Depression is when a woman has a depressed mood. When this mood lasts longer than two weeks or she is losing interest in life itself, she needs to seek professional help. Some women experience depression during their pregnancy, called Antepartum Depression (AD). If the depression occurs during the year after having a baby, it is called Postpartum Depression (PD). Being able to recognize the symptoms of Antepartum or Postpartum Depression and knowing when to address them with lifestyle interventions or professional help can be a lifesaver.

Personal Story

I have rarely had depression, even in its mildest forms, but I know people who struggle with it, so I have learned to watch for symptoms. Depression is not something to ignore. Please seek help if you are depressed.

Definition of Depression

According to The Free Dictionary Medical Dictionary, the definition of depression in psychiatry is “a mental state of altered mood characterized by feelings of sadness, despair, and discouragement; distinguished from grief, which is realistic and proportionate to a personal loss.” The change of mood can result in a variety of symptoms.

Symptoms of Antepartum Depression

Low self-esteem and low confidence are associated with depression. Here are some other symptoms:

• Anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Feeling guilt
• Feeling insecure about life
• Having little concern about personal appearance
• Having difficulty in making decisions
• Insomnia
• Isolating
• Not feeling able to handle everyday situations
• Persistent sadness
• Refusing to eat
• Reoccurring thoughts of hopelessness, death, or suicide
• Sleeping too much

Some symptoms are more obvious than others, but they all carry some risk for the pregnant woman and her unborn baby.

Risks

During and after pregnancy, there are risks for both mother and baby when the mother is depressed.

Risks to the mother include:

• Minimal desire to adequately care for herself
• Poor nutrition
• Drinking
• Smoking

Risks to the baby include:

• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Inadequate care
• Developmental problems

When a woman recognizes these risks, she is motivated to seek appropriate help for the level of severity.

Postpartum Depression (PD)

Postpartum depression starts a few weeks after the birth of a baby and increases for several weeks to months later and resolves by itself within a year. The symptoms and risks are the same for the mother. The main risks for the baby are having inadequate care and possible developmental problems.

Lifestyle Treatments and Professional Care

Good nutrition, supplements, exercise, personal hygiene, social support, routines, and relaxation techniques are all important when facing depression. Please see my blog #95 on depression for information on these.

Other treatment options for pregnant women or new moms are:

• Counseling
• Light therapy
• Support groups

A woman experiencing depression should seek the help they need.

Action

Take time to learn the symptoms and risks of depression during and after pregnancy. Carefully watch a depressed woman, since diligence is vital to prevent them from committing self-harm. Always seek professional help when a person is cutting, contemplating suicide, or mentions harming themselves or others.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. What do you think? Please leave a comment.

http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/endogenous+depression

http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/depression-during-pregnancy/