Depression/Emotional Support

Depression/Emotional Support Jennifer Musante

Material • Handout: Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale • Flip board & markers

Lesson Objectives • Identify the signs of depression during pregnancy • Gain insight into how the body changes following delivery of the baby. • Identify the difference between ‘baby blues’ and ‘post partum depression’ • Identify the signs and symptoms of post partum depression • Gain insight into the changing role with the arrival of the baby

Discussion • Pregnancy brings about many emotions from joy, anxiety, fear, excitement and more • Ice breaker- Can anyone one share what feelings they experience when they found out they were pregnant?

Pregnancy • Pregnancy is supposed to be one of the happiest times of a woman's life, but for many women this is a time of confusion, fear, sadness, stress, and even depression • 14-23% of women will struggle with some symptoms of depression during pregnancy

Ante Partum Depression Discussion: Has anyone ever heard of ante partum depression and/or know what it is? What is depression during pregnancy? • Depression during pregnancy, or ante partum depression, is a mood disorder just like clinical depression • During pregnancy, hormone changes can affect brain chemicals, which are directly related to depression and anxiety. These can be exacerbated by difficult life situations, which can result in depression during pregnancy

Guidelines to determine if symptoms are caused by pregnancy or depression Women with depression usually experience some of the following symptoms for 2 weeks or more:

Ante Partum Depression Can depression during pregnancy cause harm to my baby? • Depression that is not treated can have potential dangerous risks to the mother and baby • Untreated depression can lead to poor nutrition, drinking, smoking, and suicidal behavior • Preterm baby (less than 37 weeks), low birth weight • A woman who is depressed often does not have the strength or desire to adequately care for herself or her developing baby • Severe anxiety during pregnancy may cause harm to a growing fetus • due to constriction of the placental blood vessels and higher cortisol levels

Baby Blues • It is very common for new moms to have the “baby blues.” They often start a few days after a baby’s birth What are the baby blues? • Baby blues are feelings of sadness you may have 3 to 5 days after having a baby • caused by all the hormones in your body right after pregnancy • Occurs in about 80% of mothers • Typically last 1-3 weeks after delivery

Discussion Emotional changes after delivery Lots of things are happening to you right after you have a baby. Now that your baby is here, you may be feeling some emotional changes Feeling stressed and overwhelmed Your baby didn't come with a set of instructions. You may feel overwhelmed trying to take care of her. You have so many questions. Why is she crying? Is it time to feed her again? Is she getting enough milk? Why doesn't she sleep more at night? It's a lot to think about

Baby Blues Symptoms • Mood instability • Weepiness • Sadness • Anxiety • Lack of concentration • Feelings of dependency

Baby Blues What can I do to get rid of the baby blues? • Talk to your partner or a good friend about how you're feeling • Get plenty of rest • Try to sleep when the baby sleeps • Ask for help • Get out of the house every day, even if it’s for a short time

Postpartum Depression • If symptoms interfere with your life or last longer than two to three weeks, you may have postpartum depression • This affects up to 2 out of 10 moms • It can occur any time in your baby’s first year

Postpartum Depression It is easy to confuse the symptoms of postpartum depression with normal hormone changes. How can you tell if it’s serious? Watch for these symptoms: • Feeling sad, anxious or “empty” • Lack of energy, feeling very tired • Lack of interest in normal activities • Changes in sleeping or eating patterns • Feeling hopeless, helpless, guilty or worthless • Feeling moody and irritable • Problems concentrating or making simple decisions • Thoughts about hurting your baby, even if you will not act on them • Thoughts about death or suicide

Postpartum Affect on Baby A women may experience: • Difficulty responding to her baby’s needs • Trouble bonding, or “falling in love” with her baby • Lack of energy to talk, sing, and play with her baby

Things you can do • Get help • talk with your doctor, call an emergency support line or ask a loved one to help you get the care you need. 2 • Ask your doctor about medicines that can be safely used • Talk to a therapist, alone or in group therapy • Ask your faith or community leaders about other support resources • Learn as much as you can about postpartum depression • Get support from family and friends • Ask for help when you need it (support may be physical –help with laundry or emotional – sitting and listening) • Exercising /Keep active by walking, stretching, swimming etc • Get enough rest • Most valuable in helping you recover • Five hours of uninterrupted sleep per night is required for brain restoration • Eat a healthy diet • Take breaks

Resources • Postpartum Support International at (800) 944-4773 or www.postpartum.net • Suffolk Perinatal Coalition – facebook, by phone (631) 475-5400 or office 475 E. Main Street, Suite 207 in Patchogue, NY 11772

References • Bennett, Shoshana S., and PecIndman. Beyond the Blues. San Jose: Moodswing, 2006. Print. • Minnesota Department of Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2012. <http://www.health.state.mn.us/>. • March of Dimes. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2012. <http://www.marchofdimes.com/pregnancy/ postpartum_depression.html>. • "Depression during Preganacy." American Pregnancy Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2012. <http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/depressionduringpregnancy.html>.

Depression/Emotional Support