Dealing With Postpartum Depression and Everything You Need to Know

Welcoming a new baby is lovely and creates excitement, although parenthood can sometimes be overwhelming. It’s common to experience worry or uncertainty, mainly if this is your first time giving birth. However, if these feelings escalate to include profound sadness, persistent loneliness, intense mood swings, and frequent bouts of crying, it could indicate postpartum depression.

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What Does Postpartum Depression Mean?

Postpartum depression is a form of depression that comes after giving birth. It’s important to note that not only biological mothers suffer from postpartum depression; even surrogates and adoptive parents can suffer postpartum depression. Usually, the postpartum period requires lots of adjustments, which can be hormonal, physical, emotional, financial, or social. If these adjustments are not correctly handled, they can trigger symptoms of postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression comes in three different forms, and they include:

Postpartum Blues or Baby Blues: This is the most common type of postpartum depression that affects between 50% and 75% of individuals after childbirth. Symptoms include frequent, prolonged crying without an obvious cause, heightened anxiety, and feelings of sadness. Postpartum blues usually develop within the first week after delivery and must subside within two weeks without treatments.
Postpartum Depression: This condition affects about 1 in 7 new parents, and it is more severe than postpartum blues. It can start within a week of delivery and last up to a year later. Psychotherapy and antidepressant treatment are effective in managing the symptoms.
Postpartum Psychosis: This is a more critical and severe form of postpartum depression that requires urgent medical attention. It is relatively rare and happens to about 1 in 1,000 individuals after childbirth. Its symptoms are severe and intense and include delusions, hallucinations, severe agitation, paranoia, hyperactivity, confusion, feelings of hopelessness, insomnia, rapid speech, or mania. Top of Form

What Are the Factors that Increases My Risk of Developing Postpartum Depression After Birth

Here are certain factors that can increase your risk of developing postpartum depression.

Personal or family history of depression or postpartum depression.
Giving birth to a special needs baby or a baby who frequently cries.
Pregnancy complications such as health issues, difficult delivery, or premature birth.
Limited social support
Marital or relationship crises and issues
Ambivalence towards the pregnancy.
Being a parent under 20 years old or being a single parent.

What are The Symptoms of Postpartum Depression?

Here are some of the symptoms you might be experiencing if you have postpartum depression. You should see your doctor if you have two or more of these symptoms and have persisted for two weeks. They are as follows:

Feelings of sadness, worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt.
Excessive worry or heightened agitation.
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
Appetite changes or disturbances in eating patterns.
Decreased energy and motivation.
Sleep disturbances or excessive desire to sleep.
Unexplained or excessive crying.
Difficulty concentrating or focusing.
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Lack of interest in or anxiety around the baby.

What Causes Postpartum Depression

The exact causative factor of postpartum depression is not known and remains unclear. However, it is believed that hormonal fluctuations that come with childbirth coupled with social and psychological changes can cause alterations in body physiology, sleep deprivation, or shifts in relationships and might contribute to the development of postpartum depression.

How To Treat Postpartum Depression

There is no single treatment for postpartum depression. The treatment approach varies based on the nature and severity of your symptoms. There are three treatment options you might be given depending on the symptoms you have.

Medications such as anti-anxiety or antidepressant drugs.
Psychotherapy, including talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy.
Participation in support groups.

In cases of postpartum psychosis, treatment may entail medication targeting depression, anxiety, and psychosis symptoms. There’s also a possibility you will be admitted to a treatment facility for stabilization. If initial treatments prove ineffective, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be considered.

Best Medications For Postpartum Depression

One of the best medications used for individuals with postpartum depression is antidepressants. Antidepressants help to address symptoms of postpartum depression, as they aid in regulating the brain chemicals impacting mood.

Common antidepressants used for postpartum depression include:

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline and fluoxetine.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like amitriptyline or imipramine

These antidepressants require three to four weeks in able to have effects on the symptoms. So, it is not something that you should think that will start working immediately. Consistency is highly advised. You are advised to consult your doctor before discontinuing the medication, as abruptly stopping may lead to symptom recurrence.

If you’re breastfeeding, it’s essential to let your healthcare know so that you get to know the risks and benefits associated with taking antidepressants. While medications can be transferred to your baby through breast milk, the level of transfer is typically minimal, and many antidepressants are deemed safe. Your provider can help you in choosing the most suitable antidepressant that will be safe for you and your baby.

Preventative Measures Against Postpartum Depression

While you cannot entirely prevent postpartum depression, some practices can help you in reducing the likelihood of experiencing postpartum depression. They are as follows:

Prioritize rest or sleep when your baby is resting
Exercise regularly, even if it is a short walk outside the house
Stay connected with family and friends; avoid isolating yourself
Maintain realistic expectations for yourself and your baby
Limit seeing visitors after returning home after delivery
Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when you need one
Recognize that both good and challenging days are normal for the postpartum experience.

What Happens When I Don’t Treat Postpartum Depression?

Neglecting treatment for postpartum depression poses serious risks, not just only to you but to your baby as well. They include:

Thoughts of self-harming yourself or the baby
Inability to care for your baby.
Persistent feelings of exhaustion.
Mood swings and irritability
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Conclusion

Roughly 15% of mothers experience postpartum depression, so it is not your fault if you develop one. You did nothing to cause it and shouldn’t beat yourself over it. The changes that happen to your body are beyond your control; however, you can do something to prevent them from affecting your health and your baby’s well-being. Understanding and addressing this condition can promote your wellbeing and foster a healthy relationship with your baby.