Postpartum Depression

Evaluation Form

Postpartum depression is different from “the baby blues” or feeling down for a few days, which occurs in up to 70% of new moms.  Postpartum depression is a disorder occurring as a result of hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and isolation, among other things.  Some women, like those with a history of depression, are more prone to postpartum depression than others.  It has nothing to do with being a bad mother; it is not your fault; and you didn’t cause it.

Ask yourself the following questions.  Since your baby was born:

  1. Has anyone told you that you worry about your baby too much?
  2. Have your moods changed rapidly?
  3. Have you cried for no reason?
  4. Have you felt overly anxious?
  5. Do you feel jittery and agitated, or slow and lethargic?
  6. Are you afraid to be alone with your baby?
  7. Do you feel guilty much of the time?
  8. Do you have difficulty concentrating?
  9. Has your energy level decreased dramatically?
  10. Has your appetite decreased or increased dramatically?
  11. Have you checked on your baby so much that you interfered with his sleep?

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  1. Have you felt depressed or sad for two weeks or more?
  2. Have you had a panic attack?
  3. Have you lost interest in your baby?
  4. Have you had thoughts of suicide?
  5. Have you thought about harming your baby?
  6. Have you seen things you know are not there?
  7. Have you heard voices when no one else is there?

If you have checked more than three of these items, or any one of the last seven questions (#12, through #18), it is important that you contact you health care provider immediately.

Naturopath doctors can do wonders with natural remedies for postpartum depression and counseling can help.  But please remember that  having postpartum depression should be looked at as having for example the flu, if you need medicine you simply take them to get better.  It is not something you need to do forever, but you might need to do it for a little while.  As we are taught in an airplane that it is best to put the oxygen mask on ourselves before we help our child, so it is in life.  You must take care of yourself before you can take care of your baby.

If you are tremendously adverse to medication consider speaking to a therapist.  As a clinical hypnotherapist I have seen wonders with hypnosis combined with traditional therapy for mild postpartum depression.

There is help for postpartum depression!  Medications can work wonders.  Your obstetrician can prescribe the right medication for you, or refer you to someone who will.  If you are breastfeeding and worry about taking medication, be sure to discuss that with your doctor.

Marriage and Family Therapists are trained to walk you through this difficult transition in your life.  Counseling can help alleviate the guilt and normalize your feelings.  Your therapist can suggest resources so you don’t feel so alone and isolated.

Postpartum depression is a temporary condition, and there is hope!  You will feel better, soon, with the right help.  Don’t delay: you owe it to your baby- and yourself!

Resources:

www.Fourth-trimester.com


For more information, contact  Postpartum Stress Center – (610) 525-7527- Postpartum Support International (800) 944-4773 –

In Los Angeles

Carol A. Johnson, M.A. Marriage and Family Therapist Registered Intern, #51177.

She is working under the supervision of Susan Tschudi, MFT, License #MFC38762.

Carol can be reached at Carolimf@gmail.com or at (805) 217-0434.  She does individual, couples, and family counseling, as well as facilitating a New Moms Support Grou