Not all the women are able to enjoy their happiness after giving birth. Sometimes it is the Baby Blues, sometimes it is Postpartum Depression.
Baby Blues
I gave birth by cesarien and after a few days at the hospital, I came home. I did not get a chance to sleep much at the hospital due to the pain and all these amazing and mixed feelings (love, fear, pain, exhaustion).
We got home and though I was overwhelmed with my newborn, I started crying for no apparent reasons. One day I drank all the ice tea that was in my glass and started crying as there was none left. Then I started crying as it sounded so stupid that I cried for that.
After a few days of mixed feelings, I called my best friend and she came to visit. I started crying and told her I was ashamed of crying as I should just be happy. She explained that it happened to her also and that it was probably due to the change of hormones. It actually comes a few days following delivery and lasts around two weeks. Luckily after knowing it was normal, it took me a few more days and it went fine. That is the Baby Blues that 75% of women have experienced.
PostPartum Depression is very, very real.
The PostPartum Depression, called also PPD, is a mood disorder affecting a number of new moms and this is a serous mental health problem.
The key to understanding postpartum depression, whether you have this problem or someone close experiences it, is accepting that it is nobody’s fault.
Like many other mood disorders, postpartum depression is often considered to be an “imaginary” illness. The fact is that this condition is much more common than we would think, and it comes with a number of emotional but also physical symptoms.
The typical symptoms resemble some other conditions.
There is no single cause to blame for the postpartum depression.
Postpartum Depression may result from the physical exhaustion after giving birth and the sudden drop of hormones (which is normal after pregnancy) that might play with women’s moods.
Postpartum Depression causes a feeling of detachment.
Women experiencing postpartum depression usually feel detached from their child and/or their partner. Things get more complicated as they also feel detached from themselves.
That’s when the self-blame moments might start happening as well, which doesn’t make things any easier.
Some women have problems because they cannot express their detachment, feeling of being lost or being self-tortured by the guilt. Suppressing those feelings and not addressing them on time can be dangerous on a long-term scale.
Detachment caused by postpartum depression isn’t related to parental love.
The environment is sometimes’ too quick to judge women for seemingly “rejecting” their kids, not taking into account that these women are facing a serious health concern.
This condition revolves around moods – and moods are a swinging matter. Love, on the other hand, is an emotion, and emotions are more lasting. There can be tons of love hidden behind those nasty moods.
Postpartum depression is highly treatable.
In fact, not treating it can be dangerous. The therapy usually involves talk sessions with a therapist and using antidepressants. The antidepressants help women restore the balance of hormones while counseling helps them be stronger in the situation.
Sometimes joining an online or real life support group is also useful as an addition to medications and counseling. This wholesome type of therapy is very successful and gives notable results in a few weeks. Postpartum depression can last for months or even years if it isn’t treated.
What can be also difficult is to accept the situation and agreeing to seek for help especially if your family does not seem to understand or isn’t enough supportive. Not addressing the problem is the worst thing women suffering from this condition can do. It can leave serious consequences to their overall health, and it surely deprives them of the family happiness they deserve.
Women suffering from postpartum depression shouldn’t be in it alone.
Their partner, their parents, friends or other close people should show them their full support. It is okay to help them taking care of their baby but it is also okay to help them take care of themselves.
Just as with other forms of depression, women suffering from postpartum depression may find it hard to motivate themselves to maintain a healthy routine. These women should also be able to count on their partners to help them with their doctor’s appointments, take them to the therapist or even help them track their recovery.
To all those facing PPD or having someone close facing it – hang on, you’ll make it through! With the modern medical wonders, we can finally all enjoy the magic of parenthood. Postpartum depression, although a huge obstacle, can be dealt with.
If you have any thoughts on this subject, feel free to share them with us in the comments bellow.
Leave a Reply