Is it possible to beat postpartum depression?
As a Public Health Nurse, I support women struggling with emotional health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Imagine that you are pregnant and experiencing mixed feelings. Part of you is happy, while the other part is feeling unsure. You’ve always wanted a baby but you are concerned about your history. When you were 17, you went through a rough time feeling so down that you didn’t find joy in things you once enjoyed, making it hard to get out of bed. As a result, you isolated yourself from family and friends. You have read that you may be at greater risk for postpartum depression (commonly known as PPD) if you or your family have had depression in the past, or during pregnancy. You are terrified you will return to that dark and lonely place.
Sound familiar? There is help.
PPD is a mood disorder that can happen to anyone during pregnancy and up to the first year following the birth or adoption of a baby. This is a time when your moods can change all of a sudden. Being a new parent is hard for anyone and many feel uncomfortable asking for help so they hide their feelings and try to deal with it. PPD doesn’t just go away on its own. It’s nothing to feel ashamed of and has nothing to do with what kind of person or parent you are or will be. This is a very difficult time but you have time now to learn about PPD and get the support you need.
This is the first in my series of blogs about depression and pregnancy and beyond.
