There are several reasons for perinatal depression. The good news is there are also things that you can do to help yourself overcome it. There can be many different reasons for perinatal depression to begin and it really isn’t all that uncommon. It can help to know that other pregnant moms have been where you are.
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1. Your Emotions Are All over Th Place
One of the reasons for perinatal depression is that your pregnancy hormones are sending your emotions on a roller coaster ride. You may notice yourself crying at commercials or feeling blue when you can’t pinpoint exactly what is wrong. This can feel especially shocking to you if you were always pretty even-keeled. Generally, your emotions stop running so high as you settle into the second trimester of your pregnancy. Along with feeling better physically, you usually feel better emotionally.
2. Your Life is Changing
Even if you were trying to conceive, the news that you’re pregnant can make you feel like you’ve been thrown for a loop. It usually doesn’t really hit you that your life is changing until you see the positive pregnancy test. Those next few weeks or even months can feel scary and cause you some anxiety. But you’ll adjust to all of the changes in your life. Most likely, after your baby arrives, you won’t even miss your pre-baby days.
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3. The Pregnancy May Have Been Unexpected
An unexpected pregnancy can be difficult to adjust to. Maybe the circumstances weren’t exactly right or you don’t feel prepared. Try to relax about those things as much as you can. Babies don’t care if you weren’t quite through with college yet or that you don’t have a hefty bank balance. As long as they are fed, diapered and loved, they’re pretty much content little darlings.
4. You May Not Have a Good Support System
Not having a good support system when you are pregnant is tough. I have been there so I definitely understand. But you can still do this. If your partner or a family member has let you down, don’t be afraid to reach out to other family and friends. You can build a good circle of love and support for yourself and your baby.
5. Your Relationship Has Shifted
Sometimes there is a shift in a relationship when pregnancy occurs. If your partner has grown distant or isn’t in the picture anymore, there is no doubt that your situation is hard. But you can still do this. Remind yourself what a strong, beautiful person you are. Make yourself and your baby your first priority.
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6. You Feel Overwhelmed
Pregnancy can feel overwhelming. Your body is changing and you’re about to become a mom. That’s a lot for anyone to take in. In those moments, remind yourself how very capable you are. Sometimes just taking a moment to take a deep breath can help. You can totally do this.
7. You’re Afraid
Feeling a little bit of fear when you’re pregnant is very normal. You may be afraid of labor and delivery or be concerned about learning to take care of your baby. When you feel this way, remind yourself that there would not be any second children in the world if first time labor and delivery as well as parenting were so bad. If your own efforts to reassure yourself and deal with your perinatal depression aren’t helping, talk to your doctor.
These are 7 reasons you may be experiencing perinatal depression and some suggestions on how to deal with that. Have you been dealing with perinatal depression? What suggestions have you found helpful?
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