"An impulse or thought or image takes over your mind and feels like it will consume you. You perform certain tasks repetitively to ease your mind. You fret and obsess about your baby, things that can harm him, horrible images or scenes fill your head. Scared and confused you try to understand where these thoughts came from?" Unfortunately, this is a common scene for a postpartum mom dealing with obsessive compulsive issues. According to Postpartum Support International signs of Postpartum OCD may include: Obsessions-Recurring, persistent and disturbing thoughts, ideas and images (such as accidents, harm that may come to baby, frightening images)Intrusive thoughts, fears and scenes and the inability to stop or control them. This can also include fear of being alone with baby. Compulsions-The urge to do something over and over to reduce fear, to avoid harming baby, or to create protection for baby(putting knives away, constant checking on baby, excessive cleaning or sterilizing). Hyper vigilance- constant checking(not being able to sleep or being in a constant state of fight or flight to protect baby). Often a sense of horror about the obsessions or compulsions. Many moms experience these feelings and thoughts and when seeking information or help they don't know where to turn. They look for information but the baby books only talk about postpartum depression and anxiety, sometimes mentioning postpartum psychosis. They don't feel "depressed" or "psychotic" so now what? Scared to turn to their healthcare provider and finding incomplete information on their own, they often feel isolated and alone. According to Postpartum Support International, a nonprofit organization comprised of mental health professionals and volunteers with members all over the world, Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed of the perinatal disorders. As many as 2-5% of new mothers are thought to experience OCD symptoms. The good news is Postpartum OCD is treatable and there is support available in the community, if not locally than through a site such as Postpartum Support International. Many women feel scared and embarrassed about their thoughts. It is important for them to know that it is not their fault and that they can get the help they need to stop the suffering and start enjoying their time with their new baby. |
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Categories3 Month MilestonesPostpartum Depression and Mood disorders
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