Being a woman is hard. Being a new mom or adding another kiddo to your family is hard. Coping with the symptoms of postpartum depression is hard. Living through a global pandemic is hard.
Giving birth during COVID-19 left many mamas feeling sad. This was not the beautiful birth they thought they would have. They did not have the same experiences they or their friends had in pre-COVID times. They did not get to share their baby with their loved one the way they had always imagined.
Postpartum Depression Is So Common
According to the Center of Disease Control 1 in 10 mom’s experience postpartum during the first two years of motherhood and possibly even beyond that. There are many factors that cause postpartum depression, but when you add n the isolation and exhaustion of new motherhood and a global pandemic, you’re looking at a recipe for increased rates of postpartum depression.
No Matter How Prepared You Were, Giving Birth During a Pandemic was hard.
Perhaps, you tried to prepare yourself for the reality of becoming a mother or adding to your family during a pandemic the best you could. Maybe, you even looked forward to being home together with just your immediate family. But the reality turned out to be much different. When you brought your beautiful baby home, you were hit with the realization that visitors aren’t a good idea and forced to navigate this newborn phase with far less support than you thought you’d have.
For example, maybe you’re realizing how much you need and want your own mother or mother figure, but they live far away and it’s not safe for them to visit and help you. This left you feeling alone, exhausted, and overwhelmed. Even if you have an extremely supportive partner, it’s unlikely that they can truly grasp what you’re going through and the hormonal changes you’re experiencing.
Getting Adequate Postpartum Support While Social Distancing is a Challenge.
Adequate support during the postpartum period is a critical part of preventing postpartum depression. But, due to social distancing and isolation, many women are currently going without it, and because of this, we’ve seen cases of postpartum depression and anxiety increase.
Symptoms of postpartum depression:
Feeling overwhelmed
Not feeling connected or bonded to your infant
Inability to take care of yourself or your family
Isolation and withdrawal
Irritability or agitation
Physical symptoms such as headaches, backaches, digestive issues
Changes in your sleep
Changes in your appetite
Brain fog or lack of concentration
Feeling sad or crying for no explainable reason
Not feeling the way you used to feel.
Thoughts of self-harm and or suicide
Please note that if you’re experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide it’s imperative that you call 9-1-1 or go to your local emergency department.
Tips for Coping with Postpartum Depression During the COVID-19 Pandemic
First and foremost if you think you may be experiencing postpartum depression, please reach out for help and call your OB or general medicine physician. Dealing with PPD without support is not something you want to mess with. The symptoms of postpartum depression can snowball quickly and make life feel and motherhood completely overwhelming and miserable. I know that’s not what you want.
Here are some other things you can do to cope with the symptoms of postpartum depression:
Get Some Snuggles and Skin-to-Skin Time
Research shows that cuddling your baby and skin on skin time is a great antidote to postpartum depression. It creates endorphins that boost your mood and helps you bond and connect to your baby.
Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
You know that old saying “Sleep when the baby sleeps?” Did you laugh and scoff at that? I did. But it turns out there’s some truth to it. Taking care of yourself, yes even with the little to no time you have, can help you feel better. So, ask your partner for some help so you can take a shower, close your eyes for ten minutes, take a walk. Whatever makes you feel good. Trust me the laundry and dishes can wait a bit.
Limit Your News and Media Intake. Especially If It Pertains to COVID-19.
I have included this for a simple reason, if the news makes you feel worse, then you should try to limit your exposure to it. You need to take care of yourself and your baby. Obsessing over the latest vaccine information and COVID cases may not make you feel any better.
Recognize and Normalize What You’re Experiencing
It is absolutely normal to struggle as a new mama. It’s normal to develop postpartum depression. And, It’s normal to feel depressed or anxious about the pandemic. Giving yourself some grace and compassion and not putting yourself down for feeling this way goes a long way in helping you feel better.
Begin Online Therapy
If you are struggling with postpartum depression and are in need of postpartum support, I strongly encourage you to consider online counseling. One major benefit of the COVID-19 pandemic is the rise and success of online therapy. You don’t have to worry about leaving your home with an infant or exposing them to COVID. You can meet with an online therapist like myself from the comfort of your home at a time that works in your schedule.
Ready to Begin Online Therapy for Postpartum Depression?
If you live in Louisiana, Colorado, or Hawaii and are dealing with the hardships of being a new mom or adding another baby to your family, I would love to speak with you about the ways online therapy can help you cope with the challenges you’re experienced. I have advanced training in postpartum depression and anxiety treatment and are here to help. To begin online therapy in Louisiana, Hawaii, or Colorado, follow these steps:
Schedule your free, 15-minute consultation via phone or video call
Learn more about the ways I can help you in therapy
Begin the journey to being the mother you always wanted to be!
Online Mental Health Services Offered By Ashley Comegys, LCSW
I offer a variety of online mental health services to residents of Louisiana, Colorado, and Hawaii. These include individual counseling for women, anxiety counseling, depression treatment, counseling for mothers, postpartum anxiety and depression treatment, postpartum support, counseling for military spouses, and counseling for women who have survived trauma.
*Please note, as a licensed social worker, I am only able to see clients who are physically located in Hawaii, Louisiana, and Colorado.