Having a baby can be such an emotional rollercoaster! It's such a blessing, but some times it can feel overwhelming. Some emotions are normal, but there are others that you need to keep an eye on. This blog is going to be a discussion of different mood types! Please don't be afraid to reach out if you are struggling with your moods. There are support systems out there for you, and I encourage you to reach out to your doctor for help!
Baby Blues
Baby blues are more common than many think. Baby blues are a hormonal change that may cause anxiety, sadness, and restlessness. These should go away within about two weeks. Baby blues are a very common, mild form of depression. These feelings should get better once your hormone levels even out. It is normal for you to be happy one minute, then feeling very sad. If you notice that the feelings don't get better, or you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, get some support.
Post-Partum Anxiety
Post-Partum anxiety is a postpartum mood disorder that causes overwhelming anxiety; excessive, irrational worry; disrupted sleep or fatigue, increased heart rate or blood pressure, It's important to watch for symptoms of anxiety. If you already have an anxiety disorder, it is more likely that you will experience post-partum anxiety. There are many screening tools to help diagnose postpartum anxiety. Talk to your doctor if you are feeling more sad or overwhelmed than normal. Your doctor can help to decide the right course of treatment for your situation.
Post-Partum Depression
Post-partum depression is another post-partum mood disorder. Post=partum depression is complicated by overwhelming anxiety, feelings of sadness, feelings of anger or irritability, difficulty with sleeping or fatigue, and intrusive thoughts; these thoughts may be thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. If these thoughts happen, call 9-1-1 or get help immediately! Post-partum depression is treatable. You do not have to fight this yourself, there are many support systems in place.
I personally battled with post-partum depression. With my third baby, I was in nursing school and my husband worked overnights. I was overwhelmed. I waited too long. At eighteen months post-partum, I was having suicidal thoughts multiple times per day. It wasn't until I finally told my best friend that I decided to go get help. I went to my obstetrician. The first thing she said was, "Samantha, I wish you had come in earlier. Let's talk about what's going on" She was so worried about me. We had a long discussion. Then I was placed on Zoloft and it helped me. When I found out I was pregnant with my fourth baby, I quit the Zoloft. Then, when my daughter was born, I felt depression again around 3 months. I was placed back on the Zoloft. I took it for about six months before weaning off of the medication. I no longer take medication for depression.. Not everyone needs medication for treatment, but your doctor can help find the best treatment!
Post-Partum Psychosis
Post-partum psychosis can be an emergent condition that may require hospitalization. Post-partum psychosis may have symptoms of delusions, paranoia, excessive mood swings, irritability, hyperactivity, no need for sleep. Delusions may be violent or non-violent. If you start noticing symptoms of post-partum psychosis, it is important to reach out for help. If you are having delusions of hurting your baby, it is important to get your baby to a safe space, and get to a hospital for emergent treatment. Post-partum psychosis is temporary and can be treated by professionals. Don't be afraid to ask for help. It is important for your safety and the safety of your baby!
Support Systems
It's okay to feel sad. It's okay to feel overwhelmed. Having a new baby is a joyous occasion, but it can be scary and overwhelming. Hormonal changes may cause different emotions. If these emotions do not get better within two weeks, call your obstetrician or midwife for assistance. Reach out to your best friend, your partner, your parents/in-laws, or whoever you feel comfortable with speaking to. You can also visit Postpartum Support International, call 988- National Suicide Hotline, or text HOME to 741741 for the National Crisis Text Line. You are not alone. You do not have to go through this by yourself.
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