Postpartum Depression
Find Out If You Have It and
What You Can Do About It!
As a mother myself, I can tell you first hand that Postpartum Depression is very real! And, its a very difficult thing to deal with. Heck, you just had a baby and your whole world has changed and now you are deeply depressed on top of it! How horribly unfair after all we've endured bringing this baby into the world! But, it is real and I know first hand how very difficult it is to deal with.
Lots of mothers assume this is just a hormomal thing and that it is natural and will simply "go away" eventually. So, they simply endure it. This isn't true. So, please, if you think you might have postpartum depression (sometimes mistakenly referred to as post pardum depression) then read on. I'm going to give you some information that will help you decide the right course of action.
So How Common Is Postpartum Depression (PPD)
There are many types of depressive disorders but this type of can often be misunderstood. There is a difference between (PPD) and the "baby blues".
Approximately, 80% of all mothers experience the "baby blues" 3 - 5 days after they've given birth and will usually last just a few weeks. Conversely, PPD is a more serious and can affect up to 20% of new mothers and last for over a year if left untreated and will affect the mothers ability to function normally.
So What Is PPD
Unfortunately, researchers are still trying to determine what really causes post partum depression. It is beleived that family history of depressive disorders can be a contributor. However, most of it is situationally driven and include things such as the following:
What are The Risks?
Postpartum depressive disorders, while easily treated, can have horrible consequences if misdiagnosed or untreated. If you have PPD, you may be inclined to hurt yourself, or even worse, your baby! So, its important to get a diagnosis and get treatment as soon as possible so you can start enjoying your new baby and the life you share together! So consider the symptoms below. If they sound all to familiar, go get some help!
Symptoms of PPD
Look at this list and see if you are experiencing any of these:
So, do any of these symptoms match what you are feeling? I can tell you I had a lot of them! And, I didn't know I was suffering with PPD. Once I figured it out (and I'm even a Counselor!) I sought treament.
I saw my OB Gyn who prescribed some depression medications and I got professional help by seeing a counselor who was able to provide emotional support.
By seeking a diagnosis and the proper treatments, I got through it just fine! You can too! The trick is to identify it and seek treatment as soon as possible.
Postpartum Depression to Depression Test Home Page
