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The birth of a child can elicit a range of strong emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. However, it can also lead to something unexpected: depression.
After childbirth, most new mothers have postpartum "baby blues," which include mood changes, crying bouts, anxiety, and problems sleeping. Baby blues often begin two to three days after delivery and can continue up to two weeks.
However, some new mothers suffer from postpartum depression, a more severe and long-lasting form of depression. Postpartum psychosis is a rare serious mood illness that can occur after childbirth.
Postpartum depression is not a shortcoming or a weakness. Sometimes it's just a side effect of giving birth. If you suffer postpartum depression, getting help right once might help you manage your symptoms and bond with your baby.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION?
Depression after childbirth manifests itself in a variety of ways, ranging from moderate to severe.
Symptoms of baby blues
The following are some signs and symptoms of baby blues, which can linger from a few days to a week or two after your baby is born:
- Mood swings
- Crying
- decreased concentration
- Problems with appetite
- Sleeping problems
- Anxiety
- Sadness
- Irritability
- Feeling overwhelmed
Symptoms of postpartum depression
At first, postpartum depression may be confused with baby blues, but the signs and symptoms are more powerful and stay longer, and they may eventually interfere with your ability to care for your infant and do other daily duties. Symptoms normally appear within the first few weeks of giving birth, although they can appear earlier in pregnancy or later – up to a year after birth.
Postpartum depression symptoms and indicators may include:
- Depression or extreme mood swings
- Crying excessively
- Having trouble bonding with your child
- Isolation from family and friends
- Appetite loss or eating considerably more than usual
- Inability to sleep (insomnia) or excessive sleeping
- Excessive tiredness or energy loss
- Reduced interest and enjoyment in previously enjoyed activities
- Extreme irritation and rage
- Concern that you are not a good mother
- Hopelessness
- Worthlessness, humiliation, remorse, or feelings of inadequacy
- Reduced capacity to think clearly, focus, or make decisions
- Restlessness
- Panic attacks and severe anxiety
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your child
- Suicidal or dying thoughts on a regular basis
Postpartum depression, if left untreated, can linger for months or even years.
Postpartum psychosis
The signs and symptoms of postpartum psychosis are severe. This is a rare illness that often arises within the first week following delivery. Among the signs and symptoms are:
- Disorientation and confusion
- Obsessive thoughts about your child
- Delusions and hallucinations
- Disruptions in sleep
- Excessive excitement and energy
- Paranoia
- Attempts to injure yourself or your child
Postpartum psychosis can cause life-threatening ideas or behaviors and must be treated right away.
New father's postpartum depression
Postpartum depression can affect new fathers as well. They may feel sad or tired, overwhelmed, anxious, or have changes in their typical eating and sleeping routines, all of which are indications of postpartum depression.
Fathers who are young, have a history of depression, have interpersonal problems, or are financially struggling are the most vulnerable to postpartum depression. Postpartum depression in fathers, also known as paternal postpartum depression, can have the same deleterious impact on partner interactions and child development as it does on mothers.
If you're a new father who is experiencing signs of sadness or anxiety throughout your partner's pregnancy or in the first year after your child's birth, speak with your doctor. Treatments and supports similar to those provided to moms suffering from postpartum depression may be effective in treating postpartum depression in fathers.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION?
Postpartum depression has no single cause, but physical and emotional factors may play a role.
- Physical transformation: A large decline in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) in your body after childbirth may lead to postpartum depression. Other hormones generated by the thyroid gland may also fall sharply, leaving you weary, sluggish, and sad.
- Emotional problems: When you're sleep deprived and overwhelmed, you may struggle to deal with even simple issues. You could be concerned about your abilities to care for a newborn. You may feel less beautiful, question your identity, or believe you've lost control of your life. Postpartum depression can be caused by any of these factors.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION?
Postpartum depression can affect every new mother, and it can occur after the birth of any child, not just the first. However, your risk rises if you:
- You have a history of depression, either during or after pregnancy.
- You suffer from bipolar disorder.
- You've gone through a difficult period in the last year, such as pregnancy issues, illness, or job loss.
- Your baby has medical issues or other specific requirements.
- You had postpartum depression during a previous pregnancy.
- You have relatives who have suffered from depression or other mood disorders.
- You have twins, triplets, or other numerous births.
- You're having trouble breast-feeding.
- You're having difficulties with your spouse or significant other.
- You have a shaky support network.
- You are experiencing financial difficulties.
- The pregnancy was unexpected or unwelcome.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION?
Postpartum depression, if left untreated, can disrupt mother-child bonding and cause family issues.
