POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

Overview & Facts

Postpartum depression is a serious mental health condition that usually occurs in mothers in the weeks and months after they gave birth.

Baby blues refers to the feeling of being sad or fatigue after giving birth. Like postpartum depression, the baby blues may include bouts of crying, mood swings, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed. However, the baby blues rarely last beyond a week or two while post partum can persist longer.

Any women can develop postpartum depression but the following factors may increase the risk:

  • Substance Abuse
  • Chronic Pain
  • Sleep Deprivation
  • Previous Postpartum Depression
  • History of Fertility Treatments or Miscarriage
  • Abrupt Discontinuation of Breastfeeding
  • History of Trauma or Abuse
  • Traumatic or Disappointing Birthing Experience
  • Poor Support System
  • Stresses (such as Marital or Financial)
  • Traumatic or Disappointing Birthing Experience
  • History of Fertility Treatments or Miscarriage
  • History of Severe Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  • Personal or Family History of Depression, Anxiety, or Another Mental Illness

Types & Symptoms

Symptoms may vary from person to person. They can include:

  • Anxiety
  • Irritability or Anger
  • Mood Swings
  • Appetite Changes
  • Suicidal Thoughts
  • Sluggishness
  • Exhaustion
  • Memory Loss
  • Sense of Guilt or Shame
  • Sense of Doom
  • Lack of Interest in the Baby
  • Feeling Disconnected from the Baby
  • Thoughts of Harming the Baby
  • Sleep Problems such as Insomnia or Excessive Sleep
  • Scary or Odd Thoughts that Repeat in your Mind

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor will be able to detect signs that you are at risk for postpartum depression during your monthly prenatal visits or during the typical six-week appointment after your baby is born.

Your doctor may ask about how are you feeling, your daily routine or if you have history of depression. Once you are diagnosed with postpartum depression, your doctor may suggest one or more treatment options.

 

TREATMENT

The following medication can help you fight postpartum depression.

  • Antidepressants– These drugs are safe and you may take it even before you gave birth or even while you are breastfeeding.
  • Thyroid Medication- Sometimes depression is caused by a low thyroid hormone levels. Your doctor may prescribe medications that can help your thyroid back into balance.
  • Talk Therapy- You might not need to take medications. Sometimes all you need is just a person to talk to. There are psychologists who can provide a safe emotional outlet. He or she may also help you find ways to manage your emotions.

The following will also help you during treatment:

  • People who have postpartum depression must eat healthy meals, exercise, and get enough sleep.
  • Consider Alternative Treatments such as aromatherapy, music therapy as well as sunlight and fish oil capsule.
  • Find a support group where you can share your experiences as well as learn from the experiences of other people and how they cope with it.
  • Have some caregiving help from your friends and family members. They can help around the house, watch the baby so you can sleep, run errands for you, or be there to listen when you need to talk.
  • Women should wean slowly if they are going to stop breastfeeding. Discontinuing breastfeeding can bring on a hormonal change.
  • Be patient.

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