How common is postpartum anxiety and depression?

[Anonymous]

I had terrible PPA with my first which manifested as agoraphobia and I too was terrified to be alone without another adult. I proactively got on SSRIs in my last tri with my second pregnancy and set up counseling appointments ahead of time and it made all of the difference. You don't have to feel like this, meds and/or therapy will make you feel like yourself again. You will be OK.

[Anonymous]

Don't be embarrassed. Your OB has seen this before. Most women experience something, and there's a wide range, from the very common "baby blues" to full-blown PPD/PPA or even post-partum psychosis. The good news is that there are many options for treatment, and you don't have to feel this way, and you don't have to deal with it alone. Contact your OB. It's nothing to be ashamed of -- pregnancy and post-pregnancy hormones can do a real number on your mood. The important thing is to get help, so that you can be healthy for yourself and your baby.

[Anonymous]

Just my opinion: Yes, PPA and PPD is real. However, some of it is also situational. How much are you alone? How old is your baby? You deserve to have support. I wouldn't say I had PPA or PPD, but the first day my husband went back to work after both babies, I cried. If you can't be left alone for an hour or two, I would say that's "abnormal," but if you're being expected to take care of an infant by yourself all day and all night while your husband works, then I think that is more situational than a chemical imbalance. (I know you didn't say that anywhere, I'm just saying, if that's the case.)

Also, if you have "anxiety" because you're being expected to take care of a baby while also cooking and cleaning, then that is also situational, I would say. I didn't do any cooking for like 2 months with each child - I had a lot of freezer meals and my husband cooked a bunch of easy stuff. He also handled all the laundry.

It can help to set up a simple routine with your baby so you don't feel so helpless. Just a small thing, like, after they've been up for a hour, you rock them to sleep. Or every morning you take a walk outside.

[Anonymous]

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[Anonymous]

I can’t imagine how hard this year would be to be a new mom. No fun activities to show off baby, no new moms to commiserate with, no exercise groups for new moms. You really can’t go out in public even because babies can’t wear masks.

I’d talk to your doctor. Also, up your vitamin D! It really boosts my happiness.