Postpartum Mood Disorders
Postpartum mood disorders are treatable.
Therapy for Postpartum mood disorders helps! Mood disorders can show up as anxiety, depression or trauma. They can also pair up with one with another. For example, some women have symptoms of both PPD and PPA.
Mood changes come with the dark shadows of PPD/PPA. They are thieves that rob you of presence, clarity, enjoyment, and closeness to your new baby. You tell yourself how wonderful and happy you are. But, inside there are nagging thoughts and feelings that tell you something different. And the one thing that you don’t dare say aloud keeps spinning in your mind (even as your very soul craves mamahood). It may sound like this: “Maybe I wasn’t meant to be a Mom.”
Postpartum mood disorders or baby blues?
Having the baby blues is not the same as having a Postpartum Mood disorer, Postpartum Depression (PPD), or Postpartum Anxiety (PPA). Baby blues have some symptoms of PPD and PPA; however, they are much less intense and have a shorter duration, lasting up to two weeks (at the longest) after giving birth. A drop in hormone levels may result, You may be experiencing some symptoms of baby blues: anxiety, sadness, irritability, feeling overwhelmed, crying, reduced concentration, appetite problems, and difficulty sleeping.
Do I have a mood disorder?
If you do, then therapy for Postpartum mood disorders is a must! The symptoms can begin anytime before or after giving birth. You may feel depressed, anxious, or may have a combination of both. Postpartum mood disorder (PPD & PPA) symptoms are: depressed mood or severe mood swings, excessive crying, withdrawing from family and friends, difficulty bonding with your baby, sleeping or eating either too much or too little, less interest in things you previously enjoyed, intense irritability or anger, hopelessness, feelings of worthlessness, shame or inadequacy, decreased ability to think clearly, severe anxiety, panic attacks, and thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. If you are not sure if what you are experiencing a mood disorder or baby blues talk to your doctor.
In addition to mood disorers, many physiological changes occur during pregnancy. Brain changes occur which prepare you to protect and love your child. They are normal. Then, there’s the stress of giving birth and the recovery period. These are accompanied by a rapid decrease in hormone levels. Also normal. Your body changes. While you are elated that your baby is here, you can also have a feeling of emptiness. On top of it all, you likely are exhausted and hurt physically.
Maybe you are saying I’m great!
And, it’s wonderful if you aren’t having any postpatum mood disorders! Every new Mom and Dad is navigating uncharted territory. It takes time to adjust to your new roles. You don’t know what to expect because every day is new and different. Each day brings with it many new experiences, demands, thoughts and feelings. You may wonder if you are doing things ‘right’. Or, something new pops up. Giving yourself some grace helps. You will learn that not everything will be or needs to be perfect! AND, there is nothing wrong with asking for support. Maybe it’s from a veteran Mom, trusted family member or a lactation specialist (if you are breastfeeding). You can also consider therapy, if you need to be heard and reassured. Even in your happiness, you still have a lot on your plate! One big, sneaky one that may at first be subtle can be the shame gremlins!
Shame gremlins seek out those with postpartum mood disorders
Sneaky, powerful shame gremlins seel ot postpartum mood disorcers. It’s a breeding ground for them to live and grow:
- Not being happy after birth
- Not enjoying or feeling fulfilled by motherhood
- Having difficulty with breastfeeding
- Having an unplanned C-section
- Expecting things to be ‘perfect’
- Birth trauma
- Being told ‘don’t let others know how you are feeling’
Internalizing your emotions is a surefire call for the shame gremlins to appear! **
Asking for professional help
is often difficult, especially with postpartum mood disorders. You don’t even feel like moving, Let me make it easier for you. Call me for a consultation. If you find that I am not the right fit for you, I will provide you with 3 other therapists who might be a better fit. As a therapist, I will not judge or shame you for the way you feel. Instead, I will validate your emotions and suggest tools which will likely help you to recover and feel like yourself again. If you and I agree, we may add EMDR therapy along with talk therapy. The sooner you reach out for help, the sooner you will begin to feel better.
Let’s exterminate the gremlins–together!
**Author and shame researcher, Brené Brown, likens shame to gremlins: fuzzy, creepy thoughts that have you comparing yourself and your situation to every other mother, seeking worthiness around every corner, and keeping your truth hidden. There is only one way to get rid of these gremlins! Expose them to the light by speaking your truth. I will not only hear your truth, I will also honor it. Together, we can tame the shame gremlins and build a strong connection between you and your child.