When To Ask For Support
If you recognize any of the postpartum depression symptoms in yourself or another new mom and they continue to last longer than a week or two, getting help quickly is the best way to avoid a serious incident. Begin by calling Dedicated to Women ObGyn and explain what you are experiencing. There are medications and therapy options to relieve postpartum depression.
If you are unable to care for your baby due to your sadness, reach out to a family member or close friend for assistance while you address your personal health concerns with Dedicated to Women ObGyn. If there is no one available to help you, one option is to contact Postpartum Support International. This is considered a warm line where you leave a message, and a trained volunteer will call back to follow up.
For more emergent situations, you can speak to someone immediately by calling the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255. Another option is to text 741741 to the Crisis Text Line. If you are afraid you may hurt yourself or your baby, call 911.
Getting the help and treatment you need, and getting that help as soon as possible, is the best way to prevent a serious event. Contact Dedicated to Women ObGyn if you experience any of the postpartum depression symptoms mentioned for more than a few weeks.
As always, if you have any further questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call 674-0223 today!
Postpartum Depression Symptoms List And Support Options
Not the same thing as the familiar term baby blues, postpartum depression is a truly serious health issue, and according to the National Institute of Health, 15% of new mothers can suffer from it. If you have recently given birth, or know someone who has, remain mindful of these postpartum depression symptoms and support options.
Symptoms Of Peripartum Depression
Symptoms of Peripartum Depression include:5
- Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Crying for no reason
- Lack of interest in the baby, not feeling bonded to the baby, or feeling very anxious about/around the baby
- Feelings of being a bad mother
- Fear of harming the baby or oneself
A woman experiencing peripartum depression usually has several of these symptoms, and the symptoms and their severity may change. These symptoms may cause new mothers to feel isolated, guilty, or ashamed. To be diagnosed with peripartum depression, symptoms must begin during pregnancy or within four weeks following delivery.
Many women with peripartum depression also experience symptoms of anxiety. One study found that nearly two-thirds of women with peripartum depression also had an anxiety disorder.6
While there is no specific diagnostic test for peripartum depression, it is a real illness that should be taken seriously. Any pregnant woman or new mother who experiences the symptoms of peripartum depression should seek evaluation by a medical professional an internal medicine doctor or an OB-GYN, who can make referrals to a psychiatrist or other mental health professional. Assessment should include a psychiatric evaluation and a medical evaluation to rule out physical problems that may have symptoms similar to depression .
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What Are The Risk Factors For Ppd
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A change in hormone levels after childbirth
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Previous experience of depression or anxiety
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Family history of depression or mental illness
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Stress involved in caring for a newborn and managing new life changes
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Having a challenging baby who cries more than usual, is hard to comfort, or whose sleep and hunger needs are irregular and hard to predict
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Having a baby with special needs
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First-time motherhood, very young motherhood, or older motherhood
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Other emotional stressors, such as the death of a loved one or family problems
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Financial or employment problems
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Isolation and lack of social support
Is There Any Way To Protect Against Postpartum Depression
Psychoeducation to develop positive coping strategies, manage stress and build supportive networks can be helpful in protecting against postpartum depression. This involves learning about and understanding mental health and wellbeing. It’s similar to physical education, where you learn about how your body works, how to look after it and the impacts of different strains or stressors but instead you apply this to the mind. Having a support system at home looking after your mental health is incredibly important. Involve your partner, friends and loved ones in learning about how they can support you through the postpartum period. Before your baby arrives, reach out to friends and family, and talk about how youd like them to support you.
For those with significant risk factors, such as a personal or family history of depression, low income, intimate partner violence, having an unwanted pregnancy or current stressful life events, there are a number of counseling interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy and interpersonal therapy that have been found to be effective in preventing postpartum or perinatal depression. Speak to your health care provider to learn more about the options that would be best for you.
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The Relationship Between Alcohol And Postpartum Depression
As is the case with many mental conditions, alcohol and postpartum depression are closely linked. Until recently, tragically little attention was paid to this relationship. This is especially true because many mothers are embarrassed or ashamed to admit that they are suffering from either alcohol abuse or postpartum depression. Luckily, this is beginning to change as there is now greater awareness and understanding of these conditions and greater social acceptance that they are not the sufferers fault.
Who Gets Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression can affect any woman but some may be more at risk for developing it. Women who have had any kind of depression in the past or who have a family history of depression are more likely to get postpartum depression.
