More than the baby blues? A look at PPD

Pregnancy and early motherhood can be a time of great joy. But for some women, it can also be a time of great anxiety and depression. This is called postpartum depression, and it’s a serious condition that can have a profound effect on a woman’s mental and emotional health. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that can occur in the weeks or months after childbirth. It’s estimated that up to 15% of new mothers experience PPD, making it one of the most common complications of childbirth. I have dealt with this with my last two pregnancies and the second time was far worse than the first time. If you suspect that you or someone you know may be suffering from PPD, it’s important to seek help. This post will explain what postpartum depression is, its symptoms, and what you can do if you think you might be suffering from this condition.

What is postpartum depression?

Dictionary.com defines postpartum depression as depression suffered by a mother following childbirth, typically arising from the combination of hormonal changes, psychological adjustment to motherhood, and fatigue. Postpartum depression, also known as postnatal depression, is a type of mood disorder that can affect both women and men after the birth of a child. Postpartum depression is not just “baby blues” — it’s a serious condition that affects one in seven women after giving birth. It can occur within a few days after delivery or after several weeks and usually lasts around six months and sometimes up to a year. Postpartum depression is not just “baby blues” — it’s a serious condition that affects one in seven women after giving birth. It can occur within a few days after delivery or after several weeks and usually lasts around six months and sometimes you to a year.

Causes of postpartum depression

The exact cause of postpartum depression is not clear. It may be due to hormonal changes, breastfeeding difficulties, lack of support from family members or friends, financial stressors, lack of sleep, and exhaustion. Postpartum psychosis is rarer, but it's important to know the symptoms so you can get help if you need it. Postpartum psychosis (PP) is a severe mental illness that occurs after childbirth. PP is a medical emergency, and it is important to seek help immediately by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room. Women who have PP can have delusions (thoughts or beliefs that are not true), hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or smelling things that are not there), mania (a high, elated mood that often seems out of touch with reality), paranoia, and confusion. Women who have PP also may be at risk for harming themselves or their child and should receive help as soon as possible. Recovery is possible with professional help.

Symptoms of postpartum depression

The signs and symptoms of postpartum depression include:

• Sadness or tearfulness

• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies that were once enjoyable — including sex with your partner

• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

• Feeling overwhelmed by minor tasks or responsibilities

• Feeling hopeless about the future and/or feeling guilty about not being able to take care of your baby

• Irritability or anger at your partner, family members, and friends

• Having trouble concentrating or making decisions; having racing thoughts; feeling confused; having racing heartbeats, rapid breathing, or shortness of breath (sometimes mistaken for panic attacks)

Treatment for postpartum depression

There are many treatment options for postpartum depression. You may want to try one or more of these before deciding on a specific treatment plan.

Treatment options include:

• Psychotherapy. Your doctor may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing negative thinking patterns, or interpersonal therapy (IPT), which focuses on improving relationships with others. Both types of treatment can help you learn how to cope with stress and negative emotions in a healthy way.

• Medication. Your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs work by increasing the amount of the brain chemical serotonin available to send signals between neurons and other brain cells. In some cases, taking an SSRI may make it easier for you to get out of bed and take care of your baby when you're depressed, even if it doesn't lift your mood right away. Other medications include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety medications. Antidepressants can take up to three weeks before they start working well enough to help relieve symptoms like sadness or lack of energy.

• Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). You may have heard of CAM as an alternative to traditional medicine. We use the term “complementary” instead because it means that CAM can be used alongside your regular treatment and can help you feel better. There are many different types of CAM, such as acupuncture and massage therapy, but one of the most common is herbal medicine.

It's important to remember that it may take time for your symptoms to improve. In some cases, they may even get worse before they get better. It's also important to remember that depression medications can have side effects and shouldn't be taken without a doctor's supervision.

Postpartum depression is much more than the "baby blues." It is a serious mental health condition that can affect both you and your baby, who may also develop symptoms of withdrawal or anxiety. Postpartum depression affects up to 15% of new mothers and up to 50% of mothers who have experienced postpartum depression in previous pregnancies. While postpartum depression is a serious problem, it is important to remember that many women experience the "baby blues" after giving birth. The cause is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of hormonal changes and the stress of childbirth. These feelings are normal and usually, go away within a few weeks. However, if you are feeling more than just the blues, it is important to seek help from a healthcare professional.