Depression During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Pregnancy and postpartum can be an especially difficult time to experience depression. Often, the people in your life expect you to be excited, overjoyed, grateful, and at the very least happy. This can make for an isolating experience, which only worsens depression. I was surprised to find out that an estimated 15% of women experience postpartum depression and 10% experience depression during pregnancy.

Some of the symptoms include:

• Feelings of anger or irritability

• Lack of interest in the baby

• Appetite and sleep disturbance

• Crying and sadness

• Feelings of guilt, shame or hopelessness

• Loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy

• Possible thoughts of harming the baby or yourself

Certain risk factors can increase your chances of experiencing perinatal or postpartum depression. Some of these include a family history of depression, marital or financial stress, infertility treatments, having multiples, and struggling with breastfeeding, just to name a few. For many women, this is something they’ve never experienced before, and that can feel alarming. The transition to parenthood, or even adding another child to your family, can be a difficult one where more support is needed. Whether you’ve struggled with depression for years or are feeling it for the first time as a new or soon-to-be mom, know you’re not alone and therapy can help. Call us today and check out www.postpartum.net for more information.