When Should I Seek Professional Medical Treatment For Symptoms Related To Postpartum Depression
You should seek professional help when:
- Symptoms persist beyond two weeks.
- You can’t function normally or cope with everyday situations.
- You have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
- You feel extremely anxious, scared and panicked most of the day.
For immediate help or if you have thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else:
- Dial 911 in an emergency.
- Contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HELLO to 741741.
Can Postpartum Depression Be Prevented
Postpartum depression isn’t entirely preventable. It helps to know warning signs of the condition and what factors increase your risk. Here are some tips that can help prevent postpartum depression:
- Be realistic about your expectations for yourself and your baby.
- Limit visitors when you first go home.
- Ask for help â let others know how they can help you.
- Sleep or rest when your baby sleeps.
- Exercise â take a walk and get out of the house for a break.
- Keep in touch with your family and friends â don’t isolate yourself.
- Foster your relationship with your partner â make time for each other.
- Expect some good days and some bad days.
Postpartum Mood Disorders: What New Moms Need To Know
Bringing a baby home is supposed to be one of the most joyful times in a womans life, but for many, the experience isnt always so rosy.
In fact, most new moms will get the baby blues, where hormonal changes cause anxiety, crying and restlessness that goes away within the first two weeks after giving birth. Also called postpartum blues, the baby blues are actually a mild and temporary form of depression that goes away once your hormones level out.
For other women, its not just about a mild case of the blues. As many as one in five new moms have their time with a new baby marked by postpartum depression, a more serious but highly treatable condition.
Lauren Osborne, M.D., assistant director of the Johns Hopkins Womens Mood Disorders Center, explains what women need to know about baby blues, postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.
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Where To Find Support For Postpartum Depression
If youre experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, you should contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible to discuss treatment and address your physical symptoms.
They can also refer you to a therapist or other local resources to help you navigate the postpartum period and your diagnosis.
These organizations can help guide you to the appropriate resources:
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness : A mental illness organization dedicated to supporting and building better lives for Americans affected by mental illness.
- Postpartum Support International: This resource offers education, online support, and information about local resources. You can reach them by calling 800-944-4773.
If You Have Ppd What Can You Do To Help You Feel Better
Heres what you can do to help the treatment from your provider work better:
Stay healthy and fit.
- Do something active every day. Go for a walk or get back to the gym.
- Eat healthy foods. These include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads and lean meats. Try to eat fewer sweets and salty snacks.
- Get as much rest as you can. Try to sleep when your baby sleeps.
- Dont drink alcohol. This includes beer, wine, wine coolers and liquor. Alcohol is a depressant, which means it can slow your body down and make you feel more depressed. It also can interact with the medicine youre taking for PPD. Its never a good idea to drink alcohol if youre breastfeeding. This is because you can pass alcohol to your baby through your breast milk.
- Dont take street drugs. These affect the way your body works and can cause problems with the medicine youre taking for PPD. You also can pass street drugs to your baby through breast milk.
Ask for and accept help.
- Keep in touch with people you care about and who care about you. Tell your partner, family and friends how youre feeling.
- Take time for yourself. Ask someone you trust to watch the baby so you can get out of the house. Visit a friend, get outside or do something you enjoy. Plan for some time alone with your partner.
- Let others help around the house. Ask your friends and family to watch the baby, help with housekeeping or go grocery shopping. Dont be afraid to tell them what you need.
Reduce your stress.
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Questions To Ask Your Doctor
- Will I have to take antidepressants for life?
- If I take medicine, will I have trouble getting off the medicine when I feel better?
- How will I know if the medicine is making me feel better or if Im naturally getting better?
- Will I have postpartum depression with every pregnancy?
- Who should I call if I am having thoughts of suicide or of harming my baby?
Chronic Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Medical treatment for postpartum depression helps control symptoms. However, many women who receive medical treatment continue to experience chronic symptoms of postpartum depression over one year following childbirth. Women who remain untreated for their postpartum depression may continue to experience chronic symptoms up to four years after childbirth.
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My Experience With Late
Depression runs in my family, so my husband and I were both worried about the possibility of post-partum depression once we learned I was pregnant. We did extensive research and made a game plan for the time after birth, just in case the symptoms appeared. When our son was born, we were surprised and elated that instead of feeling even a twinge of baby blues, I was actually the happiest I had ever been.
