How To Help Someone Struggling With Postpartum Depression
If you or someone you know is experiencing postpartum depression, seek help sooner rather than later. Check in often and offer non-judgmental support. Those experiencing depression may not always be aware of the symptoms, or they might be too scared to mention them at all.
One of the best things you can do is just, frankly, ask, Hales says. People can get weird asking each other about mental health or about their coping mechanisms because they dont want to upset anyone. But its really important to have those conversations because when youre in it, its hard to see.
Postpartum depression and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are ultimately treatable conditions that canand doimprove with proper medical attention. If you have any concerns about your own mental well-being or someone elses, reach out.
Postpartum Depression In Men
The stresses of new parenthood, including changes in hormone levels, predominantly affect women however, men can suffer from postpartum depression, too. Men often show declines in testosterone, one of the most important androgen hormones, throughout their partners pregnancy and after childbirth. Mood changes associated with hormone fluctuations can be exacerbated by a lack of sleep, big changes to living arrangements, genetics or family history, a history of substance abuse or mental health disorders, and negative feelings about being a parent.
Some estimates suggest as many as 25 percent of men develop some form of depression after their partner has a new baby. This could range from mild symptoms like the baby blues to more serious postpartum depression symptoms. The condition is called paternal postnatal depression, to distinguish it from the condition suffered by new mothers.
Men with lower testosterone experience higher rates of depression compared to standard hormone levels. Low levels of testosterone contribute to:
- Lethargy or higher levels of exhaustion
- Developing anhedonia
- Mood swings, restlessness, or irritability
What Causes Postpartum Depression
There are many factors that contribute to the development of PPD. These factors tend to be a combination of dramatic hormonal changes that occur during and after pregnancy, the natural challenges of caring for a newborn baby, and some predisposed risk factors that may make PPD more likely.
First, after giving birth, a woman experiences a significant decrease in the amount of estrogen and progesterone in their body. These hormonal changes are expected, but they can often result in significant fluctuations in mood, feelings of sadness or guilt, lack of interest, or even unexplained episodes of crying or anger. Remember: Its not you its the way your brain is reacting to the lack of hormones.
Second, parenting a newborn is naturally a challenging, relentless responsibility, and it can often result in sleep deprivation, anxiety, and financial stress, to name a few of those challenges. It also means you have less time to care for yourself: to exercise, eat a healthy diet, and do the things that normally you enjoy.
All of these factors can really add up, especially for those that have other risk factors for PPD, such as:
-
A past history of anxiety or depression
-
Difficulties experienced during pregnancy or childbirth, such as an emergency cesarean section or longer stays in the hospital
-
Lack of social support
Save on popular depression medicationsView all
Recommended Reading: Can Yoga Help With Depression
Preventing Postpartum Mood Disorders
Osborne says not enough studies exist that look at preventing postpartum mood disorders, although they are becoming more common. For example, one study showed that mothers who learned soothing and sleep-promoting methods for their babies had lower rates of postpartum depression. Another study showed that taking an antidepressant right away in the postpartum period could help prevent mood episodes in women with a history of postpartum depression.
Sleep is another key area of to help prevent mood disorders.
If I see a woman whos at risk for postpartum depression, I have her come in with her partner so we can make a proactive plan for sleep, she says. Proper sleep can make the difference in preventing a mood disorder. Getting at least four hours of sleep may mean taking shifts for feeding or having the partner do everything but nursing.
She says the main message shed like mothers to hear is that women shouldnt be afraid to seek help.
We need to break down the stigma of mental illness, especially for new mothers, because it does respond to treatment, she says.
How Long Can Postpartum Depression Last
A postpartum depressive episode can last for several months or even years if left untreated. However, there is effective treatment available to assist women in managing their symptoms and improving their quality of life.
According to the Office on Womens Health, women who have recently given birth should seek help for postpartum depression if they experience persistent feelings of emptiness, sadness or flatness for more than two weeks.
Approximately half of the women receiving medical care for depression continued to have symptoms more than a year after childbirth. About two-thirds of those with postpartum depression who did not receive clinical treatment still have depression symptoms three years later.
You May Like: Treatment Programs For Anxiety And Depression
What Are The Symptoms Of Ppd
The warning signs are different for everyone but may include:
-
A loss of pleasure or interest in things you used to enjoy, including sex
-
Eating much more, or much less, than you usually do
-
Anxietyall or most of the timeor panic attacks
-
Racing, scary thoughts
-
Inability to sleep, sleeping too much, difficulty falling or staying asleep
-
Disinterest in the baby, family, and friends
-
Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions
-
Thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby .
