For some women, one of the best joys they will experience in their lifetimes is giving birth. The range of emotions after the arrival of a new baby is often indescribable. However, mothers may get overwhelmed by the time needed to care for their infant, lack of sleep, and adjusting to nightly feedings. As a result, a women's health condition known as postpartum depression might appear. Here, the team at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home in Gloversville, NY, share a brief guide to recognizing the symptoms and understanding the treatment to help moms get back on track. 

How to Recognize Postpartum Depression

What Are the Symptoms?

Postpartum depression generally occurs after having a baby, but it can also linger throughout the child's first year. Mothers may feel a mix of emotions such as helplessness, guilt, sadness, and detachment. Instead of experiencing temporary bouts of these feelings, moms find themselves mired in depression for weeks or months. Unexplained crying or anger are other common symptoms.

What Causes It?

Women's health specialists say the triggers can run the gamut. Young or teen mothers overwhelmed by their new responsibilities are susceptible to postpartum depression. An unplanned pregnancy, addiction problems, financial struggles, and other forms of stress can also cause the condition to emerge. For some new moms, a change in hormone levels may be the culprit. The levels can fluctuate before, during, and after the birth of a baby. Because of these rapid changes, depression can set in.

How Do You Treat This Condition? 

The encouraging news is there are a number of effective treatment options. Meeting with a therapist or psychologist who specializes in women's health is ideal for mothers to talk about their feelings. From negative emotions towards their baby to childhood trauma, they can express their thoughts in a warm and judgment-free space.

Another treatment is prescribing certain antidepressants. Most are designed to provide balance where there is instability in the emotional areas of the brain. Re-establishing balance helps new moms with better focus and more positive thoughts. Antidepressants can only be prescribed by a licensed physician and most medicine is deemed safe to use by nursing mothers.

By identifying the symptoms and following up with prescribed treatment solutions, you’ll get your life back from this condition. Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home in Gloversville specializes in treating a range of emotional and physical women's health issues. The trained, professional, and compassionate doctors and staff are always 100% committed to helping their patients. If you believe you are experiencing postpartum depression, call (518) 725-8621 to schedule an appointment. Visit the website for extensive information about the center's services.