
How Common Are Postpartum Mental Health Disorders?
One in 7 women will experience some form of postpartum mental health issue — also known as the “baby blues” — within the first year after giving birth. These issues that arise are known as postpartum mental health disorders (PMHD).
Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common type of PMHD. Still, several other disorders can occur, including postpartum anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
All of these disorders can be extremely debilitating and can seriously affect a woman’s ability to take care of herself or her child. In some cases, they can even lead to suicidal thoughts or actions.
Despite the seriousness of these conditions, however, they often go untreated.
This is mainly because postpartum mental health disorders are often seen as taboo topics. Due to the social stigma, many women keep these issues to themselves and may not know where to turn for help.
The good news is that there is an abundance of information available about postpartum mental health disorders, and there are many resources available for women who need guidance and support.
In this article, we will discuss the definition of PMHD, its prevalence in the modern world, the signs and symptoms of specific disorders, and some of the best ways to get help if you or someone you know is struggling.
What Is a Postpartum Mental Health Disorder?
Postpartum mental health disorder is a term used to describe various mental health conditions that can occur after childbirth.
The term “postpartum” refers to the period of time immediately after childbirth. The “mental health disorder” part of the term refers to a range of conditions that can affect a person’s mood, thoughts, or emotions. Some of the most common disorders include postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.
PMHD can occur any time within the first year after childbirth, but it is most common in the first few months post-birth.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Mental Health Disorders?
Each type of PMHD has its own unique set of signs and symptoms, but some common symptoms apply to all of them.
The most common symptoms of PPD, for example, are:
- Feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in activities that you previously enjoyed
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
PTSD can cause flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and exaggerated responses to stimuli that remind you of the traumatic event. OCD may cause excessive worrying, intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, and a feeling that you are not in control of your thoughts or actions.
In addition, anxiety can cause a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, and excessive worry about everyday tasks.
It is important to note that these symptoms can vary in severity. Some women may only experience a few of them, while others may experience all of them.
What Causes Postpartum Mental Health Disorders?
There is no one cause of PMHD. Instead, several factors can contribute to the development of these disorders.
Some of the most common risk factors include:
- A history of mental health disorders
- Lack of social support
- Financial stress
- Relationship problems
- Stressful life events
- A history of abuse or trauma
Please remember that not all women who experience these risk factors will develop PMHD. Conversely, some women who do not have any known risk factors still harbor the potential to develop these disorders.
How Common Are Postpartum Mental Health Disorders?
Unfortunately, postpartum mental health disorders are quite common. A recent study found that almost 50% of women experience some form of PMHD within the first year after childbirth.
This number is likely to be an underestimate, as many cases of PMHD go unreported. This is likely due to the fact that these disorders are still seen as taboo, and many women feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit that they are struggling.
What Are the Best Ways To Get Help?
If you think you may be struggling with a postpartum mental health disorder, it is crucial to seek help from a mental health professional.
Many resources are available for women who need help, including support groups, counseling, and therapy. You can also find helpful information and resources on websites like Postpartum Progress and the PPD Support Page.
It is absolutely essential to have a strong, close-knit support system during this difficult time. Friends and family can be excellent sources of support, but it is also sometimes necessary to find a therapist or a doctor who understands what you are going through.
Never hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Just keep in mind that you are not alone!
Ketamine Therapy for Postpartum Mental Health Disorders
While many women struggle with postpartum mental health disorders, revolutionary treatments are available that can help. One such treatment is the relatively new and groundbreaking ketamine infusion therapy.
Ketamine is a medication used to treat various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. It works by blocking the nervous system’s NMDA receptors, which are responsible for sending pain and fear signals to the brain.
When used in tandem with therapeutic methods like psychotherapy, ketamine infusion allows the patient to process these signals in a clear, healthy, and safe way.
If you are struggling with a postpartum mental health disorder, Dr. Sandhya Prashad offers a range of services that can help you. She is a board-certified psychiatrist who has extensive experience in treating mental health disorders — offering ketamine therapy and other treatments that may be helpful for postpartum mental health disorders.
If you are interested in exploring more about Dr. Sandhya Prashad and her services, click the link below to learn more about how she and her team can help!
[Learn More About Sandhya Prashad, MD]
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