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This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about dealing with problem moods. It’s normal for new mothers to experience emotional swings, but sometimes the problems go beyond the baby blues.
Dr. Anna Brandon, a psychiatrist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says post-pregnancy hormonal changes, combined with the stresses and life changes that come with being a new mother, can leave women more vulnerable to sadness. New mothers can cope with these feelings by getting as much rest as possible — napping when the baby sleeps — and by asking for support from friends and family. If the blues last longer than a couple of weeks and keep the mother from functioning, the mother may be experiencing postpartum depression and should seek medical help. Intervention is essential for the well-being of both mother and baby.
Visit www.utsouthwestern.org/mentalhealth to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in mental health.
