Important Things To Know When You're Battling Postpartum Depression
A bout of postpartum depression can be extremely difficult as you battle feeling down at a time that you'd expect to feel happy and excited. This mental health issue can often cause you to withdraw, perhaps feeling distanced from your spouse and family, canceling get-togethers with other new moms, and spending a lot of time in your room alone. It's important for you to know several things about postpartum depression, especially if you're going through these feelings for the first time in your life. Here are some things to know that are especially important.
You're Not The Only One
One of the questions that you may be asking yourself when you're dealing with postpartum depression is something along the lines of "What's wrong with me?" You may ask this question because you feel that you're the only new mother going through this. The reality is that you're not. The American Psychological Association estimates that up to one in seven women experiences serious postpartum depression. If you feel as though you don't know anyone who has faced what you're facing, it's probable that you do indeed know people — but perhaps they've been quiet about it.
You Won't Be A Bad Parent
When you're experiencing the symptoms of postpartum depression, there may be a part of you that feels as though you'll be a terrible parent. You may feel that if you can't be happy at this supposedly exciting time in your life, there's no way that you'll be able to cope in the months and years ahead. This can frustrate and frighten you. It's important for you to know that what you're facing now won't necessarily last and that it has absolutely no bearing on the caliber of parent that you'll be.
You Can Get Help In Many Ways
As difficult as postpartum depression can be, there are a number of ways that you can get help. A good place to start is with your family doctor, who can discuss various treatment methods with you. Some women use medication to help manage their symptoms, while others join in-person or online support groups to share their experiences and help them realize that they're not alone. Opening up about what you're going through with those who are close to you can help you, as can speaking to a mental health professional. Your family doctor can recommend someone to talk to in order to help you begin the healing.
Contact a clinic like Dr Kuris Counseling Centers for more information.