5 Facts about Postpartum Depression

The birth of a baby is a life-changing event that comes with its own set of challenges. While many new parents meet this time with joy and excitement, it can also trigger more negative emotions, such as self-doubt, fear and anxiety.?

And it can result in something you might not expect – depression.

This so-called postpartum depression can affect any new parent after the birth of any child – not just the first one – and the cause is not always clear.?

We look at 5 basic facts about postpartum depression to increase awareness and help fight stigma.?

Fact #1: Postpartum depression is not the same as ‘baby blues’

Most new mothers experience so-called ‘baby blues’ within the first two to three days after childbirth. Symptoms, which commonly include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, sadness, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping, tend go away on their own after a few days, but can last up to two weeks.?

At first, postpartum depression may be mistaken for baby blues because symptoms are similar. However, the symptoms of postpartum depression are more intense and last longer, and also include more serious symptoms, such as withdrawal from loved ones, overwhelming fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy, severe anxiety and panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts. These symptoms can interfere with the mother’s ability to care for her baby and handle everyday tasks.?

Postpartum depression usually develops within?the first month after giving birth, but it can begin during pregnancy or up to a year after birth.?Unlike the baby blues, postpartum depression does not simply ‘go away on its own’ and can last for several months or develop into chronic depression if left untreated.

Fact #2: Postpartum depression is not the mother’s fault?

Like all forms of depression, postpartum depression is not a sign of weakness or failure. It does not mean that a woman is a bad mother. Instead, postpartum depression is a mental health condition that affects the mother’s brain, behaviour and physical health.?

The dramatic drop in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) after childbirth is believed to contribute to postpartum depression. Other hormones produced by the thyroid gland may also drop sharply, which can lead to extreme fatigue and depression.?

The physical and emotional demands of caring for a newborn, especially when sleep deprived, are also believed to play a role, as do certain risk factors, such as a family history of depression, mood disorders or postpartum depression.?

None of these factors are within the mother’s control.?

Fact #3: Postpartum depression can affect the baby

Postpartum depression can affect a mother’s ability to take care of her baby and negatively impact the development of the bond between them. In addition, postpartum depression can continue to affect a child throughout childhood.?

Research has shown that?children of mothers who have untreated postpartum depression are more likely to have emotional and behavioural problems, such as sleeping and eating difficulties, excessive crying, delays in language development and learning difficulties. They may also have?problems dealing with stress and adjusting to school and other social situations.

Fact #4: Fathers can have postpartum depression too

New fathers can experience postpartum depression, too. They may feel sad or fatigued, be overwhelmed, experience anxiety, or have changes in their usual eating and sleeping patterns – the same symptoms mothers with postpartum depression experience.

Fathers who are young, have a history of depression, experience relationship problems or are struggling financially are at a higher risk of postpartum depression.?

Postpartum depression in fathers can have the same negative effect on partner relationships and child development as postpartum depression in mothers.

Fact #5: Postpartum depression can be treated?

Postpartum depression rarely goes away on its own.?If the symptoms of depression do not fade after two weeks or become worse, it is vital for a mother to speak to her doctor.??

Treatment options for postpartum depression include psychotherapy with a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional, antidepressants, or a combination of therapy and medication.??

It is important to remember that taking medication for depression or going to therapy does not make a mother or father a bad parent or a failure. Getting help is a sign of strength.

Nammed covers psychological counselling, psychiatrist consultations and antidepressants.?

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