
Recovery is especially important for new mothers. Learn how new mothers can cope with postpartum depression and addiction.
Having a baby is life-changing, to say the least. Once this new human enters your world, everything changes. Your body will face many fluctuations, and life will be different from that moment forward. While many of these experiences will be joyous, some will not. Many mothers face a serious mental health challenge called postpartum depression.
Until recently, there was little concern for this depressive state that affects new mothers shortly after giving birth. Along with affecting the care mothers give to their newborns, postpartum depression (PPD) also poses addiction risk factors. Postpartum depression and addiction interact in many ways, and it is essential to understand the various connections.
If you have postpartum depression, understanding this condition is the first step to getting the help you need. Along with preventative measures, there are many resources for new mothers who feel they may be dealing with PPD. If you have struggled with substance misuse in the past, pay close attention to how you feel after delivering your baby.
Signs of Postpartum Depression
Mental health after childbirth is not the biggest concern for most women because the focus is on the baby. Sometimes called the “baby blues,” postpartum depression (PPD) usually starts with a series of powerful emotions upon giving birth. Women can experience excitement, fear, anxiety and even feelings of depression. There is no way to know whether you will experience PPD, but it is important to recognize the signs:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Crying
- Sadness
- Irritability
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Difficulty concentrating
- Trouble sleeping
- Change in appetite
- Inability to bond with baby
PPD manifests differently in every woman, but these are the most noticeable signs. These symptoms can vary from mild to severe, depending on each person. If these feelings are mild and do not pass within two weeks, it may be time to ask for help. If these symptoms worsen and you have thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby, call emergency services right away.
It is important to note that postpartum depression is not a character flaw or weakness. Sometimes, it is simply part of the many changes that occur in a woman’s body after having a baby. Women who experience PPD may act in ways that do not reflect their true feelings. Their behavior is indicative of a mental health episode that is beyond their control. Rarely, PPD can escalate to postpartum psychosis (PPP). Signs of postpartum psychosis include:
- Confusion and disorientation
- Obsessive racing thoughts about the baby
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling manic and hyperactive
- Intense paranoia
- Suicidal ideation
- Thoughts of harming the baby
In these cases, women may feel they cannot take care of their newborns and require immediate intervention from medical professionals. Treatment for PPD and PPP can help mothers bond with their babies and stabilize their emotions and hormones.
Most importantly, treatment for PPD and PPP ensures that the mother and baby are safe. Professional medical teams can help both mother and baby endure the difficult transition and experience with postpartum emotions. Although it may seem scary, managing postpartum depression is attainable and prioritizing maternal mental health is vital.
The Link Between Postpartum Depression and Addiction
Whether you have struggled with substance misuse before or not, postpartum depression can leave young mothers especially vulnerable to addiction. Your body undergoes extreme hormonal fluctuations after giving birth. The lack of sleep and constant state of vigilance that come with caring for a baby can lead to intense emotions. You may experience sadness, irritability and anxiety. It can also impair your ability to bond with your baby.
Unfortunately, instead of seeking professional help, some mothers turn to substances such as drugs or alcohol to cope. The most common reasons women struggling with postpartum depression fall into addiction include:
- Self-medicating physical or emotional pain
- Relieving stress or anxiety
- Increasing energy
- Help to fall asleep
- Coping with Postpartum Depression
Some days will be okay, and others will be tough. The most important thing is to speak to a health professional if you are struggling with postpartum depression. They can help you develop a treatment plan to overcome this condition without falling into the trap of addiction. With each day, keep the following things in mind:
- Do not hide: Do not feel like you have to lie about how you feel. If it is a bad day, that is okay — good days will come again.
- You are not a bad mom: Postpartum depression does not make you a bad mother. Neither does the temptation to use substances to cope. This widespread mental health concern impacts one out of every eight new mothers. With professional help, you can find your way out.
- Do not worry about how others perceive you: Choose to accept the love and care of your friends and family without seeing it as pity or undue concern.
- Ask for help when you need it: Reach out to someone when things feel like they are too much to handle, including counseling for postpartum depression.
Postpartum and addiction can be difficult to deal with at the same time. Thankfully, some medications can help without harming the mother or baby. Many new mothers have found success with Suboxone or methadone to treat their substance use disorder. Some women even begin their treatment while they are still pregnant to prevent further harm to the baby in utero.
Speak with your medical provider about starting medication for substance use disorder while pregnant or breastfeeding. These medications are proven safe, but treatment depends on each person’s individual health and needs.
If you are struggling with postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis and need help now, reach out to the following:
- Your local emergency services, call 911
- Call 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for 24/7 free confidential support for pregnant and new moms
Treat Postpartum Depression and Addiction with AppleGate Recovery
If postpartum depression and addiction are causing you worry, it is not too late to get the help you need. AppleGate Recovery offers highly effective medication-assisted treatment combined with other supportive services to address addiction’s physical and emotional ramifications.
Postpartum depression and addiction are not what defines you as you begin a new life with your baby. Our compassionate professionals will walk beside you to become the best version of yourself for your family.
Call or message AppleGate Recovery to learn how you can get started today.
Contact AppleGate Recovery Today
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