beyond the blues
Filed Under Pregnancy and Birthing, Tips & Tricks | May 28, 2009
Imagine yourself as a new mother, sitting happily with your baby nestled in your arms. Let’s face it – we all long to be that radiant glowing mother. But the reality is that over 80% of us experience some degree of postpartum blues linked to hormonal changes and the enormity of the transition into motherhood.
Postpartum depression, however, is not just “the blues”, and requires more than a good cry and a pep talk to perk you up. Around 10-15% of women experience postpartum depression. Many women don’t recognize the symptoms themselves, instead they need a loved one to introduce the difficult topic and encourage them to seek help. Symptoms may include sadness, anxiety, sleep problems, withdrawal, low energy, anger and more. It can be useful to educate your partner or a close friend so that they’re able to help identify postpartum depression if it descends on you.
If you do experience postpartum depression, here are some useful resources:
Seek medical support: Speak with your family doctor or midwife. Counselling and/or medications may be an important element to your recovery.
Ask for help: When we feel overwhelmed we are less likely to ask for help. Call friends and family and invite them to help for a few hours. Consider hiring a postpartum doula for a few evenings.
Find social support: Pacific Postpartum Support Society offers free support groups throughout the Lower Mainland. Consider a mom and baby group such as Mothers Unfolding or a drop-in program at your local Health Unit.
Should you experience postpartum depression, Postpartum Support International reminds you “You are not alone. You are not to blame. You will be well.” There will indeed come a day when you are able to more fully experience the joy of motherhood, and have the resources and support you need to thrive.
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