One reason that many women don't seek treatment for Postpartum Depression is that they often just brush it off as the Baby Blues. Lots of women (up to 80%) experience the baby blues after the birth of their child due to hormonal shifts and the huge life changes that having a child brings. The baby blues should fade relatively soon after birth, but postpartum depression is much longer lasting and can appear as long as a year after the birth of your child. So, the first thing we need to do is to differentiate between normative baby blues and non-normative postpartum depression. You may experience some or all of these symptoms:
- The Baby Blues
- Mood swings
- Crying spells
- Mild worry or anxiety
- Feelings of irritation
- Restlessness
- Symptoms usually last for about 2 weeks after delivery
- Postpartum Depression (PPD)
- Changes in appetite
- Significant weight loss or weight gain not associated with pregnancy
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Extreme agitatiom, irritability, or anger
- Feeling withdrawn or disconnected from others
- Lack of concentration or focus
- Little to no energy
- Significant anxiety
- Lack of productivity/difficulty accomplishing tasks
- Difficulty sleeping (aside from tending to needs of newborn)
- Thoughts of harming self or baby
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Fear of being alone with baby, little interest in baby, or negative feelings towards baby
- Appears anywhere between right after delivery through 1 year post-delivery
- Lasts longer than a couple of weeks
Who is at risk for PPD?
There are certain risk factors that may increase your chances of having postpartum depression. Risk factors do not necessarily cause PPD, so you could have several or all of these risk factors and not develop PPD. But they do increase chances that PPD might be an issue for you at some point. These risk factors include:
- Previous mental illness (anxiety, depression, eating disorders, OCD, etc.) before or during pregnancy
- Family history of mental illness, especially depression
- Lack of social support
- Marital problems
- Stressful life events (loss of job, financial difficulty, moving, death of a loved one, etc.)
- Low self-esteem
- Having a child with a difficult temperament
- Unplanned/Unwanted pregnancy
- If you had PPD with a previous pregnancy
What do I do if I think I have PPD?
First, please, please, please don't keep these things to yourself! Postpartum depression affects as much as 10% of new mothers, so you are definitely not alone! Many women experience shame for struggling with PPD because the expect a blissful, joyful time with their new baby. Struggling with postpartum depression is not something that you brought upon yourself, it cannot be cured by "changing your attitude" or "counting your blessings," and it will certainly not go away if you just ignore it. Postpartum depression is something caused by a combination of physiological, genetic, psychological, and environmental factors and you should never be ashamed if you have it! The most important thing is for you to seek out professional help to address these issues.
Many women feel most comfortable talking to their OB/GYN or family doctor first. If your symptoms last longer than 2 weeks, get worse, create thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby, keep you from performing normal daily tasks, or worry you or your partner in any way, talk to your doctor immediately. If your doctor diagnoses you with PPD, you will most likely be treated using medication, therapy, or a combination of both. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding because that will influence what medication, if any, they prescribe for you. Research shows that the best method of treating depression is medication and therapy combined. If your doctor doesn't give you a referral for a therapist, do some research and seek one out on your own. Medication will address the biological factors that contribute to your PPD, but you need a therapist to address the emotional, mental, and social factors that contribute to your PPD.
How to Cope with PPD
Most importantly, seek out professional help. In the meantime, open up about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with your partner, friends, and family members. Sometimes talking things out can help you feel a little better and get a new perspective. But, talking to friends and family members IS NOT an appropriate substitute for working with a doctor and/or therapist. Please don't be stubborn about seeking professional treatment; you need to be as mentally and emotionally healthy as possible in order to care for yourself and your new baby. Additionally, it is important to have realistic expectations for yourself and avoid pushing yourself beyond what you are currently capable of doing. Take some time to relax and do things that you enjoy, even if you don't feel like it in the moment. Most importantly, don't isolate yourself. Keep talking to your partner and others, seek social support (especially from other mothers), and open up about your feelings and experiences.
Sources: www.mayoclinic.com, www.babycenter.com
Disclaimer: The "Pregnancy, Babies, and Birth" blog series is meant as a source of general information only. It's intended use is to encourage women to further consider and discuss reproductive and birthing decisions themselves, with their partners, and with their medical care providers. Information included in this series is not intended to be professional medical advice or a substitution for a relationship with a licensed physician or practitioner. Any serious questions or concerns about reproductive, prenatal, and/or perinatal health should be directed to your primary care physician or other licensed specialist. Women's Services and Resources does not promote any particular brand, medical provider, birthing location, or any other specific birthing decisions. We strongly encourage women to become as educated about their choices as possible so they are empowered to make educated decisions for themselves and their babies. ADSENSE HERE