What Is It?
More than merely the “baby blues,” postpartum depression (PPD) is a severe mental illness that can strike new moms shortly after giving birth. In the initial weeks after giving birth, many women feel anxious and sad, but if treatment is not received, PPD can persist for months. Persistent sadness, anger, fatigue, and trouble bonding with the newborn are some of the ways it might manifest.
The term “postpartum” means “after childbirth.” The conditions “peripartum depression” (around birth) and “perinatal depression“ (around infancy) are caused by depressive symptoms that some women experience during or after pregnancy. Additionally, postpartum psychosis is an uncommon, severe mood condition that may affect a mother after giving birth.
PDD
- While the baby blues can endure for up to two weeks after giving birth, significant mood swings, anxiety, and depressive symptoms that persist for more than 2 weeks are indicators of postpartum depression.
- Depending on many conditions, PPD can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
- Perinatal depression episodes start 4-8 weeks after the baby is born.
- Between 10% and 15% of women may experience postpartum depression.
- According to a study, one in seven women in the U.S. may suffer from postpartum depression within a year of giving birth to a child.
- PPD may have a physiological, situational, or multifactorial cause.
What distinguishes postpartum depression symptoms from “baby blues” symptoms?
The following are some signs of baby blues:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Feeling anxious
- Crying for no apparent cause
- Feeling alone and overwhelmed
- Loss of appetite
Some symptoms of postpartum depression include the following:
- Intense sadness
- Negativity and a sense of inadequacy
- Disengagement from friends and family
- Elevated degrees of irritation, anger, and frustration
- Struggling to develop an emotional attachment or bond with the baby
- Constant fatigue and lack of energy
- Change in appetite
- Difficulty falling asleep, insomnia
- Thoughts of hurting oneself or the baby
Women experiencing these symptoms should seek help from a postpartum depression therapist. PPD has the potential to significantly affect one’s life and the lives of all those surrounding them if not treated.
The exact cause of postpartum depression remains unidentified, but it is believed to result from hormonal fluctuations which involve a sudden post-birth hormonal decline combined with pregnancy hormone increases. The effects of sleep deprivation manifest as significant factors as well. The period of six months following childbirth marks the highest vulnerability for developing psychological disorders
Research shows that postpartum depression responds well to treatment through antidepressant medications combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy. The therapeutic approach to PPD mirrors that of other depressive disorders. However, the administration of pharmaceutical medicines during pregnancy and lactation periods is strongly discouraged.
Aside from the above-mentioned, there are various strategies that can promote greater well-being. Adopting life changes, such as a balanced diet and health-promoting routines, can notably enhance mood and energy. Obtaining help for baby care should be sought as this can release stress and grant support. Being social with friends and family, communicating with other moms, and sleeping are all imperative habits that bring about improved physical and mental well-being.
Successful postpartum depression treatment restores mothers’ emotional health and inner strength, creating a healthy environment for babies to thrive. Emotionally stable mothers nurture strong parent-child relationships, fostering the child’s overall well-being and contentment.
Do not hesitate to get help if you are having suicidal thoughts or if you ever consider hurting your new born child. Keep in mind that there is always hope and assistance available, and you are not alone. You can take the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) assessment here to determine your risk for postpartum depression, and Arbor Wellness can support you as you navigate motherhood.
Sources:
https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/multimedia/what-postpartum-depression
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3918890/#S1
https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/postpartum-depression-early-diagnosis-and-treatment-are-key
https://screening.mhanational.org/content/what-postpartum-depression-ppd
https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/postpartum-depression-screening
https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/measures/postpartum_depression
https://www.postpartumdepression.org/resources/statistics/
https://screening.mhanational.org/content/types-intrusive-thoughts