If these warning signs or symptoms last longer than 2 weeks, you may need to get help. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, recovery is possible with proper treatment.
Loss Of Appetite Or Binge Eating
The loss of appetite goes hand in hand with Anhedonia. Those experienced postpartum depression may lose their appetite and interest in eating. On the opposite side of the spectrum, some individuals may release a significant amount of the stress hormone cortisol and satiety hormone ghrelin, causing them to over indulge in foods.
Both of the appetite related symptoms can be detrimental to health, as you will come to learn if you stay tuned in to the article.
Read Also: Jobs For People With Depression
Help For Postpartum Depression Is Available
At least 600,000 women develop postpartum depression annually, but of those women, only 15 percent get the treatment they need. As many as 25 percent of women who develop postpartum depression continue to experience symptoms for a year or more if they do not get help. Fortunately, there are many approaches to treating this mood disorder.
The best treatment approaches to postpartum depression are:
- Counseling or talk therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, interpersonal therapy, family therapy, and similar approaches can help new parents understand the causes of postpartum depression and manage symptoms when they become serious. Some therapists offer complementary therapies, like meditation or mindfulness techniques, in addition to talk therapy.
- Medication: Antidepressants help to moderate brain chemistry, making them an important part of treating any form of depression. These medications typically take up to a month to become fully effective, and not all types are safe during breastfeeding. It is important to work closely with a psychiatrist or physician on the appropriate dose and type.
During therapy, new parents will work on reducing stress by getting help from friends and family, developing realistic expectations for themselves while caring for a newborn, and joining support groups. Reducing stress helps to alleviate anxiety, allowing new parents to focus more on their child while they also focus on their physical and mental health.
When Does Postpartum Depression Start
Postpartum depression usually begins within 4 weeks after childbirth or the end of pregnancy. You could notice signs earlier or later, however.
Symptoms can show up as soon as 72 hours postpartum, or they may not show up for several months though they do typically start within the first year after delivery.
Experts also recognize that symptoms of depression can begin anytime during pregnancy. Thats why youll also hear postpartum depression called perinatal or peripartum depression. These names simply mean depression that develops before or after delivery.
Depression that starts during pregnancy often persists after childbirth.
These depression symptoms can resemble the normal fatigue that comes with being a new parent, so you may not recognize signs of depression right away.
Fathers, adoptive parents, and other parents who didnt give birth can also experience symptoms of postpartum depression for a few weeks or longer.
According to a
While theres not much research specifically looking at the course of untreated postpartum depression, experts do know symptoms can last for months, even years.
A 2014 review of 23 studies on the topic found that:
Recent following nearly 5,000 birthing parents for 3 years also found evidence to suggest many of them continue to experience postpartum depression years after delivery.
For many participants in that study, symptoms didnt just persist. They also got worse over time.
Don’t Miss: Social Media And Anxiety And Depression
Treatment Options For Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are truly nothing to be ashamed of. They can impact mothers, fathers, biological parents, and adoptive parents. In fact, one in 10 men who are parents will be diagnosed with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, Hales says.
Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the postpartum depression and the parents specific needs. The first step, though, is to speak up and talk about your scary thoughts, Hales says, whether thats to a partner, a trusted friend, or a family member.
Then you should reach out to your doctor, who will assess if there are any other medical issues to address. They might also refer you to a mental health specialist, who can work with you to determine if therapy, medication, or a combination of both is the right path for you.
Patients can also take some steps at home to alleviate symptoms of postpartum depression, including:
- Reaching out to family, friends, and other parents for support
- Increasing rest and prioritizing self-care
- Avoiding drugs, alcohol, and caffeine, which can impact your mood
Signs Of Postnatal Depression
Postnatal depression can have a broad range of symptoms. These can vary in how severe they are.
You may be feeling sad, anxious and alone. You may be feeling guilty, irritable and angry. You may be experiencing panic attacks. You may not enjoy being with people, even your baby.
Other symptoms of postnatal depression include:
- loss of appetite
Feelings and thoughts you might experience include:
- feeling inadequate
Don’t Miss: Dealing With Depression On Your Own
What Is Postpartum Psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is rare. It happens in up to 4 new mothers out of every 1,000 births. It usually begins in the first 2 weeks after childbirth. It is a medical emergency. Women who have bipolar disorder or another mental health condition called schizoaffective disorder have a higher risk of postpartum psychosis. Symptoms may include:
- Seeing or hearing things that arent there
- Feeling confused most of the time
- Having rapid mood swings within several minutes
- Trying to hurt yourself or your baby
- Restlessness or agitation
- Behaving recklessly or in a way that is not normal for you
A New Study Finds Postpartum Depression Symptoms Can Linger Three Years After Childbirth Experts Say Ppd Screenings For Mothers After The First Year May Be Necessary
In recent years, more attention has thankfully been brought on postpartum depression , which up to 20 percent of moms experience. Those intense symptoms, including depressed mood and excessive crying, typically begin within the first few weeks of giving birth and can also show up later on within the first year.
