Having a baby is naturally a time of intense emotions which can result in mood swings, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. But for some new moms, the "baby blues" don't go away after a couple of weeks. Instead, they experience a more severe, long-lasting form of clinical depression. Fortunately, if you suffer from this complication, prompt treatment can help you manage the symptoms. 

Causes

It is normal for a woman to experience a mild form of depression after giving birth. This is sometimes referred to as the "baby blues". It's caused by the rapid fall in hormone levels after delivery, which can trigger mood swings, sadness, irritability, and trouble sleeping. These mild symptoms begin one or two days after birth and usually last for a week or two. 

Sometimes the symptoms can be much more intense, interfering with your ability to manage daily tasks. They can appear anytime, from before the baby is born up to a year after birth, and they can last for months or even years. This condition is called postpartum depression. 

While any woman can develop it, those with a history of depression or, if depression runs in their family, are at higher risk. Stress, such as that caused by work, relationship issues, or financial problems, can also increase your likelihood of developing postpartum depression. 

Symptoms

While it is easy to mistake them for "baby blues" at first, the symptoms of postpartum depression are more severe and, left untreated, can become debilitating or even life-threatening. Symptoms include uncontrollable crying, loss of appetite, intense anger, feelings of hopelessness, fear, and anxiety. 

You may withdraw from your family and friends, have trouble sleeping, or sleep too much. Postpartum depression can cause difficulty bonding with your baby and may even lead to thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.

Treatment

By talking to a psychologist, you can learn to develop methods for recognizing and dealing with negative thoughts in a healthy and effective way. Counseling may include discussing your experiences, relationships, stresses, and other factors that can trigger negative emotions to help you work through them, reducing their effect on your daily life. Your doctor may also prescribe antidepressants to balance the chemicals in your brain related to depression.

The licensed professionals at Feinberg & Associates in Lexington, KY, offer in-depth counseling services you can trust. They develop a personalized plan to identify the source of emotional distress and help you move forward. They treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, and many other issues in children, adolescents, and adults. Call them today at (859) 233-3390 or visit their website to learn more.