Category Archives: Research

Post-partum depression hangs a dark cloud over what is otherwise supposed to be a happy, blissful time of unconditional love. Generalizations of tears, insecurities and hopelessness do not grasp the entirety of what PPD can entail.

A licensed professional counselor with a focus on post-partum depression recently gave a presentation to a moms’ group in my area describing symptoms, signs and prevention of PPD.

She shared a checklist that you can view online. She also recommended Post-Partum Survival Guide: It wasn’t supposed to be like this as a good resource for information, but I was unable to find it to purchase online. Surprisingly (or not), post-partum depression is still not widely studied and certainly not clearly understood. Some practitioners, be they doctors, counselors or psychologists, do not recognize PPD as an illness. For yourself or your friends, it is important to make sure that the person whose help you seek shares your philosophies and is compatible with the mom and her family.

Everyone is encouraged, of course, to research for themselves on this topic, and information provided here is not intended for medical advice. If you or someone you know shows signs of PPD, seek help. Sometimes just having someone validate the feelings is all that is needed. Other times, medication might be needed, but that is at the discretion of the doctor and client.

Here are a few suggestions, however, that are easily provided as a friend or that can usually be obtained if you only ask. We were told that these can help with regular depression, too.

Take time for healing
Eat, sleep, exercise
Take breaks
Maintain marital intimacy, dates (does not have to include sex)
Recognize achievements even if it’s just changing the diapers all day
Laugh daily
Express negative feelings
Attend to positive feelings, a gratitude journal might be helpful
Act to change, don’t just talk about it
Let go of self-blame
Get social support
Recharge your batteries
Let go of expectations
Have a loose structure; plan to rest
Allow some crying time; set a timer for 20 minutes if needed, but cut yourself off when the timer goes off
Avoid major life changes, if possible

With up to twenty percent of American women experiencing PPD, it is necessary to be aware, especially for African-American women and women in lower income levels who are more at-risk.

There is also Postpartum Support International that has a toll-free helpline and is working to pass legislation in support for mothers. Please visit their site for more information. An additional good article on PPD is on Scientific American.

Know the resources in your area. Be familiar with the signs and symptoms. Be willing to help a fellow mom. Be willing to ask for help.
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