During normal circumstances even if you don’t have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), it is common to feel a bit of the blues during and after the holidays, especially in Michigan where the skies are gray and the temperatures make outings a chore. Add to that COVID-19 affecting family and friend gatherings, and a pregnancy or a new baby on top of that, you really have to be honest with yourself and gage how you are handling everything. Some women float through and others start feeling down, anxious, tired, and find it difficult to sleep. If that sounds like you, please make an appointment with your OB/GYN to rule out prenatal or postpartum depression or SAD. If you are mentally healthy and just need a little pick me up during these dark days, below are a few of our suggestions.

Walk Outside – Unless it’s icy or unsafe, bundle yourself up and put on some good walking boots and provide your body a boost with some natural sunlight and endorphins. Remember you still need UVA/UVB protection in the wintertime.

Eat Healthy – Between Halloween and New Year’s, we often get in a bad habit of eating junk food. Try to limit the intake of sweets and remember to eat green, leafy vegetables as well as Omega 3s that contain fatty acids which are good for the heart and brain. If you are pregnant, only eat fish low in mercury like cod or salmon. Learn more about a healthy pregnancy diet.

Listen to Music – Music can impact your mood. Create a playlist with your favorite feel good songs to release dopamine; a brain chemical that makes you feel happy.

Meditate – Mindful meditation has been shown to lower anxiety. There are many yoga and meditation classes available online that you can choose from.

Talk – Sometimes just talking with a supportive friend or family member can make a world of difference. Set-up a Zoom meeting, so you can see each other face to face. Don’t underestimate the power of a good support system.

Cuddle Your Partner – Many of us are working from home and are with our partner and kids more than ever before. Don’t forget to use some of that time to cuddle. Long embraces can reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and can even lower blood pressure.

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Most new parents experience feelings of anxiety, exhaustion, and loneliness after the arrival of a new baby. It’s a normal experience that eventually improves. As many as one in seven women have postpartum depression. This is a much more serious disorder that will not go away without treatment. The following myths will help shed light on a topic that every new parent should know about.

• Myth: Postpartum Depression Only Lasts a Few Months After Giving Birth

Many patients with postpartum depression identify symptoms three or four months after giving birth. This disorder can occur anytime during the first postpartum year and can even begin to appear prior to delivery.

• Myth: I Don’t Need Treatment for Postpartum Depression

Approximately 80% of women develop Baby Blues, which is a short period of sadness after giving birth. The condition goes away on its own. Postpartum depression, on the other hand, is much more severe and will require the assistance of a medical professional.

• Myth: Postpartum Depression Means Crying All the Time

Postpartum depression affects each woman differently. Some will cry constantly. Others experience emotional numbness or anger and irritability. Feelings of guilt can also appear because the new mother isn’t enjoying their baby like she thinks she should.

• Myth: Postpartum Depression Will Make a Mother Hurt Her Child

On very rare occasions, some new mothers harm their babies due to mental illness. These situations are often incorrectly attributed to postpartum depression. The disorder does not automatically make a mother hurt her child. Only about .1% of patients will experience postpartum psychosis, which causes a disconnect with reality and is a medical emergency.

• Myth: Only Mothers with a History of Mental Illness Can Get Postpartum Depression

Anyone can experience postpartum depression. Women with no history of mental illness can suffer from the disorder. Many famous people have also dealt with this condition, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Alanis Morissette, and Brooke Shields.

If you notice symptoms of postpartum depression, seek medical advice immediately. Call our office to schedule an appointment and find out how to cope with this disorder.

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Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that affects women after pregnancy. This mental health condition can appear from the first day after giving birth but usually starts two to three weeks later. New moms often experience powerful emotions, but postpartum depression describes a more severe and longer-lasting condition.

Common Signs of Postpartum Depression

New mothers, their partners, and their friends and family should learn how to recognize the signs of postpartum depression. It’s not always easy for the sufferer to see that what they are experiencing is a real problem that requires medical attention.

• Feeling Overwhelmed – Feeling overwhelmed is normal for new moms, but feeling extremely overwhelmed is something else. It’s okay to think that being a parent is difficult. However, if the feelings are more along the lines of “I can’t do this, I’m never going to be able to do this,” then you may need professional help.
• Feeling Guilty – Other symptoms can lead to feelings of guilt. The new mother thinks that she should be doing a better job handling her emotions. She may feel like her baby deserves a better caregiver. This can become oppressive enough to make a new mother believe that her child would be better off without her.
• Not Bonding with Baby – Postpartum depression can also cause issues with bonding between mother and baby.
• Irritability and Anger – The condition can cause new moms to feel angry and irritable with a lack of patience.
• Feeling Numb & Empty – New moms with postpartum depression may also notice deep sadness and feelings of emptiness or being numb.
• Sleep Problems – Postpartum depression can cause irregular sleep. When the mother manages to fall asleep, she may wake up and not be able to rest.
• Eating Disorders – An eating disorder may also appear and can include not eating or overeating.

If you experience any of the above symptoms after giving birth, contact your Women’s Health and Menopause Center OB/GYN right away to schedule an appointment.

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The post Recognizing the Signs of Postpartum Depression appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.