Common feelings, actions and thoughts during postpartum depression and anxiety:
Feelings
- Sadness
- Loneliness
- Guilt
- Helplessness/hopelessness
- Anger
- High expectations
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Numbness
- Resentment towards baby or other family members
- Something is not right
- No interest in sex
Actions
- Crying for no apparent reason
- Difficulty getting up or motivating one’s self, resulting in isolation
- Compulsive and constant activity, never staying home, needing to be with people all the time, compulsive housecleaning
- Over-concern for the baby: constantly checking to see if baby is still breathing, inability to leave the child
- Sleep problems
- Drastic mood swings
Thoughts
- I am the only one who feels this way
- I don’t know who I am any more
- I want to run away
- I shouldn’t feel the way I do
- I keep thinking about harming the baby
- I keep thinking about harm coming to the baby
- I am a terrible person
- I must be crazy
If you are experiencing any of the above, a peer support group may be of help.
Adjusting to Motherhood
The arrival of a new baby through birth or adoption is an exciting time. Most women expect the adjustment to go well and know that they may be tired and somewhat disorganized at first. There is often an image that new mothers feel they have to live up to in order to be the perfect mother: keep a spotless house; make balanced and nutritious meals; be an attentive partner; be fit and well groomed; be happy, calm and never get upset; have time to bake, sew or participate in a hobby, and so on.
The fact is that it takes time to look after a new baby and adjust to being a parent let alone accomplish some of the other things on the “perfect” list. Unfortunately not every woman breezes through the early years of motherhood. Although many people believe that tiredness, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, and an inability to concentrate are all a normal part of motherhood, this is not true. These are just some of the indicators that something is not right.
Post partum emotional reactions can span a range from the short-term postpartum blues affecting approximately two thirds of new mothers through to the rare and serious postpartum psychosis. In between is a difficult post partum adjustment and stress which is an extension of the baby blues lasting up to three or four months or sometimes longer. Then there is postpartum depression and anxiety which affects about up to one third of new mothers; it can begin at anytime through the first six months and the woman’s ability to function is more severely impaired than in a difficult post partum adjustment.
Post partum depression affects the whole family. It can keep a mother from feeling close to her child and also her partner, causing their relationship to suffer. Post partum depression is a serious medical condition and by seeking professional help, women can begin the recovery process. Family and friends can also play an important role by offering to help with shopping, chores, meal preparation, caring for the new baby or older children and just keeping in contact. In addition to this, a peer support group may be of help in reducing the isolation and distress that some women may feel.
About the Post Partum Support Group
Bowen Island Family Place provides small-group peer support for women experiencing a difficult post partum adjustment, post partum depression or anxiety following the birth or adoption of a child and through the first 3 years.
The support group is be led by trained facilitators who provide a safe, confidential environment where mothers can share their feelings and find emotional support from others in a similar situation.
The group work includes education around post partum issues, understanding feelings, coping with feelings, setting attainable goals and taking practical steps towards nurturing ones self.
The support group meets two evenings each month and runs continuously throughout the year. Participants are welcome to join it at any time but we ask for a minimum commitment of 4 sessions to ensure group continuity.
There is no cost involved in joining the support group and non-members are welcome to participate. Please call Family Place at 604-947-6976 to find out more information or to register.
Additional Post Partum Support through Family Place
Childcare subsidy
A childcare subsidy is available for participants requiring financial assistance for childcare while participating in the support group.
Self-help information packages
Free information packages are available for those who are unable to join the support group or wish to work through their post partum adjustment on their own.
Resource lending library
Resource books are available for group participants and Family Place members to borrow for up to 3 months. The library includes a variety of subjects supporting parents with infants and young children.
Resources for Parents - a list of resources on this website