A True Stealer of Motherhood

THE INSIDIOUS POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION !A TRUE STEALER OF LIFE especially Motherhood.

According to the American Psychological Association 1 out of 7 women are confronted with the insidious Postpartum Depression. It is such a common thing yet people continue to suffer through this untreated. In interviewing Erika Berry on Postpartum Depression it was astonishing to me that one of my closest friends was experiencing this. In the interview I did feel a sense of guilt for not being there for her in the way that a friend should. I couldn’t help but to question my intuitiveness seeing as I was so unaware at the time. Although the episode on my Youtube channel (Taking Mental Health off the Shelf)was about Erika’s experience and her resilience through the support that she did have, impacted how I saw6 myself as a friend. Erika emphasized having access to support was instrumental in her recovery, I could not help but to think how many loved ones might be around someone who is suffering and yet remain ignorant this prevalent issue. This just emphasizes the point even more so on the importance of being aware of the signs, sudden changes, and regressive behaviors that may indicate that someone you care about maybe battling a mental health illness. There are some signs that I wanted to highlight in this blog to continue to bring awareness to this issue and inspiration. My hope is to continue to encourage effort to familiarize oneself with Mental Health issues since it is no respecter of persons. The warning signs are different for everyone but may include:
1)A loss of interest in the things that she used to do
2)The appetite of this person may be increased or decreased
3)Having racing thoughts
4)Irritability, Mood Swings
5)Trouble sleeping too much or not enough
6)Loss of interest in being connected with family and friends
7)Sex drive declines
8)Sadness and may experience crying spells (crying uncontrollably)

These are some symptoms and there may be other things that you might notice that may not be listed, however it reflects things that are out of character from that person and is disrupting daily life’s function. Asking the difficult questions can be nerve racking especially if you see the person that you love already in so much emotional pain. Having a conversation may feel like the insensitive thing to do since these conversations can be emotionally charged. The reality is asking the questions that reflect the possible symptoms can help someone recognize that there is actually a label for what they are going through and that it is treatable. Knowledge is powerful.

Postpartum Depression can occur anywhere from two weeks after birth to the first year of the child’s life. This leaves a huge window and is something to consider. In Erika’s interview she identified the listening ear of a friend to be the most comforting. What stood out to me was the way in which Erika was able to open up to this friend. It was such a simple gesture that he shared with her. He simply made a observation! Noticing Erika’s decline in certain obvious things that were out of the norm for her. I think the key here was NOTICE. He was able to notice the change, which opened a window for Erika to get the support that she needed. While our lives presents many challenges practicing a form of mindfulness each day can be helpful in noticing things more amongst others especially our loved ones.

Being a support does not mean you are fixing anything, but showing the validation and the compassion for contending with something that is so difficult can be healing, which Erika’s story has proven that. While I am so happy that Erika was able to recover from this, it is important to note that if you or a loved one is showing signs of Postpartum Depression it is encouraged to speak to a professional Therapist about it. Especially if there is very little support. While Erika was grateful to have the support that she did I couldn’t help but to be so painfully aware of how she could have received help earlier. It is painful to know that she did not have to suffer for such a long period of time, which was approximately the entire first year of her child’s life. I am not saying that everyone must go to a Therapist if you are showing signs, but I am saying that having professional help can assist with the recovery process in providing tools that can assist with coping with what is happening and restoring the experience of being a mother easier.

When there are things that you are equipped with to make it easier it would be advantageous to monopolize on them. Everyone deserves to be healthy and experience the joys of mother and fatherhood. I am a firm believer that all forms of depression are insidious and pose as a true stealer of life. Life is so precious and if you are struggling with Postpartum Depression please see someone about it, you don’t have to suffer through it alone. This is treatable, however if continued without support this condition can worsen. Recapture your life and experience the joy again.
April Wozencroft, LMFT

Resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-8255(TALK)
National Postpartum Depression Hotline: 1-800-773-6667 (PPD-MOMS)

YOU CAN MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH ME IF YOU NEED!
Call 1-909-323-0173

Cri