Montgomery County health officials are encouraging residents to learn the signs of postpartum depression and the less common postpartum psychosis.
Less than a week after a Montgomery County, Maryland, mother was charged with killing her 3-month-old infant and ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation, county health officials are warning residents of postpartum depression. Encourage them to know the signs. Less common postpartum psychosis.
in news release In a release Friday, Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis explains the symptoms of postpartum depression and psychosis and the steps to take if you suspect you or a loved one is suffering from the condition.
Davis said it’s common to feel the so-called “baby blues,” which often refers to feeling a little sad or disconnected after giving birth. But that’s not the same as postpartum depression, she says.
Davis says baby blues can last for a few days, but postpartum depression can last for weeks or months. Symptoms include anxiety, depression, or mood swings that interfere with your daily activities and ability to care for your baby. In some cases, thoughts of death or suicide may occur repeatedly.
“I’ve heard stories about how everyone is talking about how wonderful this new baby is, but the mother doesn’t feel very good, feels like the baby isn’t as beautiful as she says. feelings of frustration, frustration, hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt, and feeling inadequate,” Davis said.
She said postpartum psychosis is more severe and includes symptoms such as hallucinations, paranoia, delusions and thought disorders.
“It’s important to note that postpartum depression, or more severe forms of postpartum psychosis, can put mothers at risk of harming themselves and their babies,” Davis says.
If you know someone who you think may be struggling with postpartum depression or mental illness, Davis says it’s important to start the conversation.
This includes encouraging mothers to talk about how they’re feeling with their GP, gynecologist, or infant health care professional. Davis said it can also help to ease the burden on mothers by lending a hand with child care.
“I think there was a generation that didn’t talk about emotions in that way. This generation is starting to understand what it means to have a baby, the effects on your body that you probably didn’t expect, the effects on your brain. I think it’s really reassuring that we’re trying to be more proactive about talking about the reality of not being OK,” Davis said.
According to Davis, it’s important to remember that social media often gives us a dirty view of what’s normal.
“Recognize that no one has a perfect life, and all the curated stuff you might see on social media about beautiful baby rooms and moms looking perfect after giving birth. ration,” Davis said.
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262), can be reached by phone or text 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This hotline is a free and confidential resource to help people who are pregnant or have just given birth. Services are available in English and Spanish.
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