Let’s talk about postpartum depression. Is it a taboo topic? Yes, it is. Motherhood, in general, tends to be. Although more and more of us are speaking up about these issues, some topics remain taboo. But as mothers, we often need answers. We need to understand how we feel and why we feel that way. At The Better Normal, we believe finding answers to these questions is essential. We work every day to break the taboo surrounding mental health. That’s why today, we’re going to share everything you need to know about postpartum depression. Because many of us have been there. And we want you to know that you’re not alone. Let’s do this!
What is Postpartum Depression?
According to the Office on Women’s Health, “Postpartum” means the time after having a baby. Some women get the “baby blues,” or feel sad, worried, or tired within a few days of giving birth. For many women, the baby blues go away in a few days. If these feelings don’t go away or you feel sad, hopeless, or anxious for longer than 2 weeks, you may have postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression is a serious mental health condition that involves the brain and affects your behavior and physical health. If you have depression, then sad and hopeless feelings don’t go away and can interfere with your day-to-day life. You might not feel connected to your baby, as if you are not the baby’s mother, or you might not love or care for the baby. These feelings can be mild to severe. Mothers can also experience anxiety disorders during or after pregnancy.
It’s really important to acknowledge and normalize that going from an independent adult to someone’s parent is not something that happens in the blink of an eye. However, if you feel like you can’t see the bright parts and there aren’t moments of joy mixed in with exhaustion, that is a sign that things are not quite right. Talking to a trusted friend, birth worker, doula, midwife, or doctor can be really helpful.
How Do I Know if I Have Postpartum Depression?
Some normal changes after pregnancy can cause symptoms similar to those of depression. Many mothers feel overwhelmed when a new baby comes home. But if you have any of the following symptoms of depression for more than 2 weeks, call your doctor, nurse, or midwife:
- Feeling angry or moody.
- Feeling sad or hopeless.
- Feeling guilty, shameful, or worthless.
- Eating more or less than usual.
- Sleeping more or less than usual.
- Unusual crying or sadness.
- Loss of interest, joy, or pleasure in things you used to enjoy.
- Withdrawing from friends and family.
- Possible thoughts of harming the baby or yourself.
Some women don’t tell anyone about their symptoms. New mothers may feel embarrassed, ashamed, or guilty about feeling depressed when they are supposed to be happy. They may also worry they will be seen as bad mothers. Any woman can become depressed during pregnancy or after having a baby. It doesn’t mean you are a bad mom. You don’t have to suffer. There is help. Your doctor can help you figure out whether your symptoms are caused by depression or something else.
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What Can I Do At Home to Feel Better?
Here are some ways to begin feeling better or getting more rest, in addition to talking to a health care professional:
- Rest as much as you can. Sleep when the baby is sleeping.
- Don’t try to do too much or to do everything by yourself. Ask your partner, family, and friends for help.
- Make time to go out, visit friends, or spend time alone with your partner.
- Talk about your feelings with your partner, supportive family members, and friends.
- Talk with other mothers so that you can learn from their experiences.
- Join a support group. Ask your doctor or nurse about groups in your area.
- Don’t make any major life changes right after giving birth. More major life changes in addition to a new baby can cause unneeded stress.
Sometimes big changes can’t be avoided. When that happens, try to arrange support and help in your new situation ahead of time. It can also help to have a partner, a friend, or another caregiver who can help take care of the baby while you are depressed. If you are feeling depressed during pregnancy or after having a baby, don’t suffer alone. Tell a loved one and call your doctor right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is it?
Postpartum Depression (PPD) is the most common complication of childbearing. Although the rates given in individual studies vary greatly, a meta-analysis of 59 studies of more than 12,000 women found that PPD affects an average of 13 percent of women.
When does it start?
The period used to define “postpartum” varies, from immediately following childbirth to four weeks (according to formal diagnostic classification systems) after childbirth or up to a year. Symptoms usually begin within the first four weeks postpartum, although they can start up to 12 months afterward. However, service providers may not detect and treat PPD until much later. Often, questioning will reveal that the symptoms actually began much earlier than the woman had disclosed to a healthcare provider.
How do clinicians diagnose it?
A physician or licensed psychologist makes a formal diagnosis of depression. Professionals use numerous methods to elicit the information needed to make a diagnosis, including standardized clinical interviews. The clinician’s judgment is essential in deciding whether or not an individual’s symptoms meet diagnostic criteria, in terms of severity or duration of symptoms.
How long does it last?
The length of an episode varies from several weeks to several months. Some women say it can take up to a year for them to feel back to their normal selves. In a small number of cases, the episode may not remit and the women experience chronic episodes of depression.
Will it come back again?
Experiencing an episode of depression, at any time in life, increases the likelihood of experiencing further episodes. Research suggests that the minimum risk of experiencing a non–childbirth-related episode of illness is 25 percent and the risk of having another postpartum episode may be as high as 40 percent, with approximately 24 percent of all recurrences occurring within the first two weeks postpartum.