like they have no good reason to be experiencing this. New moms expect to deal with diaper blowouts and sleepless nights- they don’t expect to deal with crippling mental health struggles that seem to pop up out of nowhere. And that’s why we need to talk about this subject more.
If women are aware that this can happen, that there’s no shame in experiencing it or seeking help for it, and how exactly to seek that help, we would have a lot less heartbreak and a lot more happy families.
So- what exactly SHOULD we be looking for when it comes to perinatal mood disorders?
For postpartum depression, it’s important to note that it’s different than baby blues. Baby blues is brought on by the sudden hormone changes that happen after delivery. PPD is something that is longer term and has an effect that lasts longer than a few days. There’s several warning signs to look out for. Here’s a few:
-Deep sadness that won’t go away
-Indifference towards your life
-Outbursts of anger
-Resentment towards your loved ones
-Feeling overwhelmed all the time
How about PPA (postpartum anxiety)? What even is that?! Well, much like “regular” anxiety, it’s anxiousness that can be brought on after having a baby. Having a newborn is already nerve wracking without the added stress of your brain telling you that something is wrong all of the time. Here’s what to look out for:
-Immense fear surrounding the baby’s safety (for instance, having to watch him sleep to make sure he’s breathing, inability to leave him to take care of your basic needs, panic when other people hold him, etc)
-Insomnia
-having to be in charge of every aspect of baby care because you’re afraid someone might do it wrong
-Feeling the need to take the baby to the doctor for everything
-Racing thoughts
-Sensory processing issues (my clothes feel too itchy, the sound of the chair squeaking is too loud, etc)
-Images of your baby being harmed flashing through your head
Postpartum rage is pretty self explanatory, but I wanted to mention it because it’s dismissed as a woman just being “witchy” (without the w, if you know what I mean). Women are scoffed at and made fun of for their anger- while someone might certainly have an anger problem, it’s important not to dismiss what could be postpartum rage as just an “attitude problem”. If you are struggling to stay calm and you feel your outbursts of anger are not normal, seek professional help. It may be more than just a short fuse!
I’d like to also touch on postpartum psychosis, even though I don’t have much experience with this particular perinatal mood disorder. PPP is an absolutely terrifying thing to experience and it should absolutely not be ignored. If you or you know someone who is a new a mom and they tell you that they are having visions or blacking out, get help immediately. I cannot stress this enough- PPP can become a life threatening situation for mom and baby if not handled right away. Again, moms, there is no shame in this- you literally cannot help what your mind and body go through after birth! But you absolutely can and should seek support.
Where exactly do you find that support, though? If that were more well known, I truly believe more women would get the help they need.
Start with your care provider. If you have a good relationship with them, they may be a good person to talk to. They can at least provide you with a list of therapists, counselors and psychologist in your area.
Postpartum doulas are an amazing resource for perinatal mood disorders- I truly believe every mother needs a postpartum doula! They are trained to look for signs of mood disorders, trained to be a listening and compassionate ear, and also will have a list of resources in your local area, probably ones that are more in line with your beliefs and values.
I will always sing the wonders of chiropractors! Not only is taking care of your spinal health good for all of you, many chiropractors have connections with therapists, emotional polarity technique professionals, reiki healers, natural solutions and more.
If you have a trusted friend or family member, talk to them as well. Having emotional support from someone who cares about you is going to have a different, more profound level of comfort than someone you are hiring.
I am going to make people mad with my next statement, but I think it needs to be said. I strongly recommend not going to a counselor without professional training, especially when it comes to postpartum support. These people are very well meaning, but may also be grossly misinformed on how to actually help women and families experiencing postpartum issues. It may very well cause more harm than good to seek their help.
One more thing- I know this is said so often, but don’t neglect your health after the baby is born. Eat foods that feel and taste good. Go to your doctor appointments. Get fresh air. Prioritize taking your supplements and getting on meds, if needed. Meet with friends who make you feel safe. Get in touch with who you are and remember that you are still YOU, even if you do have a baby! I didn’t do these enough, and it pushed me farther down into my depression and anxiety.
If you are struggling, my inbox and DMs are always open.
Join my FREE Facebook group for support, tips, giveaways and more, here;
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesemcrunchydoulafree/?ref=share
I am also a virtual postpartum doula, which means I can help any new mom in the world! If you’d like to book a call and start getting help, visit my website here and fill out the “contact me” form;
Comments
Post a Comment