Perinatal and Postpartum Depression: What Women Can Do

2008 May 28 by: Scott

Depression during pregnancy or after the birth of a child affects less than 1% of the population. If this population includes you, this affliction may seem hopeless and life changing. Like other forms of depression, there is a cure. Women suffering from depression before (perinatal) after a pregnancy (postpartum), should seek help from their medical doctor with optimism that this disease can be cured.

Some women may be hesitant to tell someone about their symptoms because they may feel embarrassed, ashamed or even guilty about feeling depressed during a time when most parents are joyous. You may worry that you will be viewed as an unfit, or unloving parent. Perinatal and postpartum depression can happen to any woman. It does not mean you are bad or a unfit mom. There is help.

Sign and Symptoms

Feeling sad, hopeless and overwhelmed
Difficulty concentrating
Sleep problems
Feeling restless or irritable
Crying
Anxiety
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
Having little or no energy
Lacking motivation
Change in eating habits-weight loss/weight gain
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

What To Do

There are different types of individual and talk therapies that can help you if you have perinatal depression; they can help you feel better. Many women with perinatal and postpartum depression improve when treated with anti-depressant medicine.

Your physician or medical doctor can help you learn more about these treatments. With more information, you can decide with your doctor which approach is best for you and your baby. A doctor will give you a questionnaire to test for depression and can also refer you to a mental health professional who is an expert.