An untimely disorder that dulls a very important chapter in all our lives, parenthood. Postpartum depression is characterized by intense feelings of melancholy and fatigue following the birth of a child/children. It is normal for it to occur, and is treatable.
Parenting is not an easy task and having a baby can be overwhelming. It’s okay to feel the way you do and just know that if you are going through depression, you do not have to go through it alone.
The journey into motherhood is often portrayed as a joyous and fulfilling experience, filled with love and wonder. It’s normal to be confused and worried about your new venture into parenthood, especially if you’re a first time parent. However, for some women, this transition can also bring forth a different reality. Postpartum depression is a mental health disorder that can manifest in various ways, ranging from mild to severe, and it typically emerges within the first few weeks after delivery, although it can arise at any time during the first year.
Know that you’re not alone, these feelings that come are not a result of who you are as a person and it is completely normal. The disorder is treatable and there are mental healthcare experts who are ready to manage your symptoms and help you feel better.
Postpartum depression can manifest in various ways, and the severity and duration of symptoms can vary from person to person. A lot of people do start to think of themselves as horrible parents for feeling the way they do. But it is very common and trust us, you’re not alone. It is even possible for the father to feel symptoms of PPD. If you do ever find yourself, your partner or both having to deal with depression or anxiety after bringing the child home, do reach out for support. Around 4% of partners experience it after the first year of the child being born.
1. Persistent Sadness and Feelings of Hopelessness: Feeling down, sad, or hopeless most of the time, even when there is no apparent reason, is a prominent symptom of postpartum depression.
2. Fatigue and Lack of Energy: Overwhelming exhaustion and a constant feeling of fatigue, regardless of rest or sleep, are common in postpartum depression.
3. Changes in Appetite: Significant changes in appetite, such as loss of appetite or overeating, can be indicative of postpartum depression.
4. Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or sleeping excessively are common sleep disturbances associated with postpartum depression.
5. Irritability and Agitation: Increased irritability, restlessness, and agitation are frequent symptoms of postpartum depression.
6. Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Persistent anxiety, excessive worrying, and recurrent panic attacks are often experienced by individuals with postpartum depression.
7. Feelings of Guilt and Worthlessness: Excessive guilt, self-blame, and feelings of worthlessness or inadequacy are common emotional symptoms of postpartum depression.
8. Difficulty Bonding with the Baby: A sense of detachment, difficulty bonding with the newborn, or a lack of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable are signs of postpartum depression.
9. Intrusive Thoughts: Some women with postpartum depression may experience intrusive thoughts about harming themselves or their baby. These thoughts should be taken seriously and require immediate professional help.
It is important to note that experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean a woman has postpartum depression, but if these symptoms persist for more than two weeks or interfere with daily functioning, it is crucial to seek professional evaluation and support.
The two are often confused for each other, which is why we’d like to break the confusion before going further into the topic.
Baby blues and PPD have very similar symptoms, which makes it easy to confuse the two. Baby blues is a less intense version of PPD where the symptoms last about 10 days. Unlike PPD where the symptoms could last weeks or even months following the child’s birth.
Postpartum depression is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors. More research has to be conducted to find the link between the change in hormone levels during and after pregnancy and what that has to do with depression.
But it can be inferred that along with the chemical changes, there also tend to be social and psychological changes associated with having a baby that can increase the risk of developing PPD.
For example:
While postpartum depression (PPD) is commonly used as an umbrella term, it encompasses various subtypes or variations of the condition. Here are some of the different types of postpartum depression:
This is the most common and widely recognized type of postpartum depression. It refers to the onset of a major depressive episode during pregnancy or within four weeks after giving birth. Symptoms may include depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, significant weight changes, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
Postpartum anxiety is characterized by excessive worry, persistent fear, and heightened anxiety levels that significantly interfere with a mother's daily functioning and well-being. Symptoms may include racing thoughts, irritability, restlessness, difficulty sleeping or relaxing, hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath.
Postpartum panic disorder involves recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, which are intense episodes of extreme fear or discomfort. Panic attacks are often accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling, and a sense of impending doom. These panic attacks can be distressing and disruptive, impacting a mother's ability to care for herself and her baby.
Postpartum OCD is characterized by intrusive and repetitive thoughts, images, or impulses (obsessions) that provoke anxiety, as well as compulsions or rituals performed to alleviate that anxiety. These obsessions often revolve around the baby's safety or the mother's ability to care for the child. Common compulsions may include excessive cleaning, checking behaviors, or mental rituals to neutralize intrusive thoughts.
Some women may develop postpartum PTSD following a traumatic childbirth experience. This can occur when the mother perceives her life or her baby's life to be in danger during childbirth. Symptoms may include intrusive memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event, nightmares, avoidance of reminders associated with the trauma, hypervigilance, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.
Postpartum psychosis is an extremely rare but severe and emergent condition that requires immediate medical attention. It involves a break from reality, with symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking or behavior, severe mood swings, confusion, and thoughts of harming oneself or the baby. It is considered a psychiatric emergency, and the affected individual should seek urgent medical care.
Postpartum depression can not be diagnosed through a single test and will require a range of different methods for a proper diagnosis. The healthcare expert will evaluate your risk of developing PPD at your postpartum visit. During this, they will ask you questions about your medical history and how you have been feeling since delivery. It is also common practice for them to conduct physical exams, pelvic exams and lab tests.
Your screening session will be scheduled two or three weeks postpartum to see if you’re at risk of PPD at an early stage and so get the help you require as soon as possible. During the screening session, you’ll be asked numerous questions regarding how you’re feeling and how your baby is doing. Make sure to be honest while answering these questions as it will help the, get a clear picture of how you feel and so guide you through the symptoms of postpartum depression.
It is also possible that your healthcare provider may order a blood test as PPD can cause symptoms similar to that of thyroid conditions.
The treatment for Postpartum depression will be tailored around your symptoms, preferences, needs and severity. Here are the ways in which it can be treated:
If you suspect you or someone you know may have PPD, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider or mental health professional for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Leaving PPD untreated is less than ideal as it can affect you, your baby and your loved ones. Depression is a serious illness and can make you feel exhausted constantly, have major mood swings, induce anxiety and in extreme cases make you want to hurt yourself.
It really is not worth it and it’s not something you should “push through” alone.
Get the help you deserve!
Yes, you are a major part of your baby’s life. Anything that affects you will also indirectly affect the baby. Which is why getting treatment is important for the both of you.
Parenting is not an easy task and having a baby can be overwhelming. It’s okay to feel the way you do and just know that if you are going through depression, you do not have to go through it alone. We’re here to guide you and provide the right treatment plan that works for you.
Mindtalk is a leading mental health provider from the Cadabams family bringing new-age therapeutic experiences.
