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.
Helpful Tips
1. Rest. Try to nap when the baby naps.
2. Stop putting pressure on yourself to do everything.
3. Ask for help with household chores and nighttime feedings.
4. Talk to your husband, partner, family, and friends about how you are feeling. Do not be ashamed.
5. Do not spend a lot of time alone. Get dressed and leave the house. Run an errand or take a short walk.
6. Spend time with your husband or partner.
7. Talk with other mothers or find support in a group.
8. Join a support group for women with depression. Call a local hotline or look in your telephone book for information and services.
9. Do not make any major life changes during pregnancy.
Two Common Treatment Plans
Talk Therapy
This involves talking to a therapist, psychologist, or social worker to learn to change how depression makes
you think, feel, and act.
Medicine
Your doctor can give you an antidepressant medicine to help you. These medicines can help relieve the symptoms of depression.
*If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor about the advantages and risks of taking these medicines. Some women are concerned that taking these medicines may harm the baby.
It is a decision that you need to discuss carefully with your doctor. If you decide to take antidepressant medicine, talk to your doctor about which ones are safer to take while pregnant or breastfeeding.
