What Is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is a serious mental health problem that affects more than 10 percent of new mothers. It can lead to severe physical and emotional problems for the mother and her baby and interfere with mother-child bonding. Many women experience the “baby blues” in the first few weeks after giving birth, but these symptoms are not as severe or long-lasting as postpartum depression.
Symptoms
Many women experience mood changes and feelings of sadness, loneliness, worthlessness, or anxiety after giving birth. If these symptoms last longer than two weeks or if you have other mental health problems, you may be suffering from postpartum depression. Other signs of postpartum depression include feelings of overwhelming sadness, anxiety, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, and a lack of sleep.
Treatment
Postpartum depression/anxiety can be treated with a variety of medications, therapy, and support groups. Antidepressants are often the first line of treatment for PPD, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine and sertraline. Other treatments for PPD include cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy and family or relationship counseling. The goal of these therapies is to learn how to manage emotions and cope with stress more effectively.
Reach Out For Help
If you or someone you know is experiencing postpartum depression/anxiety, there are people who are ready to help. Be a good listener and have them contact the professionals at Cornell & Associates Marriage and Family Therapy to get treatment for their depression. Contact them here today: https://cornellmfts.com/contact-us/
