Navigating parenthood: Understanding postpartum depression and becoming a healthier you

Navigating parenthood: Understanding postpartum depression and becoming a healthier you

Becoming a parent is one of the most rewarding experiences one can have. Bringing a baby into this world and nurturing it into adulthood is something that eventually comes natural to most.

But as we all know, we’re not taught how to be a good parent. There’s no standard guidebook to follow or procedure set in place. Once you become a parent, it’s up to you to use your best judgment to raise your child. While there are plenty of books, classes and resources available to help prepare parents in navigating this journey, at the end of the day, no matter how much we try, we can’t prepare for every what-if.

When I first became a mother, I never imagined the experience wouldn’t always be full of sunshine and rainbows like society portrays it. After the birth of my first child, I had this sort of depressed feeling. I felt like I was unable to be the mom I wanted, and planned, to be. I was unsure what these feelings were and especially didn’t know they were part of a larger issue I would end up facing with all three of my children.

DOSORETZ

Luckily, I had an amazing support system. My family encouraged me to seek professional help, which turned into therapy and is what I credit today for helping me navigate this challenging situation.

At the time, there was a lack of access to these resources and types of care in Florida. Because this support played such a big role in my recovery, I knew I had to create an accessible option for others. That’s how Elite DNA Behavioral Health was born.

When you first become a parent, your whole world is centered around your new baby. Many mothers forget what they have just gone through not only during birth, but the 10 months that lead up to it. Your hormones are rapidly changing, you’re sleeping a lot less and you are now responsible for another person 24/7. This toll is felt physically, emotionally and mentally.

Nearly one in five women experience a mental health condition while pregnant or shortly after birth, according to the World Health Organization. The most common conditions include depression, anxiety, irritability or even PTSD. However, 75 percent of these individuals do not seek treatment.

It can be difficult to navigate your feelings during this time, as you are experiencing so many changes all at once. Postpartum depression also looks different for everybody. Some women have never had feelings like this before, and it can be very scary. It’s crucial to surround yourself with people who care about you and support you. Whether they can be there physically or just give you a positive phone call, it’s critical to have those connections.

One thing that doesn’t help is the societal pressure to instantly know what to do and what the best options are for your baby. It can feel daunting trying to constantly make these decisions that seem so big and scary at the time, but that will ultimately just be blips on the radar longterm. Becoming a parent is a lifelong journey, and there will be plenty of years to worry. Even when they become adults, you’re still their parent, and you’ll want to do what’s best for them.

So how can you become the parent you want to be? Well, speaking from personal experience, here are a few things I wish I was told when I became a parent.

First, although you’ll say you don’t have time and can’t, find a way to get some sleep. If you have a spouse or partner, take turns with the baby. If not, lean on family members, friends or anyone you trust who wants to support you during this new journey. You’ll be surprised how much of a difference a few hours of uninterrupted sleep can make.

The second is to stay connected to others. You likely won’t have much energy and probably don’t want to socialize, but talking to someone other than a baby is important. Even if it’s just a phone call. Lastly, staying active, although it can be difficult, is so important. Get some sunlight, take a walk, do something that makes you feel like there’s more to the day than just being alone with your baby. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself.

If you still feel off and your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s time to seek professional help. There is no shame in seeking an outside resource, and as much as we try to, we cannot navigate everything alone. Some common warning signs that you should watch for include persistent feelings of sadness/hopelessness/ despair, changes in appetite, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, isolating yourself, feeling intense guilt or shame, having trouble bonding with your baby, suicidal ideations, having intrusive thoughts and more. At Elite DNA, we can help you navigate this new journey and find the beauty in the chaos. As a parent, you want to create happy memories with your new baby, so take care of yourself, seek help and be present for every moment. Trust me, you won’t want to miss a moment. ¦

Elizabeth Dosoretz is a licensed clinical social worker and mother of three. Her personal journey through the challenges of postpartum depression inspired her to establish Elite DNA Behavioral Health in 2013 with a goal to provide accessible, affordable mental health care to everyone. Ten years later, Elite DNA has become one of the largest mental health providers in the state, providing in-person and virtual behavioral health services to children, adolescents and adults at more than 30 locations across Florida. For more information, visit EliteDNA.com .

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