The all too familiar foe - Anxiety and Postpartum Depression

As Moms I believe we often convince ourselves that once we have our babies that everything will be story-book-like and we will live our lives as mothers, serene and peaceful, joyful at all times.  Even as a trained social worker well read about postpartum depression and as a woman who experienced anxiety in my early twenties, I thought I was well prepared for postpartum depression.  However postpartum is different for every woman.  We are all hit by that immediate hormone flux after baby that leaves us teary and emotional which many call the "baby blues".  However, what many women are still embarassed to discuss is the long-standing postpartum that they struggle with every day.  I myself experienced what you might call postpartum anxiety.  I was constantly overly worried about doing something wrong while caring for my baby, som,etimes unreasonable worries.  I am thankful that I had key women in my life as well as my husband, who supported me to work through it and feel more comfortable with myself as a mother.

Lately we are becoming more aware of how postpartum depression effects women and their families and I'd like to think that it is becoming less stigmaitized.  Yet, I do not believe that we are to the point where we can discuss it comfortably and openly.  It is important to recognize that postpartum depression and anxiety have different levels of severity and even classifications.  Postpartum depression can range from a mother experiencing mild depressive symptoms, yet still being able to function - to a mother who's functiontioning is completely impared and is having thoughts of suicide or even thoughts of harming her child.  The range of anxiety includes that which can be managed through various relaxation techniques, to anxiety that is severe enough to require medication to manage panic attacks.  Anxiety and postpartum depression can require hospitalization if it becomes severe enough.  That withstanding, my intention is not to go into the psychiatric details of anxiety and postpartum, but to send a loud message: postpardum depression and anxiety is something mothers need to be talking to each other about.  We need to open up the discussion so we can support each other.

In saying that I would like to discuss some of the supports that may be available to you if you feel you might be experiencing postpartum and/or anxiety:

• Your partner or husband.  Sometimes you may be frightened to tell your spouse about the thougths and feelings you are having, but chances are they have noticed and they are just not sure how to broach it with you.  Hopefully you are in a relationship where you can share this with your partner safely. 
• A key support person such as a best friend, your mother, a sister, basically anyone you trust and feel safe talking to.
• Your family doctor.  This is a key player in your health and they will likely be asking you about postpartum after you have a child.  They are also the person you need to go to if you are experiencing symptoms, they can help you determine how to address it.
• Your public health unit.  In some areas there are programs for first time mothers or mothers who may be at increased risk for postpartum.  Public health nurses are trained to look for symptoms of postpartum depression and have a great deal of helpful information and can refer you if they believe you are experiencing postpartum or anxiety.
• Your mental health office.  The professionals here specialized in anxiety and postpartum and are one of the best resources outside your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms.

I wouldn't say I have an assignment to give our readers upon reading this blog-just a hope that we open up the discussion.  Talk about postpartum depression with other moms,  we owe it to each other and our children.