Yes, I know that the title is a real kill joy, but it needs to be discussed. Or I at least need to blog about it. I said that this blog was about our family and it would be rude of me to not look into this topic.
I now have proud ownership of the label, I mean diagnosis, of postpartum depression. No, I am not a danger to myself, Ellie, or others. Well, crazy Christmas shoppers possibly, but seeing as I am done with the Holiday shopping even those people are safe.
As many of you females and possibly males know, hormones play a big roll in mood and well reproduction/fertility. There are surges of certain hormones during pregnancy and surges of others afterwards, aka postpartum period. Some hormones are suppressed such as the thyroid hormone. Do not worry! I will not detail the hormones/NTs like estrogen, oxytocin, progesterone, serotonin, or norepinephrine. Just recognize that the brain chemicals play a role.
Anyway, sometimes I feel like my brain chemicals and hormones are confused. I find myself at times crying for no apparent reason and yet an hour later I feel energized and all is right with the world. Other times I feel like an incompetent parent. How can I take care of this little baby? Especially when I forget things like leaving the milk on the counter and putting my keys in the fridge. Then the animals. I forgot that I left Sophie outside and Tama is in the closet. Augh! Sometimes all I want is a nap. Yet at the chance to get a nap all I do is have thoughts of what needs to be done. . . or I relive receiving Ellie’s diagnosis. Actually that is a big one. Is it possible to have post-traumatic stress due to birth? I relive that diagnosis part over and over again. I also relive Rodeo’s death as well. I miss him so much. . .
Fortunately I recognized that I am having issues and sought help in several forms.
1. Lexapro which is great for depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder. It works on the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine.
2. Playgroup: I love my playgroup. They are wonderful mothers who provide reliable support. They listen and provide great advice. They also have adorable babies and who doesn't feel better when they see a smiling happy baby?
3. Andrew & Family & Friends: they understand that I am not myself and are trying to help me cope.
4. Ellie Bear's smiles.
The numbers:
Approximately 10-15% of new moms will experience postpartum depression
Moms are at a higher risk if they have experience previous episodes of depression or mental illness
Other risk factors include but are not limited to unplanned pregnancy, major life changes such as a death in the family or move, depression during pregnancy, postpartum depression with previous pregnancy, and low social support.
If celebrities are important to you--not confirmed but found during a Google search:
Brook Shields
Marie Osmond
Catherine Zeta Jones
Courtney Cox
Amanda Peet
Support & Info:
You are not alone. I had PPD after Gavin was born. No fun, no fun at all.
ReplyDelete{{{{{big hug}}}}}}
ReplyDeleteIf it makes you feel any better, I left an entire carton of eggs on the counter for 24 hours last week. And I don't even have baby brain.
:)
Maria