Postpartum Depression: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatments

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression (PPD) or postnatal depression is a kind of depression that primarily affects a new mother. Around 80 percent of all new mothers experience baby blues. If the symptoms are severe and if it starts affecting the mother’s ability to take care of their baby, then it is a sign of postpartum depression. The symptoms usually start within the first week of giving birth, but some women show signs during pregnancy or up to a year after childbirth.

It is normal to have mood swings, crying spells, anxiety (feeling of uneasiness or fear), and sleep problems in the first few weeks after delivery caused by baby blues, but if a person is depressed for a longer time, then prompt treatment is needed. Early identification and treatment of such depression will help manage the symptoms and help the mother bond with the baby better. It is a psychological illness that can be effectively treated with the help of medications and counseling. It is a very common problem, and one in every nine new mothers suffers from this depression.

What Are the Types of Postpartum Depression?

Mood disorders during the postpartum period are of three types. They are postpartum blues or baby blues, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis.

Postpartum Blues or Baby Blues:

About more than half of the individuals experience baby blues after delivery. It occurs during the first week after delivery and subsides in two weeks on its own without any treatment. The symptoms include crying, anxiety, and mood swings. If you are experiencing baby blues, consider taking support from your family.

Postpartum Depression:

This is a more dangerous disorder than baby blues. The symptoms include feeling sad and worried, crying, anxiety, reduced concentration, sleep troubles, irritability, and mood swings. These signs vary between moderate to severe. This disorder may arise within 7 days of delivery or sometimes it may arise after a year. It may last for several months. Antidepressants and psychotherapy are used to treat the condition.

Postpartum Psychosis:

Postpartum psychosis is a rare psychological disorder that develops after a few weeks after delivery. These symptoms lead to life-threatening thoughts and behavior; thus, early recognition of this condition is crucial. The signs and symptoms are disorientation, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, paranoia, suicide attempts, and attempts to harm the baby. Postpartum psychosis is treated in the hospital with the help of drugs like antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and benzodiazepines. In severe cases, ECT (electroconvulsive therapy), which is a procedure where small electrical currents are passed through the brain to trigger brief seizures, is used. This causes changes in brain chemistry and reduces the symptoms of psychosis.

Postpartum Depression vs Baby Blues:

The majority of the mothers experience baby blues after delivery but it is mild and lasts for a few days whereas postpartum depression is a severe form and lasts for several months requiring medical attention.

What Factors Increase My Risk of Being Depressed After the Birth of My Child?

The risk of postpartum depression increases with the following conditions:

• History of depression.

• PPD in the past pregnancies.

• History of bipolar disorder.

• Family history of depression or other psychological disorders.

• Having a special needs baby.

• Stressful events during the last year.

• Having twins or triplets.

• Financial problems.

• No family support.

• Problems in breastfeeding.

• Unwanted or unplanned pregnancy.

• Relationship problems.

• Issues in pregnancy like premature delivery.

What Are the Causes of Postpartum Depression?

Physical and emotional causes seem to play a role in postpartum depression. These factors are:

Physical Factors

• The sudden drop of hormones estrogen and progesterone after childbirth.

• Low levels of thyroid hormone.

• Sleep deprivation.

• No free time.

• Underlying medical condition.

• Tiredness after labor and delivery.

Emotional Factors

• Doubting their ability to be a good mother.

• Feeling less attractive.

• Stress due to changes in daily routine.

• Financial Burdens.

• No family support.

Also, the occurrence of postpartum depression after miscarriage has been reported.

What Are the Symptoms of Postpartum Depression?

If not detected early and treated, postpartum depression symptoms might last for many months or longer. Some of the commonly seen signs of postpartum depression are:

• Severe mood swings.

• Restlessness.

• Excessive crying.

• Eating more or less.

• Increased or decreased sleep.

• Problems bonding with the baby.

• Extreme fatigue.

• Hopelessness.

• Intense anger.

• The feeling of being a bad mother.

• Difficulty concentrating.

• Suicidal thoughts.

• Thoughts of harming the baby.

How Is Postpartum Depression Diagnosed?

