The weeks and months following the birth of a child can bring joyful, challenging, exhausting, and life-changing experiences. For some new mothers, this phase of life may also bring feelings of sadness, emptiness, mood instability, and anxiety.
Post-partum depression (PPD) is a serious but very treatable condition impacting one in nine women in the year after giving birth. The body goes through amazing changes during pregnancy and labour, which cause powerful shifts in hormones, brain chemistry, and the physiology of the body. For some women, these changes can also create shifts in mental health and well-being. Several factors can increase a woman’s likelihood of developing this condition, including stressful events during the pregnancy, pre-existing depression or anxiety, and poverty.
Additionally, a lack of partner support and understanding has been shown to increase the occurrence of PPD.
The impact of PDD on the life of a new mother can vary. Some women report not only sadness but difficulty in bonding with their baby. Some find themselves highly anxious or quick to anger for the first time in their lives. When living with this condition, tasks such as showering, washing the dishes, or leaving the house may feel too exhausting or pointless to contemplate. The joy and excitement in the eyes of family members and friends as they meet your baby may not be reflected in your own heart.
At Synergy, we understand the emotional, psychological, social, and biological impacts of PDD and are ready to support you on your journey towards feeling better – learn more here. If you or someone you care about is struggling with uncharacteristic sadness, anxiety, anger, mood swings, or emotional numbness in the weeks or months following childbirth, don’t wait to reach out for help. We are also ready to help partners and family members of people with PPD who need their own support. Skilled, evidence-based clinical assistance from trained counsellors is here to help you on the path to feeling like yourself again.