Other things that might increase the chance of postpartum depression include serious stress during the pregnancy, medical problems during the pregnancy or after birth, and lack of support at home.
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Learn About The Signs And How To Find Support
Having a new baby brings on a lot of big feelings love, joy, excitement, frustration, and nervousness to name a few. Experiencing highs and lows in the first weeks and months after birth are to be expected given the big emotional and physical changes that come with having and caring for a new little one. But for many, feelings of depression and anxiety can overshadow the celebration of welcoming your new family member. We spoke to Dr. Alison Stuebe, maternal-fetal medicine sub-specialist and professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, about postpartum depression and the steps you can take to find support.
The topic of experiencing mental health challenges may be difficult for some readers. If you or a loved one is struggling with their mental health, please seek support by accessing the following resources: United for Global Mental Health and Open Counseling Suicide Hotline Database. If your country does not have a national helpline please seek professional support from a trained carer, especially before making any decisions on treatment.
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Maternal Depression: Signs And Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of depression during pregnancy or after childbirth vary, and they can range from mild to severe. While it is very common to have the ‘baby blues,’ which are mild mood changes for a few days to two weeks after delivery, if the mood changes are more severe or if they last longer than two weeks in pregnancy or afterward, it might be depression. Symptoms may include:
- Feeling sad, hopeless, and overwhelmed
- Having no energy or motivation
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions
- Feeling worthless and guilty
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Having headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations , or hyperventilation
- Having thoughts about not wanting to be alive or hurting yourself
- Being afraid that something terrible might happen to the baby, or even thoughts that you might do something bad to the baby
- Having trouble feeling connected to the baby the way you want to
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Who Does It Affect
Postpartum depression is more common than you may think, affecting 812% of mothers. First-time mothers aren’t the only ones who experience this depression. It can also affect mothers who have already had children as well as adoptive mothers. Some studies have shown that partners can also experience postpartum depression
While postpartum depression can affect anyone, there are some factors that may put you at higher risk:
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History of mood or anxiety problems
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Family history of major depression or mental illness
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Hormonal changes
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Medical complications for you or your baby
Other stresses may increase these risks such as:
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Emotional stress: After giving birth, women may feel overwhelmed with responsibility, less attractive physically and sexually, anxious from changes in routine or lifestyle, and guilty because of social pressures to be a perfect mother
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Physical stress: In addition to hormonal changes, common physical changes after labour include weight changes, exhaustion and soreness
Stressors such as tension in a marriage, loss of a job or a lack of support system can also play a role. Even though adoptive mothers, partners and fathers can experience postpartum depression, hormonal changes during pregnancy and after birth are thought to contribute to postpartum depression in some women.
Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression
The symptoms of postpartum depression are similar to symptoms of depression, but may also include:
- Crying more often than usual.
- Feelings of anger.
- Feeling distant from your baby.
- Worrying or feeling overly anxious.
- Thinking about hurting yourself or your baby.
- Doubting your ability to care for your baby.
If the situation is potentially life-threatening, call 911.
Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org.
988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365, connecting those experiencing a mental health, substance use, or suicidal crisis with trained crisis counselors.
24/7, Free, Confidential Hotline for Pregnant and New Moms in English and SpanishCall or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS .
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When Should I Seek Professional Help And Who Should I Talk To
Its smart self-care to closely monitor how you feel during this new stage of your life and keep your doctor updated on any emotional changes youre going through. If you’re within the first two weeks postpartum, your doctor may wait to see if your symptoms resolve because its more likely a short-lived case of the baby blues.
Its important to know that while the baby blues are temporary, they can still be distressing and take away from your ability to care for your baby during those important early days. Although your doctor may advise you to wait two weeks before being evaluated for PPD, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t reach out for support from family and friends right away and ask them for whatever help you need.
Working with a therapist might be helpful even at this point. Says Anna Glezer, MD, a psychiatrist specializing in reproductive issues and an associate professor at the University of California, San Francisco, “Reaching out for help doesn’t mean you have to take medication. Psychotherapy can help a lot with the transition as well.”
All things considered, dont wait on the calendar to reach out right away to your doctor or another professional if:²
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You start feeling hopeless or deeply sad.
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Your symptoms of depression intensify.
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You are unable to care for yourself or your baby.
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You have thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby.
