Mental Health Awareness Month: Learning More about Postpartum Depression

For Mental Health Awareness Month, Eva’s Home is dedicating this article to discuss Postpartum Depression and ways to cope.

Postpartum depression is a genuine thing, and everyone does not recognize the signs of postpartum. Postpartum depression is when your body and mind go through changes during and after pregnancy. According to www.womenshealth.gov, hormonal changes may trigger symptoms of postpartum depression. When a woman is pregnant and delivers a baby, estrogen and progesterone are the highest. When you deliver a baby, your hormone levels drop, and researchers believe this sudden change in hormone levels may lead to post-partum depression.

Many people do not recognize the symptoms, especially first-time parents. A mother’s mind, body, and spirit go through various changes after having a child. According to www.womenshealth.gov, some common symptoms of postpartum depression to notice if you or a loved one is dealing with postpartum depression are feeling restless or moody, sad, hopeless or overwhelmed, having thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby having no energy or motivation, and more.

Some ways to try to avoid postpartum depression are: preparing as much as possible before the baby arrives by ensuring you have a loving support system, educating yourself on postpartum and the signs, sleeping and eating properly, and preparing as much as possible before giving birth.

After having a baby, you really need a strong support system. Postpartum depression can last months and sometimes years after having a baby. If you or someone you know believes they are suffering from postpartum depression, please visit a health professional.

Visit the sites below for more information:

• https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/postpartum-depression (general information)

• www.northshore.org/pediatrics/specialty-programs/neonatology/perinatal-family-support-center/perinatal-depression-program/ (Local Chicago National Help for Postpartum)

• https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/help-for-moms/. (National Help for Postpartum)

Below are hotlines to receive help and figure out the next steps in dealing with postpartum:

Local Chicago Helpline:

Program and Location Phone #: (866) 364-6667 voice

National Helpline:

1-800-944-4773 (4PPD) #1 En Español or #2 English

Text in English: 800-944-4773

Text en Español: 971-203-7773