Postpartum Depression and Anxiety often go untreated due to lack of support and often due to lack of education on exactly what it is and more importantly what it is not. Postpartum Depression is not the Baby Blues. Many women (40-80%) will experience what is called the Baby Blues. It usually occurs around 3-5 days after the birth of their baby. These women experience some irritability, tearfulness, mood swings, insomnia and confusion. These symptoms are mild though, last no longer generally than a few days and do not require any type of medical attention. The woman experiencing the Baby Blues feels predominantly happy.
The woman who is experiencing Postpartum Depression or Anxiety has the same symptoms listed above but they are much more predominant, much more debilitating and they do not subside over a few days. It is estimated that 10% or as high as 20% of women experience Postpartum Depression after the birth of their child. The onset of postpartum symptoms can occur up to one year after the birth of their baby. Unlike the woman experiencing the Baby Blues, the woman with Postpartum Depression may state or think, "I just don't feel like myself" her moods are predominantly sad, she may feel unattached to the baby, she might begin to feel hopeless and helpless which in some cases can lead to thoughts of self harm. Some women might even have thoughts that begin to scare them that they feel they could not tell anyone about, including thoughts of harming their baby.
What is important for women experiencing these symptoms and the family and friends who care about this woman should know is that Postpartum Depression is very treatable, these symptoms will not go away on their own, you are not alone in your experience and more over you are not to blame for what and how you are feeling. Help is available to you. Please call if you think you might be experiencing these symptoms. Thoughts and intents to harm yourself or another are a medical emergency. Present yourself to the nearest ER or call 911 for emergent help.
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