Atticus was an incredible infant. He slept through the night at one month and nursed like a champ. He rarely cried and started smiling, laughing, and cooing so early that I felt blessed with the perfect baby.
Then I went back to work. I am a teacher, so keeping up with breastfeeding was a challenge. The first few months went well enough. I pumped during my off-periods and toted the milk home each afternoon for Atticus to drink at daycare the following day. I eventually fell so behind in my work, however, that my stress level began to increase, which meant my supply practically disappeared. With a heavy heart, I had to stop nursing and thats when things took a turn for the worst.As most of you know, a hormonal shift occurs after birth. This shift is the underlying cause of post-partum depression. What I didnt realize is that a similar shift occurs when a woman stops breastfeeding. My mood had suddenly changed, but I ascribed this to the sudden changes my son was experiencing as well.
Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression
How often postpartum depression symptoms occur, how long they last, and how intense they feel can be different for each person. The symptoms of postpartum depression are similar to symptoms for depression, but may also include:
- Crying more often than usual.
- Feelings of anger.
- Feeling numb or disconnected from your baby.
- Worrying that you will hurt the baby.
- Feeling guilty about not being a good mom or doubting your ability to care for the baby.
Postpartum depression can also occur among women with a healthy pregnancy and birth.
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I Felt That Id Done Harder Things And I Could Just Cope
I didnt truly understand that I was suffering from PPD for at least a year after the birth of my only son. But I started to feel sad and anxious right away. I had very low self-esteem and doubt about being a good enough mother. I was angry and frustrated, and I cried a lot. At the same time, it was mixed in with joy at the birth of my healthy son plus a lack of sleep and the drastic change of becoming a stay-at-home mom after working full-time and it was difficult to parse out my emotions.
I had seen a therapist a few years prior for depression, although I hadnt been for years. I went to see her again when my son was about 10 weeks old. She said I had PPD and told me I was at 30 percent higher risk of becoming depressed after giving birth as I had a depressive episode before. Because I didnt think I needed that much help, I didnt go to therapy consistently. I believed her and was glad to get a name for it, but I felt that Id done harder things in my life and I could just cope. I also felt ashamed. I kept it a secret 26 years ago, PPD wasnt talked about the way it is now.
Because of my experiences with PPD, I studied complementary methods of healing to become a licensed massage therapist and professional counselor. In 1997, I went to school to study shiatsu and acupressure, and then I studied birth hypnosis and doula work. I studied psychology and got my masters degree, becoming a licensed psychotherapist in 2004.
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.
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How Do I Know If I Have Baby Blues Or Postpartum Depression
Many people have baby blues after giving birth. Baby blues and postpartum depression have similar symptoms. However, symptoms of baby blues last about 10 days and are less intense. With postpartum depression, the symptoms last weeks or months, and the symptoms are more severe.
You may have the baby blues if you:
- Have crying spells.
- Have trouble sleeping.
- Have sudden mood changes.
Remember, it doesn’t hurt to share your symptoms with your provider. They can assess if you need treatment for your symptoms.
What Makes Postpartum Depression Last Longer
The duration of postpartum depression symptoms may vary pretty widely from person to person.
You might have mild symptoms that begin to improve right away with treatment. But you could also have very intense symptoms that linger even after treatment starts.
Experts have yet to agree on a specific cause of postpartum depression or why it lasts longer in some people than others.
A few key factors may affect how severe your symptoms are and how long the condition lasts.
Postpartum depression may last longer if you:
- have a history of depression, including previous experience of postpartum depression, or bipolar disorder
- brexanolone , a short-term medication for postpartum depression. Brexanolone is given intravenously over 60 hours. Tell your doctor if youre breastfeeding before starting this treatment.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation. When postpartum depression is resistant to therapy and medication, your doctor might recommend this noninvasive brain stimulation therapy.
If you have symptoms of postpartum depression, you might find it difficult to put your emotions into words and share those feelings, especially if youve had thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby.
Remember, though, that healthcare professionals are trained to recognize postpartum depression and offer compassion, not judgment.
They understand you cant help or prevent those thoughts, and theyll support you in taking steps to feeling better.
