Shreveport, Louisiana Newborn Photographer | Postpartum Depression

Let’s Talk About Postpartum Depression

You are not alone!

Postpartum depression does not discriminate. It would be beneficial to discuss symptoms to your family and friends incase they are unaware. One in ten women will experience Postpartum Depression. One in a thousand will experience Postpartum psychosis. No one can prepare you for motherhood. You might experience lack of sleep and crying because you aren’t sure what to think or feel. You may also feel like this due to hormones which can take time to get adjusted. It can take up to a year or two. When you start feelings like this, it is best to keep a journal of how you feel. Keeping a journal will help you determine if it is getting better or worse. Keep a journal the moment you start to feel severe anxiety. You might be experiencing anxiety if: you are feeling overwhelmed, irritated, or panicked. Anxiety can also include loss of appetite, overthinking, and lack of sleep. Sometimes with anxiety, comes depression. You might be experiencing depression if: you are feeling anxious, general discontent, guilt, hopelessness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, mood swings, sadness, irrigatable, fatigue, restlessness, or isolated.

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SIGNS OF PPD:

Mood swings ~ Excessive crying ~ Difficulty connecting with your baby ~ Becoming distant with your family or friends ~ Loss of appetite or binge eating ~ Severe anger or aggression ~ Sleeping too much or too little ~ Severe fatigue or little energy ~ Fear of not being a good mother ~ Thoughts of self harm ~ Thoughts of harming your baby ~ Feelings hopelessness, guilty, or shameful ~ Losing the ability to concentrate or make clear decisions ~ Severe anxiety or panic attacks ~ Restlessness ~ Reduced interest in activities you used to love.

Feeling guilty or embarrassed is normal in PPD women. The biggest fear is the thought of being judged. Some may even feel like they are not being the mother they thought. Despite feeling this way, no one is going to judge you for seeking help. I promise there are people to help you! Even if you feel isolated, people will come to comfort you and the baby. Accepting something is wrong and it’s not your fault will be your first step to seeking help.

Postpartum Depression can also be seen in new fathers.

SOMEONE YOU KNOW EXPERIENCING SIGNS OF PPD?

• Reach out to ask them if they are okay or need help

• Offer to watch the baby so they can rest or shower

• Drop off their favorite item or food (even if they don’t come to the door)

• Reach out to their family or friends if you haven’t heard back

• Ask prior to birth if they want you to come by certain days

• Let them know you are there for them

DO YOU THINK YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SIGNS OF PPD?

• Seek help from your doctor

• Reach out to your family or friends to help

• Communicate with your significant other

• Don’t hesitate to ask someone to bring you something

• Don’t hesitate to ask someone to watch your little one for a while

• Write in your journal daily to document your feelings

• Make a note in your journal of things to do weekly (like shower)

If your signs worsen, seek help from your doctor.

SIDE NOTE: I AM NOT A REGISTERED THERAPIST OR COUNSELOR.

If no one told you today, you’re awesome.