“Many times women are feeling better, and then the baby is born and BOOM! they are back to not sleeping well, feeling overwhelmed and the normal adjustment of having a baby,” she says. “That can lead to another depressive episode.”
She notes that having support is beneficial, so women should reach out for help.
Although the choice for how to treat depression during pregnancy might be difficult, it is important for women to reach out for help. Clancy says that women need to know they don’t have to suffer alone, and they should get help if they are struggling. Women should locate resources, ask for help, take others up on offers to help or bring meals, and build a village of support.
Crystal Clancy is a licensed marriage and family therapist, family mediator, and parenting consultant. She is mother of two, and a survivor of postpartum depression. She specializes in therapy with perinatal mental health, and she is the HelpLine Director for Pregnancy and Postpartum Support MN.
References:
Bankhead, C. (2012, March 6). Depression in pregnancy: No easy answers.
Marcus, S. (2009). Depression during pregnancy: rates, risks and consequences–motherisk update 2008. The Candian Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 16(1), 15-22.
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