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How Is Ppd Diagnosed
If you’re having trouble coping with all the changes that new motherhood brings, see your doctor. They can determine if you’re experiencing postpartum depression or refer you to a mental health professional. Many new mothers feel embarrassed or ashamed and keep it to themselves, but having postpartum depression doesn’t make you a bad mother. Help is available, and there’s no reason to suffer.
Do I Need Health Insurance To Receive This Service
The referral service is free of charge. If you have no insurance or are underinsured, we will refer you to your state office, which is responsible for state-funded treatment programs. In addition, we can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you have health insurance, you are encouraged to contact your insurer for a list of participating health care providers and facilities.
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How Long Does Treated Postpartum Depression Last
Even with treatment, postpartum depression can sometimes last a long time. This doesnt necessarily mean treatment doesnt work.
While you might still notice a few symptoms, treatment can help you manage them, improving your outlook and overall well-being.
Since postpartum depression can depend on many factors, its natural that your recovery may feel slow to you.
In this instance, its a good idea to focus on the progress youve made and the aspects you feel have improved.
Symptoms of postpartum depression may begin to improve within a few weeks of starting treatment. This time frame may vary depending on the type of treatment and other external factors.
The most common treatment options for postpartum depression and their duration include:
- Therapy. Many people feel better after just about eight visits over 8 weeks.
- Medication. If your doctor recommends antidepressants, you may need to take them for several weeks to notice improvement, and sometimes for years if symptoms dont subside. If youre still breastfeeding, consider talking with your doctor about other options.
- A combined approach. Your doctor may recommend combining medication and therapy for severe symptoms or symptoms that dont improve with therapy or medication alone. This could take from 8 weeks to a year or longer, depending on your symptoms.
How Can I Help Someone With Postpartum Depression
People with postpartum depression need lots of support. Here are some ways you can help:
- Know the signs of depression and anxiety and urge your friend or partner to seek medical care.
- Be a good listener. Let them know you’re there to listen and help.
- Offer to help them with daily tasks like cleaning and running errands.
- Offer to help watch their baby while they sleep or rest.
- Encourage them to seek help from a therapist or other mental health provider. Offer to set up an appointment or go with them as a support person.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Postpartum depression is a common mood disorder that affects 1 in 7 people after giving birth. It’s not your fault, and you did nothing to cause it. It doesn’t make you a bad parent or a bad person. The biological, physical and chemical factors that cause PPD are beyond your control. Signs of postpartum depression include feeling sad or worthless, losing interest in things you once enjoyed, excessive crying and mood swings. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you have postpartum depression. They can figure out how to best manage your symptoms. Counseling, medication or joining a support group can help.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/12/2022.
References
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Are You At Risk For Ppd
Some things make you more likely than others to have PPD. These are called risk factors. Having a risk factor doesnt mean for sure that youll have depression. But it may increase your chances. Talk to your health care provider to see if youre at risk for PPD.
Your health care provider screens you for PPD at your postpartum care checkups. Screening means that your provider asks you questions about your risks, feelings mood. If the screening shows that you may have PPD or that youre at risk for PPD, your provider can help you get treatment.
Risk factors for PPD include:
Negative thoughts and feelings about being a mom can include:
- Having doubts that you can be a good mom
- Putting pressure on yourself to be a perfect mom
- Feeling that youre no longer the person you were before you had your baby
- Feeling that youre less attractive after having your baby
- Having no free time for yourself
- Feeling tired and moody because you arent sleeping well or getting enough sleep
Dont be afraid to talk to your provider. Shes there to help you and your baby be healthy.
I Didn’t Think I Could Be Depressed Because I Didn’t Have Real Problems
With a loving husband and a healthy baby, I felt like I didn’t have the right to be depressed. After all, how bad did I have it? I had a safe place to live and plenty of food which is more than a lot of new mothers had.
When Adele recently opened up about her struggles with depression, she was attacked online for daring to imply motherhood could be difficult. But depression is not something you earn or deserve it’s a mental illness. Is it easier to be a parent when you have money and can afford help? Absolutely I’m not going to pretend like it isn’t. But sleep deprivation is a very real contributor to depression and for many new parents, when their babies are bad sleepers it’s a quick spiral into depression.
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