An Overview Of Postpartum Depression
The beauty of bringing life to this world. An experience unlike any other, unique to those whom have the opportunity to live through. The desire and hope of felling tiny kicks and movements form the inside out. The overwhelming emotional and consumption of attention that we portray in pregnant, endless. Photo-shoots and time freezing moments of sonograms, tummy castings and home planning for a baby’s arrival to our lives and our family’s. All these of which are suddenly forgotten once the baby is born. The feelings of emptiness, useless ness, lost, even broken at times are unbelievably real. As astonishing as it may seem so many, postpartum depression does exist. That is why I feel that as a mother that has lived and has gone through postpartum depression, it my responsibility to try and make as many women and people aware of this condition.
How the world sees Postpartum Depression, also by Google’s quick search, “Depression that occurs after childbirth; very common; treatable by a medical professional; medium-term; resolves within months; requires a medical diagnosis; lab tests or imaging not required”. If we keep reading of course it extends to other risks, complications or outcomes. But the very first thing that the general public reads are those lines. Unfortunately only 50% of that is believable or understanding to those who are seriously going through it. This type of misinterpretation of the disorder is what you can say supplies simple minded people that this is not serous mush less life threatening. What is Postpartum Depression? Postpartum Depression is a medical condition that many women get after having a baby, a severe long-lasting form of depression. This not only takes a toll on the mother but the child as well as on the family.
Studies have shown that signs and symptoms sometimes are confused with medically termed “Baby Blues”. A period where newly birth moms are tired, irritable, trouble breathing, and mood swings are somewhat considered common and normal but for a certain period. Doctors even address it as a time of adjustment changes. This “adjustment period” seems to usually come an end after the first or second week of child being born. Usually clearing out all sing and symptoms when mothers have set a baby schedule for eating, sleeping and changing.
Yet this is where Postpartum Depression is different to the popular “baby blues”. The first difference between these two are the time periods that each last. Most common symptoms are the severe mood swings that may occur sporadically. Excessive crying; difficulty bonding with the baby; withdrawing from family and friends; dramatic loss or gain in appetite; feeling of worthlessness, shame, inadequacy, guilty of being a bad mother, and irritability. Like for a fever most of us will know that a high temperature is once you’re reaching the 101 or 102 Fahrenheit, and that for a dehydration or food poisoning is not being able to stay down any liquids or foods. But unfortunately, Postpartum Depression has no limits or standards. How or to what can a newly mother or any mother standardize her emotions or feelings? Answer is, we can’t, what we have is something we have to learn, as well as others, that it is something we cannot control at will.
Yet thanks to upcoming years, studies have shown that there are physical symptoms we can keep an eye out for. Symptoms such as overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy, severe anxiety and panic attacks, thoughts of harming yourself and or the baby. Last but certainly not least recurrent thought, actions toward death wishing or suicide. Postpartum Depression has a time frame that does not expire that is why it is alarming. Symptoms may in some cases range from weeks, month up to two years. A battle that a great deal of, is being fought in silence.
Women, mothers may sometimes be reluctant or even embarrassed to admit to someone, or anyone about how we feel. Sadly, in more current generation, even is some cultures, mother that express this type of concerned are frowned upon. Shaming for trying to make the issue about them instead of being happy for just having a baby. Being seen as week and portrayed as bad mothers. When in reality we should all try and open our minds that child bearing is not the same form many women. The simple fact giving birth is firs of all is something that once nearing the date scare most women. Being told that “that is what women’s body is for, baring children” is not at all any comfort of reconstructive support. Family support is where it must all start. This is the first step toward getting the appropriate medical attention and care. Having a good support team is what helps a mother on the recovery road.
An even bigger step that leads to regaining ourselves is reaching out to our medical providers. In these cases, there are our primary care physicians, our prenatal care provider and the best case a mental health provider. Most commonly in any of these cases what follows are multiple questionnaires, counseling session, and or getting involved in local support groups. Analyzing current living situation attempting to point out any other factors that can be contributing to the condition. Physically there are lab test that can sort out if this is a psychiatric issue or indeed a chemical imbalance with our bodies. Doctors can run blood work such as thyroid panels or hormone test to initiate treatment as well. Medicine wise, because this is not yet a “vast” or “major” illness as some may say, large pharmaceuticals have not yet invested in any other care of medicine that can help. What is most commonly used are antidepressants, estrogens, and benzodiazepines to treat anxiety problems.
Being part of the solution is always better than being part of the denial group. Even if there isn’t much to work with, the hope that we are able to start somewhere is already something we should all be part of. That is why I thank you for this opportunity to express the concerns that many women have in our nation. A silent killer that is tearing us from the inside through our most precious being, our babies. Let all join and be the support group that not many women have. Stop judging and start leading, stop the stereotype and start the understanding. Just as a broken bone needs time and care for healing so does a mother heart.
