Postpartum Depression Support Groups Can Help

"Baby blues" are experienced by almost 85% of women who give birth. These so-called baby blues cause a new mother to endure emotional breakdowns, bouts of mood swings, insomnia, general irritability and a general lack of interest in her surroundings. The onset of baby blues can occur any time after the child is born, but it typically begins between the third and fifth day after childbirth and lasts for about a week to ten days.

Some women are not so lucky, however, and they develop postpartum depression(PPD). This type of depression can begin any time from a few days after childbirth to about six months later. PPD lasts longer than the baby blues and can create havoc in a mothers' life. Rapid changes in hormones are one of the primary causes of PPD. The woman also experiences a complete shift in priorities, insomnia, fatigue, and a fear of not living up to the standards for being a "super mom."

The symptoms of postpartum depression and the baby blues are very similar, except postpartum depression is much more intense and prolonged. These symptoms, if they are not treated and are allowed to intensify, can turn into postpartum psychosis. When this happens, the mother can hallucinate, have suicidal thoughts, become delusional and think about harming her child. It becomes impossible to live life in an organized and satisfied way, and the simplest tasks seem like burdens.

Most women with postpartum depression try to battle it alone because of the stigma of being thought of as a bad mother. In time, however, the feelings of hopelessness become more and more difficult to deal with. Before a woman in this situation can get better, she needs to accept that she is in need of help and she needs to ask for that help. Unless you accept that you have a problem, nothing will help no matter what other people try to do.

Your doctor will evaluate your situation and prescribe a postpartum depression treatment for you to follow. This treatment will probably include medication and participation in a PPD support group. While the medication is doing its job, the support group will identify the type of support you need and provide it to you.

One of the things a postpartum depression support group can do is help you identify your emotions and feelings. Trained professionals are part of these support groups, and they are able to make a mother who is experiencing this condition feel welcome and secure. Support groups for postpartum depression help organize therapy sessions led by trained professionals like psychologists or psychiatrists. Cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy are used so that women learn how to deal with their negative thoughts and behaviors, as well as cope with how their role is changing. Through talk therapy, women also learn the importance of communicating clearly and effectively.

Postpartum depression support groups are able to help you connect with other women who are experiencing similar feelings or who are improving. When they see others improving, women are able to draw strength to battle their feelings of hopelessness.

Emma has written about some very practical suggestions on postpartum depression, which you can learn about at http://www.PostpartumDepressionTreatment.org. Also, discover other postpartum depression treatment options that has helped many mothers.