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  • Five Warning Signs of Postpartum Depression

    Being a new mom can cause you to go through a rollercoaster
    of emotions. You might feel overwhelmed with love or bliss, or you might feel
    panicky or anxious about your responsibilities as a new mother. It’s natural to
    feel a variety of both positive and negative emotions, given the dramatic
    hormonal changes that occur following childbirth. However, if you find that
    your negative emotions are becoming unmanageable, and fear you might be
    experiencing postpartum depression, here are five warning signs to look out
    for.

     

    Lack of Interest
    Towards the Baby

    If you’re suffering from postpartum depression, you may find
    that your new role as a mother lacks joy. You may struggle to bond with your
    baby, feel overwhelmed by your new responsibilities or overall feel a lack of
    interest in your baby.

     

    Lack of Concentration

    Trouble focusing, difficulty making decisions or memory
    problems are possible signs of postpartum depression.

     

    Change in Eating or Sleeping
    Habits

    While it’s natural for eating and sleeping habits to change
    when you’re a new mom, drastic changes are a sign that something may be wrong.
    If you’re having difficulty falling or staying asleep, or are sleeping longer
    than usual, this could be a sign of postpartum depression. Eating too much or
    too little are other warning signs to look out for.

     

    Feelings of Sadness
    or Hopelessness

    Hormonal changes after childbirth will naturally cause mood
    swings that will differ from what you experienced before giving birth. However,
    if you find yourself feeling excessively sad or experiencing feelings of
    hopelessness, you may be suffering from postpartum depression.

     

    Lack of Energy and
    Motivation

    Your newfound responsibilities as a mother will naturally
    leave you tired, but overwhelming feelings of exhaustion are something to be concerned
    about. If you find that you frequently lack energy or motivation, this is a
    sign that you may be experiencing postpartum depression.

     

    If these warning signs seem familiar, you should know that
    you’re not alone: 1 in 9 new mothers has postpartum depression. Postpartum
    depression is a serious health condition, but it can be treated.

     

    Postpartum Psychosis

    In rare cases, women can have postpartum psychosis;
    experiencing symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, obsessive or fearful
    thoughts, deep paranoia or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. If you’re
    experiencing any of these symptoms, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

     

    If you believe you’re struggling with postpartum depression,
    a licensed therapist can help teach you strategies to manage your depression
    and improve your mood. Give my office a call today, and let’s schedule a time
    to talk.