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Postpartum Mood Disorders: Why does it matter if mother is upset?
Dana Blue, MSW
In the time following the birth or adoption of a child, parents feel very intense emotions. Strong feelings are normal in new parents, but for some, the feelings are more than fleeting. If parents become especially sad, worried, or distressed, feel hopeless or chronically overwhelmed, and are beset by symptoms that are either very severe or long lasting (more than two weeks), extra help might be indicated.
We know now that postpartum mood disorders are real, fairly common, effect both men and women and respond to treatment. Typical treatment involves psychotherapy and/or medication. Without treatment, problems can persist, sometimes for years.
Postpartum emotional difficulties that go unaddressed have several consequences. They can drain vitality from family life, reinforce worrisome beliefs, and interfere with the development of a strong, loving foundation in the early years of life. Mothers, partners, and babies all deserve a better start.
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