Mental Health is important. Just like they say on airplanes, you need to put on your own mask before helping others. Taking care of our own mental and emotional needs gives us the strength to care for others. This can be especially difficult for parents. You have so many things on your plate, sometimes your own needs come last, or you may ignore them completely.
In the winter, many deal with seasonal depression. We have shorter days, less sun, and more time cooped up inside. If you are a new parent, these feelings may be intense. How can you balance taking care of your new baby and taking care of yourself? One thing you can do is be aware of different types of mood disorders that may occur during pregnancy or after delivery. Knowing what is normal and what merits extra concern can help you care for yourself in the best way possible.
Our team recently received some special training from Destiny Gillman of Connecting
Hearts Therapy. We’d like to share some of the important information we learned. This article will briefly discuss six mood disorders so you can be aware of the symptoms and what you can do if you begin to experience them.
Is it Depression or Baby Blues?
Sometimes these expressions are used interchangeably, but they refer to two different
conditions. How can you tell the difference? Baby Blues usually presents within two days of delivery and can last up to two weeks. If you are experiencing Baby Blues, you may have periods of weepiness and exhaustion, but your dominant emotion is still joy and happiness. Perinatal depression can occur anytime during pregnancy and up to one year after delivery. Postpartum depression can take up to two weeks after delivery to manifest. With depression, the dominant feeling is low. Symptoms of perinatal depression and general depression are similar. Both include persistent low mood, sadness, irritability, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in things you previously enjoyed. Depression can also have physical symptoms such as exhaustion, head and body aches.
Perinatal depression also includes a lack of feeling towards the baby and can involve
feelings of guilt and shame. If left untreated, depression will likely become chronic. If you have a history of depression, or you begin to experience a lasting depressed mood, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Other Perinatal Mental Health Concerns
While depression is perhaps the most common mental health concern during pregnancy and after delivery, there are several other conditions that may occur. If you have been diagnosed with any mood disorder prior to pregnancy, there is a good chance it will reoccur during pregnancy or after delivery.
Anxiety
Anxiety can present any time during pregnancy and up to one year after delivery. It can be either generalized or include panic. Often anxiety and depression occur together. Of course, just having a baby can bring on a measure of anxiety and changes in your life. But an anxiety disorder is a more intense and persistent feeling of worry and stress. Generalized anxiety includes irritability, excessive worry, and hypervigilance. There can also be physical symptoms such as appetite and sleep changes. Those who suffer from anxiety often report the feeling that their thoughts race uncontrollably. Panic is extreme anxiety for short chunks of time. Panic is often triggered by health and safety related fears.
OCD
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be a debilitating mental health disorder. It
can cause difficulty functioning, intrusive and repetitive thoughts, and grave visualizations. These cause tremendous distress, guilt, and shame. It is important to remember-Intrusive Thoughts Do NOT Equal Action!! Distress is a good sign that you are not experiencing psychosis. You recognize that your thoughts are not normal.
Bi-Polar
Bi-Polar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings from manic to depressive. If
you have been diagnosed with Bi-Polar disorder, be sure to consult with your doctor about your pregnancy. Stopping mood stabilizers suddenly can have serious consequences. Your doctor will be able to help you safely stop your medication if that is necessary. If you have been previously diagnosed with Bi-Polar disorder and stop your medications, there is a 70% chance of your symptoms reoccurring.
Psychosis
Psychosis is more common amongst first time moms who have a family history of psychosis. Lack of sleep can make the symptoms of psychosis more intense. Seeking help from a reproductive psychiatrist will help you regain mental balance. They are specially trained to care for the unique needs of new moms and dads. The biggest difference between OCD and psychosis is that an individual suffering from psychosis will find comfort in their intrusive thoughts. They do not recognize these thoughts as abnormal.
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after any kind of trauma. Approximately 12% of the general population and 9% of individuals postpartum will experience PTSD. Trauma can occur before, or during pregnancy, as well as during delivery or after childbirth. An estimated 35% of moms experience traumatic birth. Birthing partners can also experience trauma, but often they go untreated. It is important for both individuals to address any traumas in order to function at their best. There is big “T” trauma and little “t” trauma. Childhood traumas, sexual traumas, and medical traumas can all cause PTSD to surface during pregnancy or postpartum.
Symptoms include flashbacks, dreams or nightmares, constant triggering from everyday
life, and dissociation or masking. Your partner can experience similar symptoms including irritability, avoidance of the baby, and hyperfocus on things they can control. Couples therapy or individual therapy will prove valuable. Therapy will help you and your partner to learn coping strategies to deal with your trauma. Left untreated, PTSD will resurface.
This is a No Shame Zone
Doulas are here to help, but we are not mental health professionals. We can provide education and a safe space to express your feelings. We provide practical help so you can take the time needed for your mental health. We also can help you make connections with others in the community. We can refer you to mental health services. There is no shame in getting help. Taking care of yourself will better equip you to take care of your baby. Reach out today to see how our team can help.
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