Peeling Away Postpartum Depression

You have given birth to your first child. You should feel elated and over the moon. But instead you feel the opposite. You feel depressed and anxious. You cry more than the baby. You could be suffering from postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression occurs after having a baby. The condition often comes out of the blue literally and figuratively. Most women who experience postpartum depression have nothing in their past or present to account for it. For others, there may be predisposing factors that increase their susceptibility, including a personal history of depression, marital or social difficulties, obstetrical complications or childhood sexual abuse. Some experts believe that women who typically have pronounced symptoms of premenstrual tension are more likely to experience postpartum depression, but even that is an unreliable predictor.

The problem is more likely to be related to the sharp hormonal shifts that occur after childbirth. Among the evidence supporting a biological trigger are studies showing that postpartum depression is as common in rural Africa as it is in the industrialized West. Several experts believe that some women are unduly sensitive to postpartum hormonal swings. Others say previously unrecognized differences in hormone production may account for postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression is common and often associated with adverse infant and maternal outcomes, such as lower breastfeeding initiation and duration, poor infant and maternal bonding and possible long-term cognitive impairment and abnormal child development.

Although rare, an extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis may develop after childbirth and, if left untreated, may lead to suicide or infanticide. Symptoms of postpartum psychosis require immediate evaluation and treatment.

Postpartum depression can happen to anyone. It’s not only dependent upon physical changes, such as a drop in hormones, post-birth or a genetic predisposition. Emotional issues may also trigger postpartum depression, especially when you’re sleep deprived or overwhelmed. Other external factors that can prompt postpartum depression include financial worry, relationship problems, absent support system or a traumatic birth experience, among others. Those who have preexisting mental health disorders are at an increased risk of developing postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety.

Postpartum depression can last anywhere from weeks to months. If left untreated, symptoms can be prolonged. For some mothers, not instantly loving their new babies, sets off feelings of guilt and anxiety, leading to depression, which only compounds their difficulty in bonding with their babies. New mothers who themselves get lots of love and caring generally have an easier time becoming attached to their babies.

In fact, one study found that women who kept their jobs or remained involved with other activities outside the home and those that received child-rearing assistance from family and friends were less affected by postpartum blues. Women who knew to expect some unpleasant emotions after childbirth also fared better, having shorter and less debilitating symptoms of depression.

Women who have had severe pregnancy complications are at higher risk of postpartum depression, even if their babies were born perfectly healthy. Such women saw their children as more vulnerable to health problems and tended to be overly protective and unduly anxious.

It is important for new mothers and their families to be aware that postpartum depression is a common psychiatric illness and not a personal failing. Some women can feel guilty about being depressed at a time when they should be elated.

There are several things you can do to prevent postpartum depression before and after pregnancy such as:

·       Take care of your health. Eating healthy, sleeping eight hours or more per night, exercising and taking a prenatal vitamin can help improve symptoms. As a new parent, you’re sleep-deprived and the focus is your baby. However, in order to take care of your baby you have to take care of yourself.

·       Talk to your partner and support network. If those close to you know something is off, they can offer more support and if necessary, encourage you to seek help from a licensed counselor or psychiatrist.

·       Develop healthy coping mechanisms. Listening to music, developing a hobby and exercising can help you develop appropriate coping habits.

·       Use your resources. Joining local parenting groups—whether on social media or a community group—can offer additional support with others who are going through the same thing.

·       If at any point you have suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming your baby, seek immediate help from your partner or loved ones in taking care of your baby and call 911 for help.

·       Don’t forget postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety are common and you have done nothing to cause it. You shouldn’t feel ashamed or guilty.

It is important for you to feel safe enough to talk with your provider about how to alleviate symptoms. There is help out there and you don’t have to suffer through it alone.