Women Living With Depression

There are many women living with depression and needing help to overcoming the crippling effects of the varying degrees of depressive states. Depression can range from a mild moodiness to a severe and disabling clinical disorder. The word depression is a word that is used to cover a multitude of moods and behaviors, and there are truly different types of this condition and different methods used to treat it. One of the most common depressive states for women is postpartum depression. This form of depressive state usually occurs within the first year after a woman has given birth and is considered a clinical condition. After-pregnancy depression is just beginning to be researched and understood. For years women living with depression after the birth of child experienced either shame about their thoughts and actions, or dismissed the symptoms as common results of having a new born baby in the home.

As much as seventy-five percent of all females who have given birth will experience some instances of feeling down, often referred to as "baby blues". However, postpartum depression is much more that an occasional mood swing or bout with sadness. The common ups and downs of giving birth are associated with hormone changes, sleepless nights, and the life changes that are brought about by having a new family member. The clinically troubling condition of true postpartum depression can mirror baby blues, but the feelings of anxiety and despair are much more intense and debilitating.

The clinically depressive state that can occur in some women after the birth of a child is marked with uncontrollable feelings of extreme anxiety, sadness, and irritability. Also, physical symptoms may manifest in postpartum women living with this condition. These symptoms can include difficulties in sleeping patterns, suppressed appetite, heart palpitations or pain in the chest area, and an inability to concentrate or make clear decisions. Along with these outward indicators there are troubling thoughts occurring in the mind of women living with depression. Thoughts can be over exaggerated concerns about the welfare of the baby, or a feeling of being disconnected and not bonded with the child. In extreme cases, some women have felt violent towards themselves or their newborn for unexplained reasons. When the mother is experiencing these feelings, either way, she will often attempt to hide or suppress her thoughts, knowing that these thoughts could lead to judgement from others or for a fear that she might actually act upon them.

There are many different treatment plans that can address the problems for women living with depression. The type of drug and intervention therapy that a doctor will prescribe will be dependent upon the degree of the postnatal depressive state. But, talking with a counselor, friends, or family members can relieve some of the initial shame surrounding the belief that a mother should be nothing but joyful during this special time. Sharing feelings and fears can often make the feelings and fears less intimidating.

Often doctors can prescribe a temporary treatment plan that will help the woman's body produce the hormones needed to level moods. Treatment plans can range from three months to a year and a woman's body takes a couple of years to totally recuperate from gestational work, making time an important healing factor for postpartum depression. And, for those women who are having long-term struggles with severe depressive states, long-term therapy plans will be necessary. There should be no shame involved with getting medical help for emotional or physical conditions. Just as the body may need medication to heal an infection or disease, the body may also need help in producing a sufficient amount of hormone or chemical to help with mood levels.

Many of the wonderful Biblical characters that God used to teach His people and readers today about His ways and character suffered from depression. Most all women will experience some form of this condition in a lifetime. During bouts of sadness or despair, God wants His own to cry out to Him because He wants to be the One to bring comfort and healing. "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of all mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted by God." (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

When a mother who has given birth within the last year cannot shake her "blue mood" and suspects that she may be dealing with postpartum depression, it is advised that she speak with a professional, seeking help right away. The effects of clinical emotional disorders can far outweigh the risks involved with taking antidepressants or other drug therapies. Severe depressed conditions experienced by the mother will effect an entire family, bringing even more stress and confusion. Start by talking over

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