Gwyneth Paltrow Opens Up About Postpartum Depression: Could You Be at Risk?
ByJenny Everett,SELF magazine
With two adorable kids, a hottie rocker husband and a major career comeback in the works, Gwyneth Paltrow appears to be the picture of happiness. So we were a bit surprised to learn that she struggled with postpartum depression following the birth of her second child, Moses, in 2006.
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"I felt like a zombie. I couldn't access my heart. I couldn't access my emotions. I couldn't connect," the Oscar-winning actress told Good Housekeeping. "It was terrible, it was the exact opposite of what had happened when Apple was born. With her, I was on cloud nine. I couldn't believe it wasn't the same. I just thought it meant I was a terrible mother and a terrible person."
Paltrow's story is a reminder that postpartum depression is a very serious condition that can affect any new mother. One-third of women experience depression in the first 12 years of their kids' lives, and they're most at risk during the 12 months following a birth.
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Whether you're in baby-making mode or moving in that direction in the next couple of years, here's what you need to know to minimize the baby blues:
Postpartum depression is the result of a combination of hormonal and biological imbalances, which makes it difficult to avoid, according to Elizabeth Hopfenspirger, president of Jenny's Light, a nonprofit aimed at raising awareness about postpartum depression.
That said, there are certain actions that can lessen the risk, including proper nutrition, adequate sleep, exercise, an adequate support system, a willingness to speak openly about thoughts and feelings and an awareness that postpartum depression can happen to anyone.
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"I feel that the most important thing is for the pregnant woman to appoint someone to be their 'angel,'" says Hopfenspirger, who has personally suffered from postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety and postpartum OCD. "This 'angel' is responsible for educating themselves on the signs, symptoms and risk factors for postpartum depression."
According to Jenny's Light, some of those symptoms include: Feeling sad or down, frequent crying or tearfulness, feeling restless or anxious, loss of pleasure in life, loss of or increase in appetite, less energy and motivation to do things, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, feeling worthless or guilty, unexplained weight loss or gain, feeling like life isn't worth living and showing little interest in the baby.
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"The angel will check in with the new mother at least weekly and ask, 'How are you REALLY feeling?' They will be fully present and non-judgmental," she says. "It is a comfort for the new mother to know that someone out there is going to ask the tough questions, and someone is looking out for her -- mentally and emotionally."
Have you suffered from the baby blues?
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Photo Credit: WWD
