Postpartum depression affects about 10% of new mothers. Most people expect new mothers to be happy and excited over the miracle of birth. This is true for most women, but there are many who become overwhelmed by this life-changing experience. These women experience postpartum depression, also known as postnatal depression. So how can you tell if you, or someone close to you, is suffering from this type of depression? There's a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms to look out for.
Causes of Postpartum Depression
A number of factors can lead to women experiencing postpartum depression. Changing hormone levels may be a cause. It is normal for estrogen and progesterone to drop to pre-pregnancy levels just after the birth, and this may be responsible for some of the milder symptoms of postpartum depression. If thyroid levels also drop, as they do in some cases, this can contribute to symptoms. Tiredness after the birth, lack of sleep, feeling overwhelmed, stress and the complete change in your life can also contribute to postpartum depression.
Sometimes you may be predisposed to suffer from postpartum depression. If you were depressed during pregnancy or have suffered from depression in the past, then you may experience the symptoms of depression after giving birth. An unwanted, stressful or difficult pregnancy, a difficult relationship or severe premenstrual syndrome can all contribute to postpartum depression.
Types of Postpartum Depression
If you're looking for signs of postpartum depression, then it's important to know that simply being tearful and overwhelmed immediately after the birth is not a sign of depression. In fact, many new mothers experience the baby blues. This happens between 3 and 10 days after the birth, and it can leave new mothers feeling tired and irritable. They may experience mood swings, lose their appetite and have trouble sleeping, but these symptoms don't last. Some research classifies this as the mildest form of postpartum depression, but it is normal and no treatment is needed.
Postpartum depression develops anywhere from four weeks to several months after the baby is born. With this kind of depression, the symptoms don't go away without treatment. If you have postpartum depression, you experience mood swings, insomnia and fatigue. You may also have difficulty in concentrating or thinking or may feel emotionally numb. Reduced interest in sex, feelings of failure and unhappiness and distance from friends and family are all symptoms of postpartum depression. In addition, you may be excessively concerned for your baby or completely disinterested in it.
Postpartum Psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is an even more severe form of postpartum depression that affects about 1 woman in every 1,000. As well as the other signs of postpartum depression, there are symptoms of paranoia and confusion, hallucinations, disorientation, delusions and a fear that you will harm the baby or yourself. Unlike postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis develops in the first six weeks after giving birth. If you have bipolar disorder, your risk of developing postpartum psychoses is higher.
Getting Advice on Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression can impair your ability to bond with your child, though it is rare for mothers to actually harm their children. If you think you might be suffering from postpartum depression, see your doctor. If the symptoms last for a few weeks or you think you might have postpartum psychosis, get help immediately. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner you will recover from this illness. Doctors will usually ask you some questions or get you to fill out a form to work out whether you have postpartum depression. You may also have a blood test to rule out a physical cause of your symptoms.
Treating Postpartum Depression
Treatment usually consists of counseling and medication. It's important to talk to friends and family about your feelings, as well as to trained counselors who can help you to work through your feelings. Cognitive therapy and cognitive behavior therapy can help you to change the thoughts and behavior that contribute to depression. It may also be a good idea to join a self-help group for postpartum depression. You can also help yourself by reducing stress, asking family members to help with anything that seems too overwhelming and getting some rest. Avoid spending a lot of time alone; it's better to have company.
Sometimes you may have to take antidepressants, which are a successful treatment for postpartum depression. It is important to choose the right antidepressant, as medication can affect your baby when it drinks your breast milk. Some antidepressants are safe for use when breastfeeding, so ask your doctor's advice about which medications are best.
Other Treatments
Another possible treatment for postpartum depression is estrogen replacement. This hormone therapy helps to balance the drop in estrogen levels immediately after giving birth. However, you may produce less breast milk. You may also be at risk of developing blood clots in your lungs or legs. Take medical advice before beginning this therapy.
Given the right treatment, you can recover from postpartum depression and go on to have a happy, healthy relationship with your child.
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