Covid-19 Linked to Increased Risk of Depression in New Mothers

Covid-19 is linked to an increased risk of depression in new mothers. As a new parent, you are not alone in experiencing anxiety and sadness. Even without a pandemic, having a kid is a momentous life event that often results in a period of adjustment and adjustment anxiety known as the “baby blues.” There doesn’t seem to be much good news coming out right now, and these are unsettling times. That said, you shouldn’t have to endure hardship without any help from those who care about you.

We’ll look at how the COVID-19 epidemic has impacted new parents, focusing on postpartum depression and how to obtain the support you need to start feeling better.

Is PPD Worse Due to the Pandemic?

As the epidemic has only been going on for around five months so far, no large-scale studies have been conducted to assess if the pandemic is linked to increased rates of postpartum depression in new mothers.

However, a high-risk pregnancy specialist told me that there is data to suggest that the epidemic has increased postnatal anxiety and unhappiness. Those who develop these symptoms throughout pregnancy are at a considerably higher risk of having them worsen after giving birth.

Understandably, you’d be suffering emotional turmoil due to the current circumstances.

There are likely many additional ways in which COVID-19 is having an effect on your life. Things to think about:

1. The well-being of your newborn is a major source of worry for you.

Even if infants and toddlers have been spared the worst of the illness, you still want to keep your child safe, right? Taking care of a newborn is challenging enough without worrying about your health.

2. Things did not proceed as planned with your delivery.

You may be suffering from pregnancy and birth that weren’t the warm and joyous experiences you were expecting, whether because of things like having to wear a mask during delivery or because of hospital policies that kept Grandma out of the picture.

3. You aren’t getting the assistance you require.

Many expectant parents want loved ones to remain with them for a while after bringing their new baby home. Others seek help from night nurses or other outsiders. Unfortunately, due to the rising number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 throughout several states, this is no longer a safe option, leaving you to care for your newborn on your own.

Nowadays, being alone is the norm. You need more than mere assistance. You probably want nothing more than to introduce your brand-new bundle of joy to everyone you know. That being said, it’s clear that this is no longer a reassuring prospect.

With so many moving factors, it’s critical to monitor your postpartum mental health and get therapy if necessary. If you’ve recently given birth, you and your spouse should talk about how to spot the symptoms of postpartum depression.

Symptoms of PPD. The postpartum period is a vulnerable time, even under the finest circumstances. Moreover, “baby blues” affect the majority of new parents. These are the sensations that the pandemic has made worse.

Depressive symptoms, including weariness, sleeplessness, and loss of interest, are common during the postpartum period but are often mild and short-lived. Two or three days after giving birth is when you could start to feel the effects, but by two weeks you should feel back to normal.

However, if your emotions of fear and melancholy don’t subside after a few weeks, you may be experiencing postpartum depression. In order to take prompt action if necessary, here are some symptoms of PPD to keep an eye out for:

• Sad and low-spirited.
• Dissatisfaction with previous activity.
• Changes in body weight that are statistically significant.
• Sleeplessness or excessive daytime sleepiness.
• Anxiety in mind and the muscles.
• The defeat of strength or vitality due to fatigue.
• Guilt and a lack of self-esteem.
• Poorer focus and attention.
• Suicidal ideation or planning is present.

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 if you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts.

Regardless of the severity of the epidemic, it is critical to seek help if you or someone you care about is experiencing mental health issues, particularly in the months following childbirth. Don’t put off reaching out for help, and don’t let stigma or shame stop you. Seek quick attention from a qualified medical professional.

Meaningful articles you might like: Your Family And The Covid-19 Vaccine, How Does the Doses of the Covid Vaccine Work For Kids, Should You Vaccinate Your Children With Pfizer or Moderna?