After the birth of a child, many women anticipate feelings of joy, excitement, and awe of this wonderful experience and the honor of getting to be their child’s mother. However, many are shocked, disappointed, and embarrassed to find that much of their positive experiences are overshadowed by feelings of depression, guilt, sadness, and lack of hope.
What Exactly is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a complicated depression that is caused by both hormonal and environmental changes after having a child. Many women feel an extreme amount of shame and embarrassment for these feelings, yet “baby blues” and postpartum depression are incredibly common experiences.
How is Postpartum Depression Treated?
Postpartum depression is best treated through an eclectic approach that addresses the physical, emotional, social, interpersonal, and perceptual changes that occur after having a child. While children can often be the joy of life, they can also bring about great changes to almost every area of one’s life and bring a great deal of stress along with these changes. Treatment goals focus on finding healthy ways to navigate this life transition and regain a sense of balance and joy in one’s life.
What If I have Postpartum Anxiety?
Postpartum depression usually gets the most attention from medical providers, but postpartum anxiety is incredibly common as well. Women who previously suffered little anxiety may find themselves paralyzed by fear or obsessions about the baby’s safety, their future, or seemingly small frustrations. Like postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety is caused by both hormonal changes and environmental stressors. And also like postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety can be tried from a multisystemic approach.
