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Misty Mountain Family Counseling Center |
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Specialized counseling for women’s issues in Portland, Oregon |
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Postpartum Depression |
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Links Portland Area National Postpartum Support International US Dept of Health and Human Services: Women’s Health National PPD Hotline 1-877-PPD-HOPE (773-4673). |
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Researchers believe that depression is one of the most common complications during and after pregnancy. Postpartum depression can be difficult to recognize because some of the symptoms may be caused by normal changes during pregnancy and normal adjustment to having a new baby. Lack of energy, sleep problems, strong emotional reactions, changes in body weight, trouble concentrating and anxiety may occur during and after pregnancy; but these are also symptoms of depression. So how do you know the difference? Up to 80% of new moms experience a mood disturbance and may experience the “baby blues” in the first few days after childbirth; but these symptoms usually go away within a few days to a week. If it takes you longer to feel better, you may have postpartum depression. About 20-30% of women experience this mood disorder. Symptoms of postpartum depression during and after pregnancy lasting longer than two weeks include: feeling restless or irritable, feeling sad, hopeless, and overwhelmed, tearfulness, lack of energy, lack of motivation, changes in appetite, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating and/or making decisions, feeling worthless and guilty, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, and/or withdrawing from friends and family. To find out if you are suffering from postpartum depression, click here to do a self test online. |