Seek medical help in the following cases:

• If symptoms last for more than a couple of weeks.

• If symptoms are getting worse.

• If it is getting hard to care for the baby.

• If it interferes with daily activity.

• If one is having suicidal thoughts or thoughts about harming the baby.

The healthcare provider will diagnose the condition after talking to the person about their feelings and thoughts and evaluating the overall mental health. They might tell the person to fill out a questionnaire, which is part of the depression screening. A blood test might be required to check the levels of thyroid and to rule out other conditions that might cause depression.

How One Can Help Their Wife With Postpartum Depression?

Husbands can help their wives by trying the following things during postpartum depression:

• They must encourage them to take enough rest.

• They must let them know about their feelings and listen to them without any judgment.

• Encourage them to self-care.

• Allow them to take frequent breaks and duties of the baby. They must also be exempted from household responsibilities even if they are at home all day.

• Encourage them to spend time alone and indulge in their favorite hobbies.

• They must be given physical and emotional comfort and deal with them patiently if they have a low sex drive during postpartum depression. It is normal in such cases.

• They must be helped out by searching for a babysitter and also medical help to get proper treatment for postpartum depression.

How Is Postpartum Depression Treated?

Usually, PPD is treated with the help of psychotherapy, antidepressants, or a combination of both. The therapy for postpartum depression includes cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. The following antidepressants are used in postpartum depression treatment:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

• Atypical antidepressants.

• Tricyclic antidepressants.

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

• Sometimes, hormone therapy is given if the estrogen levels are very low.

If you are feeding your baby, do not think that you can not take postpartum depression medication. You can speak about this to your physician and determine the right therapy for you.

Postpartum Depression Self-Care:

• Go for a walk with the baby.

• Take a rest.

• Eat a balanced and healthy diet.

• Avoid consuming alcohol.

• Do not isolate yourself.

• If one can feel the symptoms, one must not be ashamed and try to hide them. Get help as soon as possible.

• Join a support group.

• Get help to take care of the baby.

What Are the Alternative and Holistic Treatments for Postpartum Depression?

Individuals experiencing postpartum depression can get better with alternate treatments along with antidepressants and psychotherapy. Alternate treatments for postpartum depression include yoga, acupuncture, meditation, mindfulness, aromatherapy, doula support, light therapy, massages, and relaxation techniques.

What Is the Impact of Postpartum Depression on Partners and Family Relationships?

Postpartum depression may have negative impacts on offspring. It includes poor nutrition and growth, mental illness, and cognitive decline. It also causes increased stress, anxiety, and isolation due to misunderstandings with partners. Apart from partners, older generations may find it difficult to understand postpartum depression leading to frustration and misunderstandings.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Untreated Postpartum Depression on Mother and Child?

If not treated, postpartum depression will last for a few months and then gradually progress into continuous depression. Mothers will have difficulty feeding and bonding with their children. They are also at increased risk of self-harm. Untreated postpartum depression affects children in many ways leading to trouble sleeping and eating, excessive crying, and delayed growth in speech.

Is Postpartum Depression Seen in Fathers?

Yes, postpartum depression can be seen in fathers, too, and it is called paternal postpartum depression. They have the same symptoms as mothers. Young fathers or fathers who have a relationship and financial problems are at risk. Treatment is the same as that for mothers.

Conclusion:

PPD is a very common condition seen after childbirth. It creates negative thoughts and feelings about oneself and other people, one’s situation, and also the future. Keep in mind that postpartum depression is a medical ailment and not an indication of one’s parenting skills. Asking for assistance is a sign of strength and a crucial step on the road to recovery. With proper care and treatment, this can be changed. If one wants to know more about postpartum depression and how it can affect their life, one can consult a psychiatrist.

Note From iCliniq:

Postpartum depression affects more than half of the people after giving birth to a child. It occurs due to certain physical, biological, and chemical changes in your body. It causes mood swings, crying, and an absence of interest in activities. The above article explains all the required information about postpartum depression. If you are still worried about your symptoms and confused about how to proceed further, you can Book your online consultation for expert advice.