Depression is not just a medical or mental problem. Depression is a human problem.
Hey Mama, I’m Annabelle, nurse, birth doula, and Mom. I have a passion to help Moms on their journey towards birth. This starts with a healthy pregnancy, and that is why I want to address depression here.
This is a paraphrase from a recent post I read on a Christian blog. I must say, this is true! As humans we all have our struggles, no one is exempt. And we desire a remedy.
The simple answer is that God is our remedy (I am not taking this lightly).
However, when a Mama is in pain, she doesn’t want another Bible verse thrown at her. She desires compassion and step-by-step help because she can’t do it by herself (if she could, she probably wouldn’t be stuck).
Statistics show that one in 7 women will experience depression during pregnancy or after pregnancy, and this is painful.
A Mama doesn’t often know what is happening until after she comes up for air. This may be weeks, months, years, or never as some Mamas wrestle with depression for the rest of their lives.
OB/GYN clinicians are not fully trained to recognize and treat depression as mental health clinicians. This can be detrimental to Mamas suffering from depression as a result of pregnancy. Depression during and after pregnancy is often viewed as “just” a hormonal imbalance that will correct itself.
Hormonal changes alter brain chemistry and affect mood.
But it should never be seen as a “just”, and it may not correct itself. Mamas should not just have to deal with it.
Yes, we need to know that life changes, sometimes life is harder than other times. And we should look to God for strength. But when a Mama is in pain, she needs a hand to guide her and help her.
Many are pushing for obstetrical clinicians to learn how to screen, diagnose, and treat depression appropriately. And this would be good news.
If you have any of the following for two weeks or more then you may have depression:
Sadness
Anxiety
Difficulty sleeping and concentrating
Sleeping too much, and can’t get out of bed
Feeling of worthlessness
Dramatic changes in eating habits
No desire to care for your newborn
Thoughts of death or suicide
It is important to recognize your risk for depression before you become pregnant.
Mamas with a history of depression are at greater risk for developing depression during or after pregnancy. It is important, as hard as it is, to talk about it with your husband, mom, or sisters.
Start changing things where you have control:
- Talk about what you are feeling.
- Pinpoint a possible cause or stressor that you can change.
- Read and meditate on the Word of God.
- Act on His truth.
- Find daily purpose such as serving others, getting dressed up, exercise, clean your house, etc.
- Meditate on God’s promises, pray, and get a support group.
- Try exercise, light therapy, and a healthy diet filled with whole carbs, healthy fats, and protein (vegetables, avocado, salmon, steak, and chicken).
- Call your healthcare provider to get help. Your doctor will most likely follow standard treatment with antidepressants and counseling.
It is important to remember our weaknesses as Mamas, find strength in God and the people He has planted in our lives, and trust your doctor for good care and treatment.
Depression is a part of many Mamas journey. I am here to give you encouragement and support for the road ahead.
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