Is Postpartum Depression Real & How to Avoid It?

Postpartum depression is a serious mental health issue like other forms of depression and anxiety. Mild depression or baby blues like feeling emotional, sad, anxious, stressed, or weepy, is prevalent among women after childbirth but PPD is more severe and needs proper attention. It affects 1 in 7  women after giving birth to a baby and lasts for weeks or even months. It can affect all kinds of women regardless of any factors like age, color, or race and indirectly affects your baby.

What is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression occurs after childbirth and can show up in many ways such as overwhelming fatigue, persistent sadness, and losing interest in taking care of your baby. The birth of a new baby can bring an ocean of emotions from joy to fear and anxiety. It is a matter of concern that 75% of women with PPD are ignored and remain untreated for months even a year after childbirth.

How Common is Postpartum Depression?

Prevalence of postpartum depression varies depending on the factors and the studies conducted CENTER for DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC) suggest that nearly 11-20% of women in the United States go through postpartum Depression. While globally the range is from 10 to 15% even higher in underdeveloped and poor countries. According to a study published in JAMA Psychiatry, approximately 50% of women are not diagnosed with PPD and they go untreated.  

Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Since Postpartum Depression is usually neglected it is crucial to recognize it early by the symptoms for effective intervention and treatment.

• Consistent sadness

• Too much crying

• Losing interest in taking care of the baby

• Severe Fatigue

• panic attacks

• Irritability 

• Disturbed sleep patterns

• Loss of appetite

• Thoughts of Self-Harm 

• Severe mood swings

• Insomnia or no sleep at all

• Fear of being not a good mom

Causes and Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression 

Several factors contribute to postpartum depression as the exact cause is unknown, 

Hormonal Changes

After childbirth, the rapid drop in hormones like estrogen and progesterone can trigger mood swings and depression.

History of Depression

Bipolar disorder or other mental health issues can trigger PPD in a woman who just gave birth to a child. Even mental disorders running in families can be a risk factor for your PPD.

Unplanned Pregnancy

Even unwanted or unplanned pregnancy can contribute to PPD. Stressful Life Events Sudden life changes, weak support systems, or monetary issues can play a huge role in developing PPD.

Complications During Childbirth

Traumatic and Difficult pregnancies or having twins or triplets with health issues can also be one of the causes of it.

Breastfeeding Challenges

Some women face challenges during breastfeeding or halting early breastfeeding can trigger PPD.

Postpartum Psychosis

While considering postpartum depression seriously, it is mandatory to look at postpartum psychosis as the woman might be having this condition which is even more severe than PPD. You need to look at the following symptoms:

• Obsessive thoughts about your baby

• Delusions and Hallucinations

• Feeling upset or having too much energy

• Having thoughts of being paranoid

• Making attempts to harm your baby

Postpartum psychosis being a more severe illness needs immediate action and can be life threatening for the woman and the baby.

Effective Treatments for Postpartum Depression 

Immediate treatment right after recognition of PPD can be more helpful though it is essential for the well-being of the mother and the baby. 

Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) are highly effective in treating PPD. These therapies help women manage negative thoughts and improve their relationships.

Medication

Antidepressants and anxiolytics are usually prescribed by experts like psychiatrists for the effective treatment of PPD. These medications help balance the chemicals in your brain that are affected by childbirth.

Establish a support system.

You can join community groups or make a list of people who you can reach out to in your hour of need. It can be anyone like your partner, friends, or family members who you think you can open up to easily. 

Combat sleep challenges

Women with newly born babies are mostly sleep deprived for multiple reasons and it can be combated by sharing nighttime responsibilities or sleep training your child.

Seek professional help

It is not enough to try self-care or find help from around but also reach out to healthcare professionals who can better guide you to treat yourself fast.

How to Support a Loved One?

Supporting loved ones is as mandatory as sharing other responsibilities and activities of life. Immediate help can only be sought by someone around and that can be you. Be available as much as you can and be all ears without any judgment. Taking care of a baby is not the only task of the woman who gave birth but also anyone who is close and around should give a helping hand to her. It is hard for them to accept the fact that they need professional help, and gently encourage them to look for such options. Learn more about it so that you can assist them in a better way.

Conclusion

Mental health disorders and illnesses can have a huge impact on your life. Ignoring such signs can be troublesome for you for the rest of your life. Prompt action is required in case of Postpartum Depression for timely treatment. If your loved one is struggling with such signs and symptoms, professional help should be encouraged in the first place to make the right choice regarding the treatment. Remember that support is available, all you have to do is take the right steps.