#shawleveryday2019 Day 23
A mental health topic that is largely un-talked about is postpartum depression, which is estimated to happen to 1 in 7 women. It is more than just the "baby blues", which can happen as a result of the hormone swings that happen around childbirth and could last for a couple weeks. Postpartum depression symptoms, however, last much longer and are more intense and could interfere with your ability to take care of your baby or handle other daily tasks.
Symptoms include:
Depressed mood or severe mood swings
Excessive crying
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Withdrawing from family and friends
Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
Intense irritability and anger
Fear that you're not a good mother
Hopelessness
Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
Restlessness
Severe anxiety and panic attacks
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Please feel free to talk to your doctor, midwife, nurse or pediatrician if you are experiencing these symptoms. Getting treatment (which typically includes talk therapy and/or medication) is extremely important for both you and the baby. It is not a sign of weakness and it does not make you a bad parent or a failure. Getting help will set you up for success with your new family.
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