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
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Maintain A Healthy Diet
Healthy eating alone wont cure PPD. Still, getting into the habit of eating nutritious foods can help you feel better and give your body the nutrients you need. Try planning the weeks meals on the weekend and even preparing healthy snacks ahead of time. Think whole foods, such as chopped carrots and cubed cheese or apple slices and peanut butter, that are easy to grab on the go.
What Is Postpartum Depression Screening
Your primary care doctor can provide postpartum depression screening after childbirth or at the first sign of depressive symptoms to assess your risk of developing postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression screening can take many forms and helps support health providers in making an appropriate PPD diagnosis. Postpartum depression screening also allows clinicians to identify high-risk cases of PPD, including women suffering from major depression, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts.
Medical professionals developed postpartum depression screening in response to the growing awareness surrounding the effects of postpartum depression and its prevalence in new mothers. It aims to make early identification of postpartum depression to protect and manage the health of the mother, her family, and her newborn child.
If you experience depression for more than two weeks after giving birth, you should schedule a follow-up appointment with your primary care doctor and request a PPD screening. If you are concerned about postpartum depression, its better to get help soon rather than waiting for a semi-annual checkup with your gynecologist or primary care provider.
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How Is Postpartum Depression Treated
The common types of treatment for postpartum depression are:
- Therapy. During therapy, you talk to a therapist, psychologist, or social worker to learn strategies to change how depression makes you think, feel, and act.
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Medicine. There are different types of medicines for postpartum depression. All of them must be prescribed by your doctor or nurse. The most common type is antidepressants. Antidepressants can help relieve symptoms of depression and some can be taken while you’re breastfeeding. Antidepressants may take several weeks to start working.
The Food and Drug Administration has also approved a medicine called brexanolone to treat postpartum depression in adult women.6 Brexanolone is given by a doctor or nurse through an IV for 2½ days . Because of the risk of side effects, this medicine can only be given in a clinic or office while you are under the care of a doctor or nurse. Brexanolone may not be safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Another type of medicine called esketamine can treat depression and is given as a nasal spray in a doctor’s office or clinic. Esketamine can hurt an unborn baby. You should not take esketamine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Electroconvulsive therapy . This can be used in extreme cases to treat postpartum depression.
These treatments can be used alone or together. Talk with your doctor or nurse about the benefits and risks of taking medicine to treat depression when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What Are The Types Of Postpartum Depression
There are three different types of postpartum mood disorders:
Postpartum blues or baby blues
The baby blues affect between 50% and 75% of people after delivery. If you’re experiencing the baby blues, you will have frequent, prolonged bouts of crying for no apparent reason, sadness and anxiety. The condition usually begins in the first week after delivery. Although the experience is unpleasant, the condition usually subsides within two weeks without treatment. The best thing you can do is find support and ask for help from friends, family or your partner.
Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is a far more serious condition than the baby blues, affecting about 1 in 7 new parents. If you’ve had postpartum depression before, your risk increases to 30% each pregnancy. You may experience alternating highs and lows, frequent crying, irritability and fatigue, as well as feelings of guilt, anxiety and inability to care for your baby or yourself. Symptoms range from mild to severe and may appear within a week of delivery or gradually, even up to a year later. Although symptoms can last several months, treatment with psychotherapy or antidepressants is very effective.
Postpartum psychosis
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Postpartum Depression Is Different From The Baby Blues
Postpartum depression is depression that occurs after having a baby. Feelings of postpartum depression are more intense and last longer than those of baby blues, a term used to describe the worry, sadness, and tiredness many women experience after having a baby.
If you think you have depression, seek treatment from your health care provider as soon as possible.
Depression During And After Pregnancy Is Common And Treatable
Recent CDC research shows that about 1 in 8 women experience symptoms of postpartum depression. Additionally, a recent analysis by CDC found the rate of depression diagnoses at delivery is increasing and it was seven times higher in 2015 than in 2000.
Having a baby is challenging and every woman deserves support. If you are experiencing emotional changes or think that you may be depressed, make an appointment to talk to your health care provider as soon as possible. Most people get better with treatment and getting help is the best thing you can do for you and your baby.
Effective depression treatment can include a combination of medication therapy, counseling, and referrals. is talking to your health care provider. After your visit, make sure to follow-up on all referrals and treatment that he or she suggests. When discussing medications with your provider, let her or him know if you are pregnant, thinking about becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding. You and your provider can decide if taking medicine while pregnant or breastfeeding is right for you. Read Medicine and Pregnancy for more information.
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