Video: Baby Blues Vs. Postpartum Depression

Video Transcript:

Hi everyone, my name is Doctor Valerie Revolus and I'm a board certified psychiatric mental health nursepractitioner specializing in maternal mental health.

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And I'm so glad you're here today.

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Whether you're a new parent, a partner, a grandparent, or a friend, thismessage is for you.

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Because when it comes to supporting moms and birthing people after pregnancy,knowledge truly is power.

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Let's start with something many people have heard of, the baby Blues.

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The baby Blues are really common.

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They impact about 70 to 80% of new moms.

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They usually start a few days after giving birth and can last up to two weeks.

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Some of the common symptoms include, but are not limited to feeling moreemotional than usual.

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Maybe crying a lot, feeling overwhelmed, anxious or even Moody, having troublesleeping even when the baby is sleeping, Feeling a little disconnected orunsure of yourself.

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But here's the key with the baby Blues.

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These feelings tend to come and go, and they usually get better on their ownwithout medical intervention.

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You might just need some rest, support, and reassurance.

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Now let's talk about something more serious.

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Postpartum depression, also known as PPD.

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Postpartum depression, impacts about one in seven new moms.

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And it's not just feeling tired or emotional.

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It's a real mental health condition that needs care and attention, and yes, itcan impact anybody, no matter how strong you are, spiritual you are, or howprepared you are.

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PPD can show up weeks or even months after giving birth and the symptoms lastmuch longer and feel way more intense.

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Some signs to look out for include persistent sadness or emptiness, feelinghopeless, worthless or lack of failure as a parent, not feeling bonded to yourbaby, withdrawing from family and friends, extreme irritability or anger,trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, thoughts of harming yourself or yourbaby.

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And if these feelings are lasting more than two weeks and or interfering withyour daily life, it's not just the baby Blues.

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That's when it's time to reach out for help.

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In many Black and brown communities, we're taught to be strong, to push throughand to not talk about mental health.

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But I want you to hear this clearly.

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Struggling with postpartum depression does not mean you are weak.

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It does not mean you don't love your baby, and you are not alone.

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Postpartum depression is medical, it's treatable, and healing is absolutelypossible, especially when we recognize the signs early and get support.

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If you or someone that you love might be going through postpartum depression,here are a few steps that you can take.

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Talk to a provider, a nurse practitioner, OBGYN, midwife, or therapist.

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Reach out to your support system.

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You don't have to suffer in silence.

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Know that there's safe and effective treatments, whether that's therapy,support groups, even medication management if warranted.

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And if you're supporting someone who just had a baby, check in with them.

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Listen without judgement.

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Offer help.

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Remind them that they don't have to do it all alone.

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Taking care of mental health is part of taking care of the whole family.

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If you're going through it, please know that healing is not only possible, itis your right and we're here to walk with you.

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Thanks for spending this time with me.

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Be sure to check out more resources and have an amazing day.

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See you all soon.

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Take care, bye.