Recognizing Postpartum Depression
HIGHS, LOWS, UPS & DOWNS THE MANY MOODS OF POST PARTUM DEPRESSION (PPD)
Every new baby is one of a kind and so is every new mom. Some women seem to sail through pregnancy and the first day of motherhood joyfully. Others ride a roller coaster of emotions, feeling happy and excited one minute and lonely or tearful the next. Most of the time, feelings of sadness are mild and pass quickly, but sometimes are serious and don’t go away. The important thing is to understand the difference and to get help when it is needed.
Up to 80 percent of new mothers cry easily or feel stressed following the birth of a baby. These feelings, known as the “baby blues,” usually go away in a couple weeks. However, some women feel a heavy sadness that doesn’t go away. These women may have postpartum, depression (PPD) or, more rarely, a condition known as postpartum psychosis. A woman with one of these more serious problems may have difficulty bonding with her baby. She may feel that she is not a good mother. She may think that she doesn’t love her baby enough.
These feelings are upsetting. However, women need to know that treatment is available.
PPD; TEMPORARY & TREATABLE
Having a baby is a major life change, PPD can affect any woman who:
- Is pregnant
- Has recently had a baby
- Has ended a pregnancy or has miscarried
- Has stopped breast-feeding
PPD can appear days or even months after childbirth. The warning signs are different for everyone but include:
- Trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much
- Changes in appetite-eating much more or much less
- Feeling irritable, angry or nervous
- Feeling exhausted
- Not enjoying life as much as in the past
- Lack of interest in the baby
- Lack of interest in friends and family
- Lack of interest in sex
- Feeling guilty or worthless
- Feeling hopeless
- Crying uncontrollably
- Feelings of being a bad mother
- Trouble concentrating
- Low energy
- Thoughts of harming the baby or herself
Family and friends may feel upset by these mood changes; in fact, they may notice that there is a problem even before the new mom does. They can help by being patient and supportive.
Love and support, however, may not be enough. When symptoms last longer than two weeks or affect a woman’s ability to enjoy her daily life, loved ones should encourage the new mother to get help right away. Whether symptoms are mild or severe, with proper treatment, anyone can recover from PPD.
WHEN A WOMAN HAS A BABY
1 woman in 10
Experiences depression during pregnancy. These symptoms are like the baby blues but happen before the baby is born.
8 women in 10
Experience the baby blues after giving birth. They may cry for no apparent reason, feel impatient, irritable, restless and anxious.
1 woman in 8
Experiences postpartum depression. A woman with PPD may feel sluggish, sad, confused, anxious, irritable, guilty, and have difficulty remembering things. She may have trouble eating and sleeping. She may have fears of harming the baby or herself. Her moods might change from being very happy to very sad. She may be out of control. She may want to avoid seeing people or talking about her feelings.
1 woman in 1,000
Experiences postpartum psychosis, which usually happens within the first three months after birth. This illness is rare, and symptoms are very severe. A woman with psychosis does not know what is real and what is imagined. She may have hallucinations or delusions. She may not be able to sleep. Her actions may be unpredictable.
YOUNG & OLDER, URBAN & SUBURBAN: PPD CAN AFFECT ANYONE
No one is 100 percent sure why postpartum depression happens, but risk factors include:
- Changes in the body’s hormone levels
- A difficult pregnancy
- A birth that did not go as planned
- Medical problems with the mother or baby
- Not enough sleep
- Feeling alone
- Loss of freedom
- Sudden changes in the home or work routines
- Personal or family history depression
- Previous experience with PPD
- Not having enough support from family and friends
- High levels of stress
Although some women are more likely to experience depression than others, PPD, and happen with any pregnancy or birth, even if a women has had other babies without emotional problems. Women of every culture, age, income, level and race can have PPD.
It is important to remember that PPD is no one’s fault, and treatment is available.
Speak Up When You’re Down, 1-800-926-2588 Idaho Care Line
If you think you or a loved one may have PPD:
- Talk about your feelings with people you trust
- Tell your doctor
- Ask family and friends to help care for the baby
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise for more energy
- Join a PPD support group
- Seek treatment if feelings of unhappiness last longer than two weeks.
Call 1-800-926-2588 to find treatment services near your home.
Healthy feelings between a mother and her child are important for the baby’s physical and emotional growth. Waiting too long to treat PPD may result in long-lasting effects.
Healthcare providers and licensed counselors can help a woman find the treatment that is best for her. This treatment includes the right therapy, safe medication, and support groups.