After giving birth, many women experience a temporary condition known as postpartum depression (PPD). This unfortunate reality is all too familiar; many women have experienced it themselves or know someone who has. And yet, only one in 10 people with PPD seek medical assistance – what’s wrong with this picture?!
For those seeking treatment, antidepressants can be an answer. But which ones should you choose? If I had to venture a guess, I’d say that many individuals are taking medications like Abilify and Lexapro with relative success. Why not give them both a try? Let us delve into the world of Reddit and examine how these drugs fared when tried by subjects who actually needed them – let’s take a look at some examples!
Struggling to get out of bed
When you’re in the throes of postpartum depression, waking up can be a daunting task. This can result from a combination of factors including fatigue or an inability to rouse yourself out of bed; your physical health may not yet be fully restored thus necessitating some effort on your part before getting out of the house!
For those struggling with symptoms, waking up can mean facing a disorientating array of emotions that may include anxiety and shame – alongside feelings of hopelessness. Depression during this time period is commonly brought about by one’s relationship with their baby as well as any perceived limitations that may be hindering access to healthcare services like childcare facilities – let alone obtaining help from family members who may not understand what they are going through!
Feeling numb
The ache of postpartum depression can be excruciating, which is why some new parents experience a complete lack of feeling in the aftermath.
If you’re going through this tough time, don’t be alarmed if you find yourself devoid of any emotion whatsoever. This can happen as part of the condition – and it doesn’t indicate that you’re any less worthy!
not caring and hating life
I can’t even begin to comprehend how hard it must be for young mothers to navigate their new lives as mothers. And then there are those who are thrust into parenthood due to an unexpected pregnancy – they’re in uncharted territory! Motherhood is a formidable task, but we refuse to allow any mother feel that it may not be possible for them.
Have you ever experienced postpartum anxiety? How did your anxiety manifest itself during the initial days of motherhood? Have any of your symptoms increased after the birth of your child? Take this short quiz to discover what you might be experiencing!
Not eating or drinking
Ever feel like things are out of control and your emotions are spiraling out of control? If you answered yes, then you may be experiencing postpartum depression.
Severe cases of this disorder typically manifest themselves in a range of symptoms, such as feelings of worthlessness; relentless crying; insomnia – and even weight loss!
Don’t let this happen to you! Just remember these:
Being reckless and doing things you regret
If a person experiences postpartum depression, they may feel an inability to control their emotions. Some may realize that they’ve made questionable decisions – like driving erratically or taking risks that could result in injury or even death.
If you are someone who has experienced postpartum depression, it is imperative that you take seriously any actions you take during this period of healing. Otherwise, you could be putting yourself or others at risk for potential regret!
Thinking you’re a bad mother and no one would ever want you again
I had been through postpartum depression and was deemed unfit for motherhood. My husband and I chose to relinquish our parental rights so that my ex-husband could have custody of our daughter. Although I tried to assuage their fears by assuring them that everything would be fine, it wasn’t until the court issued an order forcing me into therapy that they finally relented.
Eventually, during one session with a therapist we discussed at length the situation and my partner casually remarked: “Oh, by the way – everyone seems to think you’re such a bad mother.” At first he laughed off the notion; however his joviality soon gave way to sorrow as he shared with us how deeply hurtful those remarks were – and how they prevented him from pursuing treatment.
Postpartum depression symptoms to keep an eye out for postpartum psychosis pregnancy signs of postpartum blues how to get help for postpartum depression
Are you currently pregnant, planning on becoming a parent soon or have you recently given birth? Are you worried about postpartum depression? Don’t be! Here are some symptoms to keep an eye out for.
• Loss of appetite: This is one of the most common early signs of PPD. If you’re not hungry or no longer enjoy eating, it could indicate that maybe you’re feeling a little down after giving birth or like this ordeal is weighing heavily on your emotions.
• Sadness and blues along with feelings of helplessness: This can occur during pregnancy as well as after giving birth. Remember that feelings of sadness may be emotionally taxing however they don’t necessarily entail despair; instead they might simply incite a sense of restlessness over events which prompting agitation.
• Irrational thoughts such as delusions and hallucinations: Severer cases may entail experiencing auditory hallucinations such as hearing voices or sensing other people’s presences in the midst of everyday life. It may also bring about delusional thinking where you take on false ideas about reality – for instance; thinking that others are speaking negatively about you when there is no substance to their words at all!
Conclusion
I’m so grateful to have encountered the outpouring of compassion and generosity from Reddit users, who offered up support with encouragement and insight into strategies for tackling postpartum blues.
If you or someone close to you is suffering from postpartum depression, I encourage you to browse through the posts on Reddit and gain an understanding of how other women have navigated the experience.