ppd Info
Here is some more information on PPD. We are all still having hormonal issues, so keep that in mind when you feel bad, too!
At least one in 10 new mothers experiences various degrees of postpartum depression. Postpartum complications can occur within days of the delivery or appear gradually, sometimes up to a year or so later.
A woman suffering from postpartum depression will usually experience several symptoms ranging from mild to severe. She may experience "good" days and alternating "bad" days. Although postpartum depression does not take the same form for every woman, all of the symptoms can be equally distressing and often leave the woman feeling ashamed, guilty and isolated.
Symptoms may include:
- Sluggishness, fatigue, exhaustion
- Sadness, depression, hopelessness
- Appetite and sleep disturbances
- Poor concentration, confusion
- Memory loss
- Overconcern for the baby
- Uncontrollable crying, irritability
- Guilt, inadequacy, worthlessness
- Lack of interest in the baby
- Fear of harming the baby or yourself
- Fear of losing control or "going crazy
- Exaggerated highs and/or lows
- Lack of interest in sex
- Insomnia
- Intrusive thoughts
Some women may not feel depressed, but may feel very anxious.
Postpartum anxiety and/or panic disorder is characterized by:
- Intense anxiety and/or fear
- Rapid breathing
- Fast heart rate, palpitations
- Sense of doom
- Hot or cold flashes
- Chest pains or discomfort
- Shaking
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Feelings of wanting to "run away"
Symptoms of Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can also occur for the first time in women following childbirth. Women may have thoughts that are often scary and perceived as being out of character for the woman experiencing them. These thoughts are symptoms of the illness: things one would never want to happen. In addition, if a woman has a history of OCD, her symptoms may intensify.
Symptoms include:
- Intrusive, repetitive thoughts (which may include thoughts of harming the baby or others)
- Obsessive thoughts (i.e., contracting AIDS)
- Avoidance behavior (i.e., avoiding the baby to alleviate intrusive thoughts)
- Anxiety and/or depression
- Fears
Please remember that with good medical/psychiatric intervention, these illnesses are treatable and prognosis is excellent. Do seek help from someone specializing in these disorders.
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