Debunking 5 Common Myths About Postpartum Depression & Anxiety
Debunking 5 Common Myths About Postpartum Depression & Anxiety
There is not just a birth of a baby. There is also the birth of a mother. It is the birth of a whole new identity ! From this perspective, it makes since to receive support through a major life transition–and perhaps the biggest life change of your life. I know it was for me.
I love this resource by Postpartum.org that I tailored a bit below.
1. Myth: Postpartum Depression and Anxiety is just Baby Blues.
Debunked: Postpartum depression & anxiety is not the same as Baby Blues
Up to 80% of women will experience Baby Blues, a few days of sadness that occurs shortly after birth. The majority of these new moms will quickly recover without any extra help. Postpartum depression and anxiety is a much more difficult condition to overcome.
2. Myth: Postpartum Depression and Anxiety Makes Moms Hurt Their Baby
Debunked: Postpartum Depression and Anxiety Does Not Make Moms Hurt Their Children.
The media sometimes brings us stories of mothers who “snap” and do unspeakable things to their children, which is sometimes then falsely attributed to postpartum depression & anxiety. Rather, these women are often suffering from postpartum psychosis
Postpartum psychosis a very rare condition that affects less than 0.1% of new moms. Postpartum psychosis occurs when the mother loses touch with reality and is always a medical emergency.
3. Myth: Scary or Intrusive Thoughts Means You Will 100% Harm Your Baby
Debunked: Being Horrified by Scary Thoughts of Harm, Death or Doom is Not a Sign that You Will Harm Your Child Necessarily, but it is a Symptom of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
For some women, a symptom of their PPD/A includes intrusive thoughts, scary thoughts where they envision themselves harming their baby either on purpose or accidentally. These women are no more likely to harm their child than anyone else. They are horrified to be having these thoughts and want them to stop.
4. Myth: Postpartum Depression and Anxiety are Genetic or Only Happen to Certain Types of People.
Debunked: Postpartum Depression & Anxiety Does Not Discriminate. It Happens to Women From All Walks of Life
PPD/A doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to women who have no history of mental health issues, to women who are successful in many aspects of their lives, and to women who were looking forward to becoming mothers. Did you know that Brooke Shields, Alanis Morissette, Sarah McLachlan, Gwyneth Paltrow, along with many other celebrity moms all experienced PPD/A? Even therapists have experience this.
This is part of my story and why I am passionate about supporting moms as a mom and therapist.
5. Myth: You Will be Plagued with Depression and Anxiety Your Entire Life.
Debunked: You Will Get Better!
Some women will bounce back from PPD/A in a matter of months. Others may have a longer journey ahead of them, filled with relapses or times of struggle. With the proper support and skills, every woman can feel better. No matter how dark your life may seem right now, you will feel happy again.
Next Steps:
Supportive counselling and groups can be instrumental in not only surviving but thriving in this season of life of motherhood. We would love to support you!