Your Guide To Postpartum Mental Health
Odds are if you have done any research on motherhood before giving birth, you have stumbled upon articles describing the “baby blues,” postpartum depression (or anxiety) and postpartum psychosis. While this has helped to normalize the mental health challenges often found in the postpartum period, these terms and diagnoses can seem scary and intimidating, even for someone who just grew a baby and dealt with the good, bad, and ugly of pregnancy. Mothers feel comforted by knowing they’re not alone, broken, or somehow defective for feeling different than they expected once the baby came. Studies show about 1 in 8 women in the United States will experience symptoms of postpartum depression.
Though giving birth is often described as a beautiful experience, it can also leave women feeling broken, changed, and isolated. That is okay and normal, as becoming a mother is a huge change and takes time to process. If you are having trouble adjusting to your new bundle of joy, motherhood, and healing, and have concerns about your postpartum mental health, you are not alone and we are here to help.
Before you begin, remember that our professionals are always here to help
Navigating the Storm: Understanding Postpartum Mental Health Risk Factors
You may be wondering what causes postpartum mental health issues, and why some people are affected and some are not. Like with any physical or mental health diagnosis, factors such as age, environment, familial/social supports, family history and genetics can play a large role. These are known as risk factors and can help you identify your vulnerability to common postpartum mental health issues. Even if you do not necessarily identify with any of the significant risk factors, you may still be affected by any of these diagnoses.
Pregnancy and recovering from pregnancy is a hormonal hurricane and that is normal. Your hormones were all over the place for 9 months, it is expected it may take some time to get things back in order, especially while you are focusing a lot of your time and attention on a newborn. Research suggests postpartum depression may take 3-6 months to resolve on average.
This is why being informed, knowing the signs and symptoms, and prioritizing your physical, emotional, and mental recovery postpartum are so important.
Signs and Symptoms, Explained
The good news is, postpartum mental health issues are often easily treatable. Here we will share key symptoms of postpartum depression, how they are treated, and where to go for help to help you validate your feelings and find relief so you can enjoy the beauty of motherhood.
Postpartum depression is probably the most commonly recognized mental health diagnosis for new moms. The symptoms of postpartum depression can look like: depressed mood present for most of the day, loss of interest/pleasure most of the day, insomnia or hypersomnia, worthlessness or guilt, impaired concentration or indecisiveness, and change in weight.
Postpartum dysphoria (also known as baby blues) occurs in about 50-85% of women and typically resolves on its own without treatment. As opposed to feeling primarily sadness, women with baby blues often experience anxiety, irritability, tearfulness, and mood swings. These symptoms often peak a few days to a week after giving birth and tend to go away spontaneously. If these symptoms last longer than 2 weeks, it is advised to seek medical attention/mental health treatment as it could be an indicator of a different diagnosis.
Postpartum anxiety often occurs more often than other postpartum diagnoses, but it is undertreated. Pregnancy, giving birth, and bringing home a newborn is all unknown and anxiety-inducing experiences, even if this is not your first child. Postpartum anxiety can cause decreased maternal self-confidence, which can negatively affect many positive aspects of parenthood.
Postpartum psychosis is the least common mental health diagnosis that could affect new mothers, affecting about 1 in 1,000 new mothers. Symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, cognitive distortions and confusion, anxiety, and sleep issues. Pharmaceutical treatments are effective in treating this diagnosis.
Mental health treatment interventions can look like individual therapy, medication management, support groups, or a combination of these resources. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your postpartum recovery and mental health, this does not make you a “bad” or “unsuitable” mother. It is important to advocate for your needs and symptoms to receive appropriate care so you can go back to enjoying motherhood and your baby.
Prioritizing Your Postpartum Mental Health
Motherhood is difficult, and it is beautiful. It is a big change and adjustment, and it is important to give yourself grace during this time. Becoming a parent is a learning experience that takes practice. You are not alone if you feel intimidated or nervous about motherhood. It is completely normal to worry about your baby, worry if you are doing everything “right” and wonder if you are a good, capable parent.
By prioritizing your mental health, you are becoming better for yourself and for your baby, and your family. For more guidance on postpartum mental health treatment, consider checking out these articles below, or reach out to see how we can help you with these challenges and support your needs as a new mother.
Other Articles Related to Postpartum Mental Health
Caring for Yourself After Giving Birth
Birth Trauma: What No One Talks About After Having a Baby
Becoming a Mother: What These Psychiatrists Want You to Know
Postpartum's Lesser-Known Relatives
