Postpartum depression is a common mood disorder that women experience after experiencing childbirth. Studies show that one out of seven new mothers experience postpartum depression. Out of these, over half go undiagnosed.
Unfortunately, stigmas around postpartum depression prevent some women from seeking help. Instead, they may turn to alcohol and other substances as a way to cope.
If you or a loved one is struggling with postpartum depression and addiction, know that there are ways to get out of the situation.
Today, we discuss how to navigate postpartum depression and addiction. Don’t worry, we’ll help you through every step of the way.
Table of Contents
What Is Postpartum Depression?
There’s no question that childbirth is an exhausting and difficult process. It’s a critical time when your hormones go out of balance and you experience physical, psychological, and emotional changes.
Postpartum depression happens when the estrogen and progesterone levels in your body drop. The hormonal changes lead to chemical imbalances and mood swings. As a result, your maternal brain response and behavior get compromised.
The early detection of baby blues is vital to manage it. It’s important that expecting women and their families are aware of the risks of developing postpartum depression!
Signs of Postpartum Depression
Below are some of the signs of postpartum depression.
- Mood swings
- Constant crying and irritability
- Anxiety, sadness, and major depression
- Reduced concentration
- Feelings of guilt
- Lack of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
Can Postpartum Depression Lead to Addiction?
Yes. Postpartum depression and addiction go hand in hand at times. Research shows that postpartum women have a high risk of substance abuse.
Up to 14.9% of American women reported alcohol abuse, while 8.5% said they used non-medical drugs after giving birth.
In addition, women who struggle with addiction are also more likely to develop postpartum depression. Between 19.7 to 46% of women with a history of substance abuse develop the mood disorder.
Other risk factors leading to postpartum depression are smoking and domestic abuse. A high-risk pregnancy and an emergency c-section are also associated with postpartum depression.
Factors Affecting Both Conditions
Why do postpartum depression and addiction develop at the same time? Below are some of the factors.
- Feelings of Isolation: Women with postpartum depression hide their condition due to fear of judgment. It leads to a lack of social support and feelings of isolation.
- Sleep Deprivation: Having a newborn means you may have a lack of sleep. This affects how you think, leading to postpartum depression and addiction.
- Lifestyle Changes: Those who give birth may become unemployed and undergo various lifestyle changes. These can become a factor in the development of postpartum depression.
The Consequences of Postpartum Substance Abuse
Sadly, postpartum substance abuse causes serious problems for the whole family.
When you have postpartum depression and addiction, your ability to stay connected to your child worsens. This may affect a baby’s behavior and development.
What’s more, both mom and child find it more difficult to regulate sleep due to the distress.
Postpartum substance use may lead to neglect and child abuse, causing an increased risk of conflict within the family.
How to Address Postpartum Depression and Addiction
Treating postpartum depression and addiction requires an integrated approach. You need to address two conditions at the same time.
That said, you can overcome the challenges with effort and support from professionals.
Here’s what you can expect on your road to recovering from postpartum depression and addiction.
1. Assessment
The first step to treating postpartum depression and substance use disorder is consulting with a doctor.
Your healthcare provider will ask about your family history and history of depression. Afterward, they’ll develop an addiction treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Patients can have a different plan depending on drug use and mental illness. Our tip is to find a program that addresses both mental health problems and drug abuse.
2. Detoxification and Medication Management
After you receive your treatment plan, you have to clear your body of substances. In some cases, you may need medication and monitoring to manage the withdrawal symptoms.
For instance, tapering off antidepressants can take up to two months as you gradually lower your dose. Meanwhile, those with alcohol use disorder only need four to five days for the worst of the symptoms to pass.
Your doctors will ensure your safety through this difficult process.
3. Psychotherapy
Simultaneously, you start attending psychotherapy sessions that change your negative behaviors.
Some psychotherapies include cognitive behavioral therapy, which lets you develop healthy coping strategies.
Dialectical behavior therapy equips you with the means to manage intense emotions. On the other hand, family therapy can address the root cause of postpartum depression.
4. Continuous Monitoring
Finally, you need regular check-ins and follow-ups to prevent a relapse. You can opt for a sober living program or a relapse prevention program.
Joining AAA meetings can become a valuable resource that can help you on your road to recovery!
Tips for Treating Postpartum Depression and Addiction
Below are some tips you can practice to help you or your loved ones recover from postpartum depression and addiction.
- Prevention and Awareness: First, be aware of the depressive symptoms. Seek help from doctors immediately if you or a loved one develops symptoms during the postpartum period.
- Asking For Help: A little bit of childcare help can go a long way. You can ask your family members to watch your baby so you can get much-needed rest.
- Practicing Self-Care: Develop healthy routines, eat the right food, and start exercising. Taking care of yourself helps you regulate emotions and improve mental health.
- Reaching Out: You can contact family and friends for emotional comfort. Aside from this, you may also join online support groups for new moms dealing with the same challenges.
Conclusion
Navigating postpartum depression and addiction takes months of work. You’ll need to undergo assessment, detoxification, psychotherapy, and monitoring.
Even so, it’s possible to recover from addiction and depression with a little push from your family and healthcare providers.
Remember, seeking help is a strength. You can start living a better, happier life with the right support!
Published on: 2024-09-09
Updated on: 2024-09-09