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When ‘baby blues’ persists, it’s time to get help: counsellor

One of the challenges of diagnosing postpartum depression is that several symptoms are indistinguishable from the anxiety and sleeplessness that are virtually synonymous with parenthood, explains a North Vancouver counsellor.
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One of the challenges of diagnosing postpartum depression is that several symptoms are indistinguishable from the anxiety and sleeplessness that are virtually synonymous with parenthood, explains a North Vancouver counsellor.

However, if the “baby blues” stretches beyond two weeks, it’s a good idea to check in with a professional, according to Alexandra Stewart, who works out of central Lonsdale.

Stewart, who specializes in parenting and pregnancy, warns that hyper-sensitivity and acute fatigue are often indicative of a larger problem.

While almost all mothers of newborns will be tired, the lethargy that comes with postpartum depression is fatigue on a “whole other level,” according to Stewart.

Mothers suffering postpartum depression find themselves completely drained of emotional energy or even unable to get out of bed, Stewart notes. Changes in appetite and a fear that you’re going to harm yourself or your baby can also be signs of depression.

“If you’re ever having any thoughts like that, you should definitely contact a care provider,” she says.

Stewart, who divides her time between Vancouver and the North Shore, lauds cognitive behavioural therapy as the “gold standard” when it comes to treating depression and anxiety.

At its simplest level, cognitive behavioural therapy is about shifting a pattern of thinking to give people “a bit of a perspective shift,” Stewart explains.

In her practice, Stewart says she tends toward a holistic approach, taking an inventory of a patient’s sleep schedule and eating routine, as well as their social life, their physical health and even spiritual life.

Regaining a healthy life balance can be crucial in helping to combat anxiety and depression, according to Stewart.

However, a primary focus of Stewart is to encourage women to get help as early as possible, particularly if they’ve dealt with mental health problems before.
The physical and hormonal changes of a pregnancy can “exacerbate depression or anxiety,” Stewart points out.

A tendency towards social isolation during pregnancy is an early warning sign, according to Stewart. It’s natural to be anxious about the changes your body is going through as well as the birth itself. However, there is a difference between a normal level of stress and a feeling that something catastrophic is imminent.

If what had felt like tried and true coping methods aren’t working anymore and if previously enjoyable relationships are now fraught with stress and conflict, it’s time to see a professional, according to Stewart.

“Talking to a professional may provide you a different type of support than your loved ones can provide,” Stewart says. “Typically, people will come in to see me when they’re starting not to feel like themselves.”

If at all possible, Stewart recommends establishing support networks “before undertaking this huge, life-changing event which is becoming a new mom.”

“If you can establish some really good coping tools and strategies before going into this, it can make this transition into parenthood so much easier.”