Postpartum Depression
Monday, July 31st, 2017 | Depression | Comments Off on Postpartum Depression
For many women, postpartum depression is not something most new mothers expect. The condition is very treatable but unfortunately the diagnosis is missed. There are several reasons for this. The first is that at the 6 week check up with the gynecologist, the new mother may be experiencing some minor “baby blues” but not enough to warrant them sharing that with their physician.
Research has found that women may also suffer from postpartum anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder so they are not experiencing any depressive symptoms. Early in pregnancy some symptoms may begin to appear and worsen throughout the pregnancy.
Postpartum depression many times does not have an impact on the mother until long after the six week checkup. Another reason that it is not shared is because they may be embarrassed to admit their pervasive sadness when everyone around them is talking about how happy she should be. Additionally, their thoughts of harming the baby or themselves is too frightening to share.
Our office has regularly seen mothers as much as a year or more after birth before they realize that they need help. Studies show that mothers suffering from postpartum depression have children that are negatively impacted by their illness. Many of these women are falling through the cracks and not getting diagnosed or treated. The key to this may be a better understanding through education of symptoms and the availability of successful treatment.