Support Groups Help New Moms Experiencing Postpartum Depression
Symptoms of anxiety and depression can affect many mothers in the weeks after delivery. Sharing experiences with other new mothers in a postpartum support program can be helpful during this difficult time.
One in 10 new mothers experiences symptoms of postpartum depression in the weeks after delivery. These symptoms can include crying, anxiety, exaggerated highs and lows and difficulties in bonding with her baby. Bill Meyer, a clinical social worker and associate clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center, says counseling, medication if needed and postpartum support groups can be helpful for many women.
"One of the hardest things for new mothers is the feeling of isolation, feeling like you're alone in dealing with the stresses of being a new mother. What support groups provide more than anything else is opportunities to link up and feel a connection with other mothers."
Meyer says our society lacks the traditional support networks that exist in many cultures, but he says there are resources available.
"She can ask her OB-GYN. There is also a self-help organization, Depression after Delivery. For anyone with access to computers and the Internet, there are many groups around."
If a new mom is emotionally distressed and having difficulty bonding with her baby after the first several weeks, Meyers says it's a good idea to seek out help.
contact sources : William Meyer , 919-981-6840