GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – The first pill for postpartum depression is finally getting to patients and doctors say it’s working, according to UCLA Health.
Jalaya Williams, one mom in ENC says, “I had a lot of anxiety. I just wanted to make sure I was doing everything right and me being a first-time mom, I wasn’t sure exactly how to do everything.”
Postpartum mental health is a struggle that 20% of moms experience, according to the CDC.
“You don’t realize all the things that are put on your plate until they’re there and then you have to figure out what to do with all of that because, to a point, all you can do is sit in the bed and hold your baby, and feed your baby,” Brittany Pridgen, a local mom, told WITN.
The first pill for postpartum depression, Zuranolone, was approved by the FDA last August and has now reached the fingertips of patients, and doctors say it’s working.
Williams says, “I definitely would because anything to help make it a little bit easier would be worth giving a try.”
Though doctors say Zuranolone can cause drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, fatigue, and urinary tract infections, Pridgen says that anything to combat postpartum struggles is important, including asking for assistance. “Ask for help. It’s not a bad thing to need help. There are a lot of people willing to help, you just have to tell them how.”
Casey Jones, Carolina Family and Regional Counseling Owner, says there’s other resources to consider.
“At least have a conversation to see what resources are available to you whether that’s medication, a support group, a doula, or a therapist. I’d say that if you think it could help you or if you’re concerned that you could need something additional, go ahead and make the call. Reach out,” Jones told WITN.
Mental illness, suicide and drug overdoses are the leading causes of death in the first year after a woman gives birth, according to the National Institutes of Health which is one reason why Williams prioritizes hers, so that moms can be the best they can be.
“Even though you do have the anxiety and depression because you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing, there are positive and healthy moments. Even though I’m having those down moments, I look at her and just want to be the best mom that I can be so it’s very important for me to get my mental health on track,” Williams says.
Jones encourages those in their postpartum journey to reach out for help if one is concerned and is in need of assistance.
She says there is no ‘one size fits all’ but rather that whatever help you choose, to discuss with your primary doctor about what is best and most helpful for you.
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Postpartum depression can have severe consequences for mothers and their children if not taken care of.
For moms, it may increase the risk of suicide, high blood pressure, diabetes or stroke.