If your pregnancy was complicated by fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT), you’d likely have been to the hospital quite a few times. You may remember vividly the day you were told that your pregnancy was at risk of FNAIT, as well as the relief you felt if your baby was discharged home after treatment.
Even though the majority of hospital visits and treatment may be behind you, you might find yourself struggling with low mood. Time with your child could feel more like a chore than a joy. You may feel isolated and alone.
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If you’re experiencing any of these feelings after birth, you may have postpartum depression, a common condition that affects new mothers soon after the birth of their child. Let’s explore what it is and how it can be treated.
Symptoms of postpartum depression
Symptoms to look out for include a feeling of sadness or a sense of numbness or emptiness. You might find it difficult to bond with your newborn or withdraw from activities you used to enjoy. You may feel increasingly isolated but don’t have the energy to reach out. You may sometimes wonder if life is worth living and whether you made a mistake.
When your loved ones congratulate you for your new child, you may feel like there’s an expectation for you to be cheerful. But if you’re finding it difficult to feel joy, this celebration may bring about a sense of guilt.
Postpartum depression is a condition in which women who have just given birth experience the clinical symptoms of depression, including low mood, low energy and a lack of interest in things that you once enjoyed.
If you’re going through postpartum depression, know that you are not alone. There are many organizations that are dedicated to providing women like you the services you need to pull through. Remember, for most patients, postpartum depression is a phase that is felt most acutely after you’ve just given birth. In addition, the possible complications with FNAIT may have been a lot to process, and the extended time at the hospital you spent with your baby while doctors administer the necessary checks and treatments can be a traumatic experience.
Knowing when to ask for help
If you’re experiencing postpartum depression, it’s important to seek help. This is especially the case if you feel that your thoughts are spiraling out of control or that you’re contemplating self-harm. Speak to your doctor about how you’re feeling and how you’re coping so they can refer you to mental health services to ensure that you get back on your feet as soon as possible. In addition, make it a point to reach out to trusted family and friends, especially if they have gone through something similar. There is indeed strength in numbers.
While a bout of depression coinciding with the birth of your child is not the most ideal of circumstances, with the right help and support, these feelings should slowly dissipate. Allow yourself some time to breathe; try not to be overwhelmed. When the time is right, you’ll eventually feel better and be able focus your energy on what’s most important: bonding with your baby.
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