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Rachel F. Beck, LCSW-C |
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Postpartum DepressionPostpartum Depression (or depression after childbirth, sometimes known as the "baby blues") is real. It is a diagnosable episode and considered a DSM IV major depressive illness. It can occur anytime up to a year after delivery. Postpartum depression can have significant impact on the baby. Women suffering with postpartum depression can be hostile, irritable, unengaged as well as sad, tearful and lacking energy.
In rare cases the depression can become so severe that psychosis occurs; having hallucinations, or delusional thoughts, or in extreme cases, wanting to hurt yourself or your infant, any of which requires immediate medical attention. More commonly, most women suffer some degree of “baby blues” with the abrupt hormonal changes that occur after giving birth and the sleep deprivation from caring for a newborn. Postpartum depression differs in that it is a type of major depression that needs to be treated. Signs and symptoms of depression include:
If you are feeling depressed after a baby has been born, you need to get help. Reactions to motherhood cannot be predicted. No one prepares you for the possible letdowns of motherhood and the ambivalent feelings that can come with it. But you do not have to go through it alone. Our society is slowly becoming aware of how difficult it can be to be pregnant, give birth and then mother an infant. Psychotherapy has been shown to be very effective as a postpartum depression treatment. Resource: www.postpartum.net For a free phone consultation or to make an appointment in Baltimore,call: 410-433-8027 or email: rachel@b2beck.comRachel F. Beck, LCSW-CLearning to Feel Better
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We romanticize motherhood and often there are tremendous misconceptions about being pregnant, giving birth and adjusting to motherhood. As a result, often a maternal depression is misunderstood and there is little to no support for the mother. A mother will feel guilty about not being happy, and confused by family and friends asking her “this must be the happiest time of your life?” To make matters even worse, mothers may feel that they are being cheated, or are simply undeserving of happiness.