Since 13% of pregnant women and new mothers experience depression, I thought I'd just share the signs to watch for, especially because it might be the friend or spouse that recognizes the depression over the actual pregnant/post-partum woman!
The most important thing to track is whether any of the below listed symptoms occur for longer than 2 weeks, this is when you would want to see a licensed mental health professional, or even your doctor.
If you:
-cry a lot, have very little energy or motivation, feel very hopeless or overwhelmed, eat or sleep too little or too much, isolate from friends and family, have physical ailments (headaches, stomach problems) that won't go away.
If you:
- have a family history of depression or mental illness, have had very stressful life events, or even a big surge in hormones: all or some of these symptoms may be cause to seek professional help.
For post-partum women, the big thing to watch is those hormones remaining low when they drop post-birth. The easiest thing to do would be to get a simple blood test from your doctor to see if your thyroid gland regulating at a low level. (TSH test). Your doctor may prescribe medication to help the thyroid return to a normal level of functioning.
For me, I think I felt all of the above listed symptoms at one point or another. The difference is that the feelings don't last for an extended period of time! I had a psychology professor years ago who said, "That's what's so great about the human personality. We all feel psychotic, crazy, sad, depressed at times." This is how I can feel empathy for those that truly have a brain chemistry problem, with their symptoms dictating how they live their lives. The next step would truly be seeking help to realize that they don't have to feel this way all the time.
I love when I work in conjuction with a woman seeking counseling to abate her symptoms. Sometimes she finds me through her doctor recommending counseling. Othertimes, she come on her own accord. Whatever the circumstance, I respect and value this woman for the courage it takes to reach out for help.
I also know that this woman gets to role-model to her children (every if it's a baby, he/she can still recognize and feel mom's change in emotional state) what it is like to take care of oneself. Her child/ren will grow up knowing to reach out for help and not live in isolation.
The world becomes a better place because of this courageous act.
I am privleged to work and witness such a transformation take place.
Smiles,
Lisa
