Postpartum Depression. Baby Blues. Postpartum Anxiety. You might be wondering 'what's the difference?'
My answer...'don't worry about'.
Postpartum mood disorders (btw - have you ever heard a less compassionate term than 'mood disorder') are very real and are experienced by up to 80% of birthing parents.
The terms postpartum depression (ppd) and postpartum anxiety (ppa) are diagnosable by therapists and are in the DSM.
So why would I say not to worry about it? Here's why
I recently did a Postpartum Care Workshop during which, I heard an upsetting story. A mom went to their OBGYN and expressed that she was having difficulties and thought she should see a therapist.
The doctor told her that her symptoms 'didn't qualify as ppd', so she didn't need therapy .
This, my friends, is bullsh*t.
Your insurance company may need an official diagnosis. Your therapist or psychiatrist may note down a specific diagnosis. But you do not, I REPEAT - DO NOT - need some fancy official diagnosis to get help.
If you are struggling. If you are fearful. If you are anxious. If you feel guilt, sadness, anger, racing thoughts - you are allowed to get help.
All human beings are candidates for therapy, whether you have an official diagnosis or not.
If you think you might need some help - then you deserve it. No matter what some textbook says.
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