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| POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION |
Q: What is postpartum depression (PPD)?
Q: How can I identify postpartum depression?
Q: Can postpartum depression be treated?
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Q: What is postpartum depression (PPD)?
A: Every year more than 500,000 women (13 of every 100 who give birth) experience the anxiety, hopelessness, desolation, and fatigue that accompany PPD during the first 3 – 12 months of their children’s lives.
It is normal to experience some mood swings or anxiety about becoming a mother, this is commonly termed “Baby Blues” and they usually disappear by the time the bay is about 4 weeks old. Baby Blues do not interfere with taking care of the baby and usual activities.
Women with PPD have unpleasant feelings – sadness, loss, anger, and/or frustration – that last for weeks to months after the birth and interfere with their ability to complete daily tasks.
The symptoms persist throughout the day, every day or most days, for 2 weeks or more.
Symptoms include:
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· Strong feelings of sadness, anxiety, or irritability; crying for no reason
· Feeling unable to take care of yourself or your family
· Change in appetite – either no interest in food or overeating
· Loss of interest in appearance; not getting dressed, bathing, or combing hair
· Inability to fall asleep, waking up early (even if the baby isn’t crying), or sleeping too much
· Difficulty with concentrating, making decisions, and remembering
· Loss of pleasure in formerly enjoyable activities
· Lack of interest in, unjustified worries about, or fear of harming the new baby
· Feeling worthless and that your family would be better off without you; thoughts of self-harm or suicide |
Q: How can I identify postpartum depression?
A: Women with PPD have a variety of different symptoms. They may believe their feelings represent the bay blues, and that every new mother feels the same way. They may feel like they are “bad mothers,” and that they must hide these feelings so no one will know. Or they may feel so hopeless that they have no energy to speak up or take any action at all.
It is important to recognize and treat PPD early for the benefit of both mother and baby.
Q: Can postpartum depression be treated?
A: Postpartum depression is a medical condition that is treatable with medication and/or counseling. Some healthcare providers treat PPD themselves; others refer patients to mental health professionals. |
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