By Kaitlin Harker 

REXBURG — In the Rexburg community, many moms and soon-to-be moms face mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and OCD. These conditions can put you at a higher risk of experiencing perinatal and postpartum depression.

What is Perinatal Depression? 

Healthline defines perinatal depression as the following: “Perinatal depression, or major depressive disorder with perinatal onset, is depression that begins in the period from conception to after pregnancy.” Most pregnancies can include symptoms associated with depression, so be sure to check in with yourself and see how you are doing.

What is Postpartum Depression? 

Postpartum depression is a form of depression that comes after you give birth. It can be mistaken for baby blues, which only last a few days or weeks after the birth of your baby. However, postpartum depression lasts longer and the symptoms are more severe. 

Symptoms for both perinatal and postpartum depression include: 

  • Depressed mood or severe mood swings
  • Crying “too” much or not at all 
  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
  • Inability to sleep, called insomnia, or sleeping too much
  • Overwhelming tiredness or loss of energy
  • Less interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
  • Intense irritability and anger
  • Fear that you’re not a good mother
  • Hopelessness
  • Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt, or inadequacy
  • Reduced ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
  • Restlessness
  • Severe anxiety and panic attacks
  • Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
  • Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

(Mayo Clinic, 2022). 

If you are feeling any of these symptoms, know that you are not alone. There are so many women who feel the same way and there is hope. There are lifestyle adjustments, support groups, and medical professionals available to help you.

Adjusting Your Lifestyle: 

  • Exercise for at least thirty minutes each day.
  • Participate in a hobby for at least thirty minutes each day.
  • Write down three things that you’re grateful for each day.

(Source: gathered from personal experience working with a medical professional)

Support Groups and Medical Professionals: 

  • Madison Memorial Hospital offers postpartum resources and support groups. 
  • Madison Women’s Clinic offers a postpartum support group. 

If you need help, do not hesitate to reach out to a loved one or your doctor. There are many people who support and love you. We are cheering you on and are proud of you! Keep doing amazing and hard things, Momma!

Citations: 

Healthline Media. (2023). Perinatal depression: Symptoms and treatment. Healthline. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/perinatal-depression#baby-blues 

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, November 24). Postpartum Depression. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617