- For mothers: Untreated postpartum depression can linger for months or even years, progressing to a chronic depressive condition. Even when treated, postpartum depression raises a woman's chance of future major depression episodes.
- For fathers: Postpartum depression can cause emotional hardship for everyone who is close to a new baby. When a new mother is depressed, the baby's father is more likely to be depressed as well. And whether or not their partner is depressed, new fathers are already at a higher risk.
- For children: Untreated postpartum depression is more likely to cause emotional and behavioral problems in children, such as difficulty sleeping and eating, excessive crying, and delays in language development.
HOW IS POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION DIAGNOSED?
To differentiate between a short-term case of postpartum baby blues and a more severe form of depression, your doctor will normally ask you about your feelings, thoughts, and mental health. Don't be ashamed; postpartum depression is very common. Inform your doctor about your symptoms so that a suitable treatment plan can be developed for you.
Your doctor may do the following tests as part of your evaluation:
- Conduct a depression screening, which may entail having you complete a questionnaire.
- Order blood testing to see if an underactive thyroid is contributing to your symptoms.
- Other tests may be ordered if necessary to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION?
Treatment and recovery times vary according on the degree of your depression and your specific needs. If you have an underactive thyroid or any underlying ailment, your doctor may treat it or refer you to a specialist. In addition, your doctor may send you to a mental health expert.
The baby blues
The baby blues normally fade on their own within a few days to a week. For the time being:
- Get as much rest as possible.
- Accept assistance from family and friends.
- Make contact with other new mothers.
- Make time to look for yourself.
- Avoid using alcohol and recreational drugs, which can exacerbate mood fluctuations.
Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is frequently treated with psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy or mental health counseling), medication, or a combination of the two.
- Psychotherapy: It might be beneficial to discuss your concerns with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health expert. You can learn better ways to manage with your emotions, solve problems, create realistic objectives, and respond to situations in a constructive way through therapy. Family or relationship counseling might also be beneficial.
- Antidepressants: Your doctor may advise you to take an antidepressant. Any drug you take will enter your breast milk if you are breastfeeding. Most antidepressants, on the other hand, can be used during breastfeeding with little danger of negative effects for your infant. Work with your doctor to consider the risks and benefits of different antidepressants.
Postpartum depression symptoms usually improve with adequate therapy. In some circumstances, postpartum depression can progress to persistent depression. It is critical to maintain treatment once you begin to feel better. Stopping treatment too soon may result in a recurrence.
Postpartum psychosis
Postpartum psychosis necessitates rapid medical attention, generally in a hospital. Treatment options include:
- Medication: To regulate your signs and symptoms, you may need to take a mix of drugs, including antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and benzodiazepines.
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): If your postpartum depression is severe and you have postpartum psychosis, ECT may be considered if medicine does not relieve your symptoms. ECT is a process in which tiny electrical currents are purposely transmitted through the brain, causing a short seizure. ECT appears to create changes in brain chemistry that can alleviate the symptoms of psychosis and depression, particularly when other therapies have failed.
Treatment for postpartum psychosis can make it difficult for a mother to breastfeed. Breast-feeding becomes challenging when separated from the baby, and several drugs used to treat postpartum psychosis are not indicated for breast-feeding mothers. If you are suffering from postpartum psychosis, your doctor can assist you in overcoming these difficulties.
HOME REMEDIES FOR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
In addition to expert treatment, you can do some things for yourself that will help you heal faster.
- Choose a healthy way of life: Include physical activity in your regular routine, such as a walk with your infant or other forms of exercise. Make an effort to obtain enough rest. Avoid drinking and eat healthful foods.
- Set reasonable expectations: Don't put too much strain on yourself. Reduce your aspirations for the ideal household. Do what you can and leave the rest to others.
- Make time for yourself: Get out of the house and take some time for yourself. This could entail asking a partner to care for the infant or hiring a sitter. Engage in a hobby or kind of entertainment that you enjoy. You might also plan some alone time with your partner or buddies.
- Avoid isolating yourself: Discuss your feelings with your partner, family, and friends. Inquire with other mothers about their experiences. Breaking the seclusion may make you feel more human.
- Seek assistance: Try to open up to those close to you and let them know you need assistance. Take advantage of anyone who offers to babysit. If you can sleep, take a nap, watch a movie, or meet up with pals for coffee. Asking for support with parenting skills, such as caregiving practices to increase your baby's sleep and soothe fussing and crying, may also be beneficial.
Remember that caring for your baby entails caring for yourself.