Who is at risk?
Fifty to 75% of all new mothers will develop a mild case of post partum "blues," but there is an alarming percentage of women who are at a higher risk for developing actual post partum depression. Some of the risk factors may include a history of depression or anxiety, or a prior episode of post partum depression.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of post partum depression can appear immediately or over a gradual period of time. Some of the recognizable symptoms:
-Over concern for the baby -Uncontrollable crying -Lack of interest in the baby -Sadness, depression or hopelessness -Sluggishness, fatigue or exhaustion -Poor concentration or confusion -Lack of appetite -Irritability -Guilt -Isolation -Shame
So what if you are at risk?
If you find that you are at a risk for developing post partum depression, it is important to remember that there are plenty of things that you can do to help ease the post partum depression before your baby is born.
-First and foremost, take care of yourself. Don't be ashamed to accept help offered to you by others. Take breaks when you need them, even if it means just taking a short nap for fifteen minutes. Be sure to nurture yourself, it's easy to get wrapped up in the idea of your baby, but you need to take time out to concentrate on yourself as well.
-Keep your goals realistic. It's normal to want to play "superwoman" and try to take care of all matters at hand. Failing to achieve those goals will only aid in deepening your depression.
-If you feel that you may be at risk of developing post partum depression, contact your doctor. Your doctor can help format a post partum plan after the birth of your baby to suit your needs. If you still develop post partum depression your doctor can offer medical intervention in the form of medication or therapy.
When is it serious enough to seek help?
-If you notice, after 2-3 weeks that your symptoms, such as crying, loss of appetite, irritability, anxiousness, impatience or restlessness is still present.
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