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What to do about postpartum depression

By DR. JOYCE BROTHERS
SYNDICATED COLUMNIST

DEAR DR. BROTHERS: I'm a single mom, and have been working two jobs so I can save up money. I just had my second baby, and now that she's born and is healthy, I feel like I don't have any purpose. My life feels strangely empty, and I'm having trouble getting to work and doing things that I need to do to pay the bills. Is this a common feeling? What can I do to make sure my baby is OK? -- D.D.

DEAR D.D.: It sounds as if you may be experiencing postpartum depression. This is a type of depression that comes after you give birth, and it can occur anytime within the first year of your baby's life. It can be triggered by changes in the levels of certain hormones in your brain, brought on by childbirth, or simply by feeling overwhelmed, unprepared or tired and stressed by the birth of your child. In fact, a study published in the journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology showed that postpartum depression is associated with ethnicity and household income. Mothers with lower income and African-American mothers were more likely than upper-class Caucasian mothers to show symptoms of clinical postpartum depression. This study also indicated that having a strong social-support network can reduce the incidence of postpartum depression.

What does this mean for you? First, you should see if you can find a therapist to talk with about your feelings, or a support group within your community. Just talking about your problems sometimes can go a long way toward making them better. Secondly, try to seek out whatever social network you have -- whether it is friends or family -- and ask them for help in easing the burden when you are feeling tired, stressed and overworked.