For some new moms, postpartum depression can last up to three years, reveals a new study from the National Institutes of Health . The study, which appears in the journal Pediatrics, looked at 5,000 women and found about 1 in 4 had high levels of depressive symptoms at some point in the three years after giving birth. The remaining women had low levels of depression throughout the same time period.
This brings attention to the idea mothers may need longer screening for postpartum depression than the American Academy of Pediatrics already recommended one, two, four, and six months after giving birth.
Don’t Miss: Emory Treatment Resistant Depression Clinic
What Medications Can I Take For Postpartum Depression
Your healthcare provider may prescribe antidepressants to manage symptoms of postpartum depression. Antidepressants help balance the chemicals in your brain that affect your mood.
If you’re breastfeeding, talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of taking an antidepressant. Medications can transfer to your baby through your milk. However, the transfer level is generally low, and many antidepressant medications are considered safe. Your provider can help you decide what medicine is right for you based on your symptoms and if you’re nursing.
Some common antidepressants for postpartum depression are:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as sertraline and fluoxetine .
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors such as duloxetine and desvenlafaxine .
- Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline or imipramine .
Keep in mind that it takes at least three or four weeks for antidepressants to work. Talk to your healthcare provider before stopping the medication. Stopping your medication too soon can cause symptoms to return. Most providers will recommend reducing your dose before stopping completely.
If your provider detects postpartum depression while youâre still in the hospital, they may recommend IV medication containing brexanolone.
How Can Delayed Ppd Be Treated
The best course of action to treat delayed PPD will depend on the severity of your symptoms. But in each case, the first and most important step is to talk to someone about your feelings. If you suspect that what youre dealing with is more than just the baby blues, discuss your feelings with your partner, a trusted friend or family member, or your doctor.
If youve ever thought about harming yourself or the baby, please go to the doctor as soon as possible, since this constitutes a medical emergency. Many women delay seeking help due to feelings of shame and guilt, but delayed PPD can be treated and its not the patients fault. The duration of postpartum depression will largely depend on how soon it is diagnosed and treated.
The most common treatment for delayed PPD includes some sort of psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy are two of the most widely used forms of therapy to aid in the recovery of postpartum depression. These forms of therapy aim to help patients understand their emotions, understand themselves and their relationships, and regain control over their emotional state. Support groups can also be helpful, since they will allow you to come into contact with other women with their own postpartum depression stories, which will help with feelings of guilt and loneliness.
Also Check: How To Talk To A Doctor About Anxiety And Depression
How Can I Help My Wife
If you are the partner of a woman suffering from PPD, you can help by encouraging her to seek help from a medical professional. Your goal should be to reduce her stress and anxiety in any way you can, while also paying attention to your own mental health. Taking on extra responsibilities can helpwhatever will allow her to make more time for sleep.
It’s hard when you have a newborn, but if you can strategize to help with feedings overnight to make sure that mom is able to get enough sleep, that can be a way to try to protect against some of those mood disturbances, Dr. Taljan says.
Longer Ppd Screenings May Be Needed
Our study indicates that six months may not be long enough to gauge depressive symptoms, Diane Putnick, Ph.D., the main author and a staff scientist in the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development epidemiology branch, said in a statement. These long-term data are key to improving our understanding of moms mental health, which we know is critical to her childs well-being and development.
Postpartum depression screenings, the authors say, may need to continue for at least two years. I suggest two years because by then it will be clearer which moms are getting better and which are staying depressed or becoming more depressed, Dr. Putnick tells Parents.com. That doesn’t necessarily mean more screenings are needed, adds Dr. Putnick, but spacing out the four recommended may be more beneficial.
Dr. Putnick notes the height of postpartum depression is considered the first month after birth. Women who experience their first symptoms of depression two years later are generally suffering depression with no peripartum onset. “The only difference in the diagnostic criteria for a regular depressive episode and postpartum depression is when it startsand not when it ends,” says Dr. Putnick. “In this study we were interested in symptoms, regardless of meeting diagnostic criteria, because we wanted to capture these various trajectories after birth.”
Don’t Miss: Treatment Plan For Persistent Depressive Disorder