Recognizing Post-Partum Depression

04/11/2011

As a new mom, it’s very easy to get lost in your new world, which revolves a lot around what seems like everyone else but you.

You spend sleepless nights consoling a crying baby,

trying desperately to keep on top of the laundry, the housecleaning, the cooking- and with any luck, you’ll get the chance for a quick shower in between all that. Your hormones are fluctuating like crazy, you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and you feel like a different person than you were before the birth of your sweet little baby.

. This is where a lot of new moms find themselves falling into the depths of Postpartum Depression,

without really even recognizing it.

Your partner is the best person to recognize the symptoms – he’s probably wondering where his wife went – and when she’ll come back. He’ll spend hours on the computer, googling ‘Post-Partum Depression Symptoms”, trying to get a grasp of what’s happening with you, hoping he can try to figure it out and how he can help you through it.

It’s more common than we think, and ultimately, it’s so very important to understand that it’s not your fault, and

you don’t have to feel this way.

Talk to your doctor or a public health nurse to find out what the treatment options are.

There are many resources to connect with, to help you understand what’s happening and why you might feel the way you do.

Below is a list of contacts who you can go to for support.

Family Services of Central Alberta ~ “Mindful Connections” Postpartum Group ~ http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/services.asp?pid=service&rid=1040151

Postpartum Depression Awareness ~ http://www.ppda.ca/