What is Postpartum Depression? Symptoms & Treatments

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By Mummyitsok

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression falls under the general medical term ‘Perinatal Mental Health’.

This refers to the mental health of a woman during pregnancy and birth, as well as in the postpartum period after the baby is born.

Perinatal Mental Health covers mental illnesses such as:

Postpartum anxiety
Postpartum depression
Postpartum psychosis

Postpartum depression is depression suffered by either the mother or father following childbirth. In women it typically arises from the combination of hormonal changes, psychological adjustment to motherhood, and fatigue.

Are they common?

PPD affects every 10-15 mothers out of 100. Postpartum depression typically starts within the first 12 months after childbirth. Postpartum anxiety and depression are common. 15-20% of new mothers will develop postnatal depression and or anxiety.

The mother usually has worrying thoughts about the health of her child and feels she is not ‘good enough‘ to be a mum. Also she can feel that her baby would be better off without her. She can be overwhelmed with concern for her baby.

Postpartum psychosis is, thankfully, rare. 1-2 out of every 1000 births will result in it – 1%. The numbers may be small but it is extremely serious. Usually it happens within a few days of giving birth. It is vital that the mother receives professional health as soon as possible. It can be treated very effectively but needs quick treatment.

Very treatable

Thankfully perinatal mental illnesses are very treatable and only temporary. You can and will recover with proper professional help.

I had a wonderful GP who gave me a great piece of advice. When describing to me what is postpartum depression, she said:

‘Postpartum depression is the same as “normal”depression, the fact that it says “postpartum” is just to show the time in your life you suffer from it – after your baby. It’s no reflection on your ability as a mother.’

Symptoms & treatment of postpartum depression

The main symptoms that are common to postpartum depression are:

feelings of unhappiness and low mood
finding it difficult to bond with your baby
poor appetite
loss of libido
insomnia
low self-esteem

Other common symptoms are :

feelings of guilt
anxiety
tiredness
loss of interest in normal activities
loss of enjoyment in normal activities
not interacting with other people

You may also have the following:

panic attacks
aches and pains
loss of concentration
feelings of hopelessness
feeling unable to cope
frightening thoughts about self-harm and/or suicide
frightening thoughts about harming the baby

If you feel any of the above you may be suffering from postpartum depression – it is important to seek help from your GP / Health Visitor. You can also take a test here to see if you may be suffering postpartum depression – it can be useful to take the results of the test with you to the doctors.

It’s normal for new mums to feel a bit anxious and tearful after birth. This ‘Baby Blues’ should only last for two weeks; if you’ve had these symptoms longer it may be postpartum depression.

The treatments for postpartum depression

talking therapy
antidepressants
self-help

Talking therapy

Talking through your thoughts and feelings with a counsellor can help you understand and recover from what you are experiencing. It helps you to identify what is affecting your postpartum depression and how to improve these situations.

Your GP may also recommend Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT helps you identify the negative thoughts and helps you find a way to stop the negative thinking and helps you think in a more positive way. CBT can be given one-to-one or in a group.

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Antidepressants

Your GP may recommend a course of antidepressants if you are suffering from moderate to severe postpartum depression. Most have a course for 6 to 9 months. You should take them for a long as your GP advises, as if you stop too soon it may return.

Most people struggle with a few symptoms for the first two weeks – such as nausea. But after your body has got used to them they will start to work and you’ll feel much better. They take two to four weeks to kick in so give them a chance. Usually the first couple of weeks will suck but I promise you it gets so much better – just hang on in there.

Self-help

A healthy diet and exercise can really help recovery. It’s also good to take a break from your childcare duties and have some you-time. Make time for yourself to rest and get a good night’s sleep. If you’re having trouble sleeping make an appointment with your GP.

During the day get out and about and get some fresh air, a brisk walk is also beneficial.

Talk with family and friends about your feelings and ways they can help and support you. You can also get support and encouragement from other mums online who have been in a similar position to you – group support is very effective.

Where to get help

Your first points of contact should be your GP and health visitor. They have seen mums in the same position as you and have helped them through it. They will start you off on your recovery. Your GP may recommend some medication, and will also be able to offer alternative methods of recovery.

Remember, having postpartum depression does not mean you are bad mother or that you are unable to cope – you may feel this way but that doesn’t make it true.