Going through the process of childbirth is an incredibly intense experience, so it is no surprise that many women end up dealing with mental health issues following pregnancy. Being aware of these issues may help women get the assistance they need.
The Reason Postpartum Women Suffer From Anxiety and Depression
The underlying reasons why women often deal with anxiety and depression following childbirth are very complicated. One of the main issues is that estrogen and progesterone levels drop drastically after birth, greatly affecting mood. New mothers often deal with serious health problems and a lack of sleep while having to adjust to a huge change in their life, and this can further increase depression.
Signs You Might Have Postpartum Depression
Depression can manifest itself in many ways aside from simply feeling sad or crying a lot. New mothers may experience extreme mood swings, lose interest in things, feel like they cannot bond with their child, or feel tired no matter how much they sleep. There may be physical symptoms like a loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, or recurring headaches. In severe cases, there may be urges to harm either your baby or yourself.
Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety
Anxiety is closely linked to depression, but it may manifest itself in different ways. Women dealing with anxiety frequently suffer from panic attacks, which are characterized by chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, shaking, sweating, chills, and dizziness. They may also deal with intrusive thoughts of guilt and fear that impair their daily activities.
How to Manage Postpartum Anxiety and Depression
Managing these sorts of mental health issues requires a personalized approach. Some women do well with counseling and therapy to help them manage negative thought patterns. Others may find it helpful to take antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications that help to stabilize them. It can take a little time to find the right treatment, but with consistent treatment, it is possible to overcome postpartum depression.
Remember that mental postpartum problems can be just as common and serious as physical health problems, so take the time to seek treatment if you think you may be dealing with depression or anxiety.
Want to know more about this topic? Talk to staff at WFMC Health or become a new patient today!
