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Tag: depression

  • Pregnancy and Depression

    Pregnancy is supposed to be a joyful time, one of the happiest in a woman’s life, but for many women it’s a time of sadness and even bouts of depression. Depression can be described as an on-going and impairing feeling of sadness, hopelessness, unhappiness or being consistently down-in-the-dumps. Many people get the blues at one point in their lives or another, but clinical depression is considered a mood disorder in which these feelings interfere with day to day life for an extended period of time. Depression is common, with symptoms affecting as many as 70% of pregnant women and about 15% of those will suffer from major depression. Depression is one of the most common complications during pregnancy, even more common than postpartum depression is after delivery.

    Often, depression during pregnancy (or “prenatal depression”) is overlooked, ignored and left untreated, due to the fact that some normal pregnancy changes cause similar symptoms and happen about the same time. This can easily confuse symptoms of depression with typical symptoms of pregnancy.

    Common symptoms include: appetite changes (eating too much or too little), decreased interest, motivation or pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyed, change or disturbance in sleep patterns, excessive fatigue or lack of energy, difficulty focusing or concentrating, extreme restlessness and irritability, persistent feelings of guilt or worthlessness, extended periods of sadness, as well as significant weight gain or weight loss. Also, crying a lot, withdrawal from family and friends, stronger emotional reactions and excessive worries about a woman’s health or the health of her unborn baby can also be symptoms of depression. Recurring thoughts of suicide, death and feelings that life isn’t worth living anymore are more severe symptoms, which a woman shouldn’t hesitate to seek help for immediately. Any of the symptoms mentioned previously that last longer than 2 weeks or more at a time can’t be blamed on normal mood changes caused by pregnancy.

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    << Postpartum Depression >>
    << Depression After Delivery >>

  • Depression During Pregnancy (continued)

    Possible triggers for prenatal depression include: family or personal history of depression, relationship problems or martial conflict, living alone, unplanned pregnancy, financial troubles, a complicated or high-risk pregnancy, being confined to bed rest, fertility treatments, previous pregnancy loss (fear that something may happen to this pregnancy), stressful life events (such as a recent death in the family, divorce, separation or job loss), being young at the time of pregnancy, history of substance abuse, limited support from family and friends as well as past history of being abused either emotionally, sexually or physically. There may be a number of reasons why a woman may get depressed during pregnancy, although at other times, the cause isn’t quite as clear.

    Depression during pregnancy can be dangerous, since when it’s severe, it may result in decreased ability for women to care for themselves or their unborn baby, along with interference with prenatal bonding. Women may not eat properly, get adequate rest or receive prenatal care. Depression can also put women at risk for increased use of substances such as tobacco, alcohol and drugs. Women with severe depression may be at a much higher risk of suicide, if the depression is left untreated. Depression during pregnancy is linked to premature delivery, low birth-weight and possibly even depression and behavioral problems later on in the child.

    In addition, depression during pregnancy is one of the strongest predictors of postpartum depression after delivery. About 50% of women suffering from depression during pregnancy go on to develop postpartum depression. The good news is treatment during pregnancy can reduce that number dramatically.

    Many women suffer needlessly because they don’t seek help. Depression can be treated and managed during pregnancy, but the first step of seeking out help and support, is the most important. Treating depression is just as important as treating any other health concern during pregnancy. Without proper treatment, depression can get worse or be harmful to the baby or mother.

    If you suspect that you are becoming depressed, it’s important to talk to your doctor or midwife about how you are feeling. He or she may want to prescribe anti-depressant medication and/or refer you to a therapist who can provide you with some much-needed support, if your depression is moderate to severe. Besides medication and therapy, alternative approaches include light therapy, support groups as well as self-help approaches that may help you feel better. These include: building a support network that can help with such things as household responsibilities, preparing meals and other daily tasks to help keep you from feeling fatigued, exercising, which can be very beneficial, especially walking and stress management. Make sure to take plenty of breaks, get adequate amounts of sleep and eat a well-balanced diet. Talking things out with your friends, partner and family may also be very helpful.

    << Postpartum Depression >>

  • Postpartum Depression (continued)

    Things that may contribute to postpartum depression include: prior history of major depression or family history, lack of social or emotional support, a difficult labor and birth, premature birth or baby born with defects, prenatal depression, hormonal changes, unplanned pregnancy, low thyroid levels, marital or relationship problems, low self-esteem, baby behavior (sleep trouble, breastfeeding difficulties, colic, etc.), being a single mother, financial problems and stressful events (such as a recent move or loss of a loved one).

    Postpartum depression affects both mother and baby. One of the most troubling consequences of postpartum depression is the side effects it has on a new mother’s ability to care for her baby. Mothers often feel helpless or inadequate, withdrawing from their responsibilities. In addition, babies are highly sensitive to a mother’s sadness, silence, and inattentiveness. In the long run, child development and emotional growth may be affected by postpartum depression, leading to possible behavior problems (including hyperactivity). This is especially true if postpartum depression lasts for a long time or goes untreated.

    It’s very important that women suffering from postpartum depression reach out for the proper help as soon as possible. You may find it comforting to talk with your doctor or midwife if you are having trouble coping after the birth of your baby. While postpartum depression is a serious condition, if you receive proper medical attention, it can be treated fairly easily with anti-depressant medications, counseling and support groups. Without proper treatment, your depression may get even worse and last much longer. Regular exercise, eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, getting out of the house, socializing with friends, getting plenty of rest and getting assistance with housework and meals are all helpful way to cope better.

    << Depression During Pregnancy >>
    << Postpartum Depression >>
    << Depression After Delivery >>

  • Dealing with Postpartum Depression

    Having a baby is supposed to be a thrilling and exciting time, but for many women it can also be a time of fear, stress and even depression. After giving birth, many women (as many as 80% of new mothers) experience a week or two of “baby blues,” marked by mood swings, mild depression, and bouts of unexplained crying, but these feelings typically disappear quickly. Postpartum depression, on the other hand can be described as on-going or worsening intense feelings of sadness, restlessness, irritability or being consistently exhausted and unable to function. Up to 15- 30% of new mothers experience full-blown postpartum depression after delivery, which can last as briefly as 2 weeks, but as long as over a year.

    Common symptoms of postpartum depression include: constant or worsening feelings of worthlessness, helplessness or hopelessness, crying more than usual, lack of interest (or over interest) in baby or caring for baby, being unable to function, extreme exhaustion and sleeping too much (or too little), feelings of being overwhelmed or unable to cope, change in eating habits (not eating or overeating), change in weight, as well as loss of interest or pleasure in activities including sex. Also, being unable to make decisions, trouble focusing, feeling out of control or unusual feelings of rage and feelings of wanting life back the way it was before baby are common symptoms of postpartum depression. Frightening thoughts of suicide or harming baby and fear of being alone with baby that won’t go away are more serious symptoms, which a woman should seek help for immediately.

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    Depression During Pregnancy
    Postpartum Depression
    Depression After Delivery