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Following the birth of children, many women never expect to join the myriad of women who suffer from post pardum depression. I think most women would agree that PPD is the least of your worries when expecting a baby. The enormous adjustment of becoming a mother is enough without that PPD demon lurking in the shadows. Although it is expected to experience the temporary stage of the ‘baby blues.' It can be a scary experience especially if you haven't had any previous experience with depression. A lot of us think that depression means ‘sadness’, not panic disorder, anxiety, agoraphobia, etc. There is much to learn about this condition. The symptoms can be different for each individual. The intense feeling of panic in your stomach.
The racing heartbeat, the sweaty palms, dizziness, you feel as though you are on a speeding train. The episode is usually over in a couple of minutes; you sit there in a state of wonderment. You try to figure out what is happening to your body. Maybe it is a hormonal imbalance or maybe low iron level. A few days can go by and it happens again, and again……each time the episodes can be more intense. Unfortunately, doctors try to minimize your fears sometimes. They just tell you to relax and try to get some sleep. Your best bet is to return to your OB/GYN instead of your general practitioner. The OB/GYN's are experienced with this common problem, whereas you GP may not be. This condition can go on and on if it is untreated. You can't just fix it yourself, so do not even try, get help. Many women end up with other problems associated with the PPD. Agoraphobia, fear of going out, public places etc. Or an extreme case of anxiety such as panic disorder, when you are so consumed waiting for your next attack you can't function properly. The worst part of this condition aside from the mental and physical ramifications, is that you are responsible for the tiny infant you brought into the world. Now, due to the extreme stress and fear you are experiencing you may also feel inadequate, you may feel like your baby isn't getting the best possible care.
Chances are the baby is getting what he/she needs: it's just that you feel so awful. Get help, if your doctor is not taking you seriously or minimizing your fears, visit another doctor. Many things can happen during or after giving birth. Your body is going through intense changes inside. Hormones are racing, and as soon as the umbiblical cord is cut your sky rocketing hormones take a nose dive.
Also high levels of blood loss during delivery can create problems. The loss of blood added to the falling hormones can create havock in your brain. Nuerotransmitters can burn out, thus causing the depression and anxiety. There are many anti-depressants available with minimal side effects if any at all. Paxil is well known and often causes minimal side effects; apparently it works quickly and efficiently. There are also support group through various health centers. It can help enormously to talk to other women experiencing the same situation as yourself. Remember you are not alone and there is 'light at the end of the tunnel.' Get the help you need.
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