After the high of the baby shower, decorating the nursery, and leaving the desk at work, many new mums expect the beginning of motherhood to be a time of joy and discovery with their new baby.
Unfortunately for many women, the first few months may be a struggle and it can be difficult to express these feelings when you are surrounded by cooing family and friends. Postpartum depression affects one in 10 women who have had a child, and can affect any woman, regardless of her age, race, or economic background, but this does not mean that there is anything wrong with her ability to be a mother.
Here is some useful information for new mothers, and those close to new mothers, to help identify postpartum depression:
Signs and symptoms:
• Feelings of sadness or “down”-ness that don’t go away.
• Inability to sleep, even when the baby is sleeping.
• Inability to concentrate or make decisions.
• Lack of interest in the baby, friends and family, or things you used to enjoy.
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness or despair.
• Fear of being a “bad” mother, or that others will think you are.
• Fear that harm will come to the baby.
• Thoughts of harming the baby or of harming yourself.
• Thoughts of death or suicide.
Remedies:
• Talk to your doctor, family member, or friend about your symptoms as soon as possible.
• Speak with a therapist or counsellor, who can help you cope with your feelings and develop stress reduction techniques.
• Join a support group, where you will be able to share your thoughts and feelings in a caring environment.
• Let family and friends help with things like housework or watching older children.
• Eat regular, balanced meals.
• Exercise moderately (like walking every day).
• Express your thoughts and feelings in a journal, and record changes in your moods. • Seek urgent or emergency help if you feel unsafe.
