Postpartum Depression/Anxiety

By Laura Piuca Hinkes, LCSW

Women today may feel that our culture expects them to be “supermoms” who can cradle a baby with one arm and manage a Fortune 500 company with the other. For many new mothers their experience is anything but super. As many as 50% of mothers experience some form of “baby blues” and a smaller group experience a more serious condition known as Postpartum Depression/Anxiety.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression include:

• Changes in sleep and/or eating

• Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness

• Irritability and sadness

• Excessive crying

• Difficulty concentrating

• Lack of interest in or feelings for the baby

• Thoughts of suicide

Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety include:

• Excessive worry

• Racing thoughts

• Feelings of dread and panic

• Fear of being alone with the baby

A woman who is used to being competent and in charge in her pre-baby life may feel helpless and incompetent when faced with the sleepless nights and around the clock demands of a new born. Some women are reluctant to tell anyone what is happening inside of them for fear of being judged as a bad mother.

Various factors can play a roll in the occurrence of postpartum depression/anxiety. Some authorities believe postpartum depression/anxiety is caused by a drop in the level of maternal hormones after delivery. Others blame it on a difficult and prolonged labor and delivery or that it can simply come about from exhaustion and a new mother’s tendency to over do it. Some women are genetically more vulnerable to postpartum depression/anxiety.

Women with postpartum depression/anxiety need not suffer alone. Speaking with your physician can be your first step. There are community and online support groups. Counseling and/or medication can be very effective. If you are a mother having thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby or if you know someone who is feeling this way, seek immediate assistance through your physician or nearest emergency room.

#Anxiety #Depression