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Postpartum depression is more common than we know 

 

postpardum depression

Approximately 2700 babies are born each year in San Luis Obispo County. Child-birth can be difficult for new mothers. Nearly 80 percent of the women giving birth experience some sort of “baby blues.” Due to a sudden drop in hormones, a woman may feel exhausted, anxious and tense with periods of feeling lost, crying and even feeling angry.

For most these symptoms usually subside after the first two weeks of giving birth. For some, this period after child-birth can become a nightmare of anger and hostility leading to abuse of the new baby. One in six new mothers suffers from clinical postpartum depression or anxiety.

Vivien’s Story

After the birth of her second child, Vivien did not feel well. She wasn’t herself and did not know why. She was physically strong, yet couldn’t sleep, struggled to get out bed in the morning and was severely depressed. Vivien said, “My days were like nightmares. I cried when the baby cried. There was a cloud over me. It was as if I were lost in a sea of sadness and even anger. I became increasingly afraid I would do something to hurt my baby.”

Vivien’s symptoms are typical of a new mother suffering from clinical postpartum depression. Symptoms may include: feeling sad day after day, no energy to care for oneself or the new baby, feelings of hopelessness, crying for no apparent reason, anxiety, and frightening thoughts or fantasies. The longer the depression goes undiagnosed and untreated, the more negative the impact on the woman, her baby and the entire family.

Vivien called Parent Connection, one of the programs offered for families in need by the Center for Family Strengthening (CFS), the child abuse prevention Agency of San Luis Obispo County. Within the hour, a Parent Connection counselor met Vivien and immediately began to provide emotional support and counseling. CFS referred Vivien to a sister agency that provides treatment and counseling and Vivien is also currently enrolled in Parenting Classes offered through CFS. She and her new baby are doing well and both are back on track.

“Postpartum Depression is serious, and left untreated may cause significant stress and potentially trigger abuse of the new born baby,” said Lisa Fraser, executive director for center for family strengthening. “Postpartum Depression is much more common than you may think. A woman cannot “pull herself out of it” any more than she can pull herself out of a heart attack. All symptoms, from the mildest to the most severe are treatable. A woman shouldn’t try to get through this alone.”

CFS has programs to help women suffering from postpartum depression, anxiety disorders or postpartum psychosis. The treatment plan may include medical evaluation, counseling, medication, and participation in a support group.

CFS works with sister agency ALPHA Pregnancy & Parenting Support to oversee a support line dedicated to meet the needs of distressed postpartum mothers and families. Thanks to the generous support of First 5, CFS and Alpha are able to work in our local community to promote physical and mental health for mothers, children and families. CFS and ALPHA  provide services throughout San Luis Obispo County including Paso Robles. For help, or to learn more about CFS and ALPHA, call the support line at (805) 541-3367 or go to www.cfsslo.com.

Maternal Wellness Forum

CFS is hosting a Maternal Wellness Forum on May 29, featuring Walker Karra, Ph.D. Karra is a thought leader in the field of maternal mental health and leadership. Her first book, Transformed by Postpartum Depression: Women’s Stories of Trauma and Growth, presents her research, “revealing the traumatic and transformative nature of postpartum depression.” The public is invited. The cost of the forum is $65, and includes a personal copy of the book. See registration details on their website.

Tumeric and Depression

Visit here to learn more about Tumeric and it’s effect with depression.

 

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