Welcome to motherhood! Now get ready to experience a whole new body–mentally, physically and emotionally. While your new little bundle of joy is bringing so much joy and happiness to your life your body is busy trying to figure out what to do with a shift in hormones. Things are moving around, readjusting, and for lots of moms that includes some of those dreaded “baby blues” or maybe even postpartum depression.
What is the difference you ask? In a nutshell, baby blues is pretty mild and doesn’t last too long. Postpartum depression is much harder to deal with and in some instances anti-depressants are prescribed to help new moms deal. They both start in the same way with the same sort of symptoms including mood swings, crying, sadness, and irritability. The thing is that these also happen to sound like symptoms of sleep deprived new moms or really anyone that’s sleep deprived.
According to Psychology Today 50-80 percent of women experience baby blues and it typically only lasts about 2 weeks after delivery. If you are one of the 15 percent of women who continue to have these symptoms or they get worse past the two weeks then it’s most likely post partum depression and it might be time to ask for help. Some telltale symptoms include: fear of harming your baby, panic attacks, feelings of worthlessness and despair, a loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy and nightmares among others.
Just like with baby blues it is thought that the main cause for PPD is the shift in hormones experienced after giving birth. Unfortunately some women happen to have a higher risk of developing ppd. Psych Central states a past history of depression, lack of an adequate support system, a pregnancy or birth with complications and multiple births are a few of the possible issues that can contribute to the depression.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you need to know that you’re not alone and there is nothing wrong with you. So many other moms go through this, which means that finding help can be easier than you think. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help. The symptoms can be serious and seeking out a professional with experience in the area will do you a world of wonders. If you’re not sure where to go for help I suggest starting with your OBGYN. Talk to them about your symptoms and they should be able to point you in the right direction.
It also never hurts to nourish yourself with anything you can that can have an impact on depression. While it’s not a substitute for professional help a healthy diet can definitely work in conjunction with talk therapy or an antidepressant. Try keeping sugar and highly processed foods to a minimum. Instead focus on getting plenty of healthy protein, whole grains and healthy fats such as wild salmon, avocado and nuts. If you can try to get some time for yourself each day, practice self-love and above all be patient and forgiving to yourself.
Jacqueline Banks is a certified Holistic Health Counselor focused on nutrition and green living strategies. She works with women in all stages of motherhood, from mothers struggling with conception, through pregnancy, lactation and beyond to ensure the best health and nutrition for both mother and baby.
