We feel it's important to also address Postpartum Depression during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. 1 in 7 of women will experience PPD and 1 in 5 of these women will have thoughts of harming themselves. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in postpartum women. What can you do to help? Educate yourself about PPD. Most women with PPD suffer in silence. Let's change this! We encourage you to read this article.
This is the real deal. These statistics are real and very scary. Many mom's suffer from this, and if you are a mom and are anything like me, (I too, even being a mental health professional) suffered in silence for way too long.
Lots of women feel overwhelmed, guilty and anxious during a time that we are told is supposed to be full of great joy. You may be wondering if other new moms feel this way, too, or if adjusting to the demands of a new baby really are more challenging for you.
First, take a deep breath, give yourself some credit for all you do, and recognize that you are not alone. Between 10 – 20% of women suffer from Perinatal Mood Disorders (or PPMDs), which can occur during pregnancy and postpartum. One in five mothers report experiencing some level of postpartum depression (PPD).
Having a baby – whether it’s your first or fourth – requires a significant amount of energy and is a major life transition. Although it may not feel like it, you are likely doing many more things right than wrong.
With that said, if you feel like you are, or are wondering if you are suffering with PPD/A, just know that you DO NOT need to suffer in silence any longer. There is help out there!
A great resource is Postpartum Progress. If you are wondering if you too may be struggling with postpartum depression and/or anxiety, I encourage you to read this article titled "The Symptoms of Postpartum Depression & Anxiety (in Plain Mama English)." The author does a fantastic job of helping mom's understand in words that do make sense. You can also take a screening here that you can provide to your health care professional.
Just know, that if you are a struggling mom with postpartum suffering in silence, you ARE NOT ALONE and there is help out there! We also offer a FREE, that's right , FREE Postpartum Depression/Anxiety Support Group here. We also have qualified counselors and consultants here at the Center for Personal Wellness who have experience working with moms with PPD/A, and we can even offer online counseling for certain clients. Research suggests that internet-based treatment could have a positive effect on postnatal depression as a whole, providing new moms with support at times which are convenient to them and allowing them to complete a course of therapy.