Every mother knows that becoming a mom, especially in the beginning is extremely challenging. However, our society idealizes motherhood as nothing short of complete paradise and effortlessness. There are countless misconceptions, assumptions and thought patterns that are quite damaging to your parents. “Good mothers” are those who can manage every detail in an organized, exquisite way. They keep a perfectly clean and tidy home and support their child’s every interest and need, putting herself last one of many priorities. Her identity, interests, social life, etc. don’t matter anymore because now she is a mother. And for that, she is absolutely memorable! Her marriage is ten times stronger since the baby has come. Those warm, fluffy moments do occur but not in every minute of the day. This romanticized image of motherhood is harmful as countless parents compare themselves to this impossible and unrealistic ideal and chronically feel like they aren’t good enough. Many come to know the feelings of inadequacy and guiltiness very well.

Women across the world battle with the changeover of motherhood and because of the mentioned message we receive, they are left to feel self-conscious and alone. With professional experience Best Life Coach Toronto working with new parents as both a life and changeover coach and a licensed psychotherapist, I’ve witnessed countless women who have shared their feelings with family, friends, doctors, and are told by them (usually with good intentions) that they might have Post Partum Depression (PPD). This rash labels, too, can be harmful as many women feel incredibly self-conscious, judged and inadequate. This article means to clarify the differences in struggling with the changeover of new motherhood and in actual PPD and provide some background on the different approaches and views that a psychotherapist might have versus. those of a life coach.

Post Partum Depression (the actual analysis is Major Depressive Episode with Post Partum Onset) is a serious condition that needs to be treated by a trained mental physician. The prevalence of PPD is controversial as the statistics range greatly. Post Partum Depression is not thought to be being diagnostically distinct from Major Depressive Episode (depression) according to the American Psychiatric Association (2000), however, an experienced professional would specify that a Major Depressive Episode is, “With Post Partum Onset” as long as the starting point of symptoms occurs within twenty eight days of delivery. For this reason, the criteria for PPD and “depression” are the same. PPD is a period of at least fourteen days where there is the depressed mood or losing interest or pleasure in nearly all activities (“not caring anymore”). Also, at least four other symptoms must be present that is included in changes in appetite and/or weight, sleep changes (insomnia or sleeping too much, not the changes that naturally will occur with your child’s schedule), decreased energy, feelings of worthlessness or guiltiness, difficulty with concentration and thinking or making decisions, psychomotor activity changes (others might notice that you move slower or faster than usual) or frequent thoughts of death or suicide. These symptoms must continue for most of the day, virtually every day, for at least two consecutive weeks. Also, the doctor has to cause significant distress or impairments in your capacity to function. Their education of disadvantages ranges from mild to severe and a careful interview is essential to make this analysis. In severe cases, a person might lose the ability to perform minimal self-care or personal hygiene tasks or they could even experience delusions or hallucinations. Specific to women who have had a child within twenty eight days of starting point of symptoms, movement in mood and preoccupations with the well-being of your infant (intensity could range from being over-concerned about the baby to experiencing actual delusions) are common as are panic attacks. Common maternal thought patterns towards babies also vary greatly and can include disinterest, fearfulness of being alone with the baby or becoming embarassing with the child that may even interrupt the child’s sleep. A history of depression increases one’s risk for the development of PPD as does a family history of any disorder of the mood (Depression, Bi-Polar Disorder, etc. ). Women also need to be aware of any medical ailments that might be responsible for some of the above symptoms such as hypothyroidism, e. grams. that could be the underlying cause, (American Psychiatric Association, 2000).

Women who meet criteria for Major Depressive Episode or PPD should be seen by a trained mental physician as opposed to a life coach as licensed experienced counselors and psychiatrists are specifically trained to work of this type. There are countless approaches psychotherapists take in treating PPD. Women might choose to make sure for individual therapy or group therapy and may also consider aid from an anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication (or other styles of psychotropics) in conjunction with hypnosis. It is best to seek the assistance of an experienced mental health expert for psychotropic medications as psychiatrists have specific training of this type but you also have the option to confer with your obstetrician or primary care physician about medication for depression. Psychotherapeutic interventions often include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy or Sociable Therapy, however, many theoretical approaches used in hypnosis greatly benefit women who experience PPD.