Postpartum Depression: It's Real

I started writing this entry last week during a time of lows. I don't feel this way every day but I do sometimes. I was feeling overwhelmed and depressed. 

One thing I never wanted to admit was how much having a child has changed me. Some are great and wonderful changes, but some are not so great. Being pregnant, giving birth and breastfeeding are all very hormone driven. We wonder how our bodies can perform such great miracles. It's all in our hormones. They make it possible for us to become mothers. But they also come with their own side effects. I don't know how other women handle them, but I personally have a difficult time. The fact that I still have pregnancy hormones from breastfeeding has effected my emotions greatly. As much as I love my family and new addition, my feelings overwhelm me. I have every reason to be happy and full of joy. I am learning I am not the only mother who feels this way. One of of every eight mothers experience Postpartum Depression. 

Postpartum depression is a type of clinical depression which can affect women after childbirth. Symptoms may include sadness, low energy, changes in sleeping and eating patterns, reduced desire for sex, crying episodes, anxiety, and irritability. For some reason these symptoms are getting stronger. I thought they would go away with time. 

Other symptoms of postpartum depression include: 

• Sadness
• Hopelessness
• Low self-esteem
• Guilt
• A feeling of being overwhelmed
• Sleep and eating disturbances
• Inability to be comforted
• Exhaustion
• Emptiness
• Inability to experience pleasure from activities usually found enjoyable^[8]
• Social withdrawal
• Low or no energy
• Becoming easily frustrated
• Feeling inadequate in taking care of the baby
• Decreased sex drive
• Occasional or frequent anxiety 

If you know a new mother, be especially gentle and kind. Becoming a mother is life changing and can even be traumatic. Your mommy friends can use all the support and love you can give them. 

Bless a mommy today ❤️