Postpartum Depression
“I feel scared”
“I feel out of control”
“It feels like I am never going to be myself again”
“It feels like I am a bad mother”
“It feels like I am going crazy”
“It feels like I should have never had this baby”
“It feels like no one understands”
If you're experiencing postpartum depression, you may feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster. You may feel a sense of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness that makes it difficult to enjoy your new baby. Instead of feeling joy and happiness, you may feel overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed.
In addition to these emotional symptoms, postpartum depression can also cause physical symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and changes in appetite or weight. You may also experience difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and a lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy.
The symptoms of postpartum depression can make it challenging to cope with the demands of caring for a new baby. You may feel like you're not doing a good job as a mother, or that you're not able to provide the care your baby needs.
As a mother myself, I understand how challenging it can be to adjust to a new normal after having a baby. While motherhood can bring an incredible amount of joy and fulfillment, it can also come with a range of complex emotions, including anxiety, exhaustion, and sadness.
Postpartum depression is a common and serious condition that affects about 20% of new mothers. It's not the "baby blues" that many new mothers experience, which is a milder and shorter-lived condition. Postpartum depression can be severe, and it can last for weeks, months, or even longer.
One of the most challenging aspects of postpartum depression can be the feeling that you're somehow failing as a mother. But please know that this isn't true. Postpartum depression is a medical condition, and it's not something that you can control. Seeking help is a brave step, and it will benefit both you and your baby in the long run. We know that three things help while healing from postpartum depression: counseling, medication, and increasing social support. In addition here are some things you can do for yourself:
You can stop blaming yourself
You can stop feeling guilty
You can accept help
You can believe you will feel better again
You can take one day at a time
You can stay close to people who love you unconditionally
You can accept your feelings, good and bad
Remember, mama - you're doing the best you can. And that's all anyone can ask for.
