OAK LEAVES FAMILY SERVICE
COLUMN - SEPTEMBER, 2001
I just had a baby three months ago and I can't
stop crying. I am so confused because I thought this would be a happy time
in my life. I can't seem to get a handle on anything.
My mother told me it's just the "baby blues" and not to worry. Is she right?
As the old saying goes, "Moms know everything". What you are experiencing
may be the "baby blues", but depending on the extent of your symptoms, you
may be experiencing postpartum depression.
During a woman's pregnancy, her hormones increase dramatically to support
the life of the baby developing inside her womb. These hormones can often
make women feel more emotional during a pregnancy. When the baby is delivered
the level of hormones drop dramatically. This rapid fluctuation can lead
to feelings of depression. Symptoms will range from mild to severe for different
women.
Up to 80 percent of all new mothers experience one or more signs of depression,
including weepiness, irritability, frustration and fatigue, for about two
weeks. About 20 percent of new mothers experience feelings of guilt, worthlessness,
inability to find pleasure in activities, trouble sleeping in addition to
the former symptoms. Anxiety, suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming others
(i.e., the child) may also occur when depression is severe.
Approximately, two percent of women will experience symptoms of psychosis
including hallucinations (the apparent perception of sights and sounds that
are not actually present), delusions and incoherence.
Additional life stresses can add to your level of depression. Many couples
agree that their relationship changes once a baby comes into the picture.
Make sure you and your partner have to focus on each other, especially after
a day of focusing all your attention on the baby. Are there financial difficulties
now that you have one more mouth to feed? Who is doing all the housework?
Sometimes you have to choose to let the laundry sit so you can take a well-deserved
nap during the day. If possible, call on family and friends to pitch in,
not only with housework, but babysitting as well. You will be a much healthier
mother if you set time aside to do things that help restore your sense of
self. What are your hobbies? Make a list of attainable goals each day and
check them off to feel a sense of accomplishment.
For some women, making the transition from being a full-time career woman
to a stay-at-home mom can be difficult. For those women returning to work
part-time or full-time, juggling all the responsibilities can also be stressful.
Having a baby changes life, as you once knew it. Being aware and acknowledging
the changes as well as seeking assistance can make a world of difference.
Experiencing one or more signs of depression after the birth of your baby
is normal. However, it is very important to your well being that you connect
with others, professionals and/ or other new mothers, to receive help in
coping with the symptoms if they do not go away after a couple of weeks.
Your physician will most likely ask you in your post-delivery check up if
you are feeling depressed, however if he or she does not, speak up.
Treatment for postpartum depression may include medication to alleviate
the symptoms of depression or psychosis, psychotherapy or a mother's support
group. Certain antidepressants can be taken even if you are breastfeeding,
but be sure to check with you doctor first.
Located at 120 S. Marion, Oak Park, Family Service & Mental Health Center
of Oak Park & River Forest is a not-for-profit social service and mental
health agency that provides counseling, psychiatric and prevention/education
programs to men, women, youth and families. To learn more about our programs
or to make an appointment, contact us at (708) 383-7500.
