About 20% of women who give birth experience symptoms of postpartum depression. Perinatal Depression is the most common complication of childbearing[1]. This can be surprising as postpartum depression is not often discussed during pregnancy. Some women suffer in silence as it is suggested that only about 15% of women who experience postpartum depression get treatment. Postpartum depression is a difficult experience for women and can have short term and long term effects on the woman and on her child.
In this guide you'll learn:
Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression
Cause of Postpartum Depression
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Short-Term & Long-Term Effects of Postpartum Depression
Treatments for Postpartum Depression
Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression
Any new mother can experience symptoms of postpartum depression. It can also develop after any birth of a child, not just a woman’s first birth. There are, however, some difficulties that raise your risk for developing postpartum depression. These include:
You have a history of depression
You have bipolar disorder
You had postpartum depression in a previous pregnancy
You have family members who have suffered from depression
You have experienced stressful events during the past year
Your child has health problems
You have twins or multiple births (pregnancy within 18 months of each other)
You have difficulty breastfeeding
Marital or partner difficulties
Lack of social support
Financial hardships
Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
Cause of Postpartum Depression
There is not a single cause of postpartum depression but multiple factors that can contribute to a women experiencing postpartum depression. Each individual is unique and can have a unique combination of what is causing a woman’s distress. These contributing factors include:
Hormonal changes
Nutrient stores depleted from pregnancy
Sleep deprived
Social Supports
Thoughts and mindset
Behaviors and actions
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Symptoms can begin any time the first year after giving birth. Symptoms can differ for everyone and women can experience any combination of symptoms.
Feelings of numbness or sadness
Severe mood swings
Feelings of anger or irritability
Lack of interest in the baby
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Withdrawing from family or friends
Appetite or sleep disturbances
Crying or sadness
Feelings of guilt, shame or hopelessness
Loss of interest, joy or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
Possible thoughts of harming yourself
Fatigue or loss of energy
Fear that you are not a good mom
Restlessness
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Short-Term and Long-Term Effects
Mothers can have a difficult time bonding with their babies which can lead to insecure attachment in your child. Mothers can also have a difficult time taking care of the needs of their child or themselves. If postpartum depression is not treated, it can last for months to years and can turn into major depressive disorder. Children of mother who suffered from untreated postpartum depression are more likely to have emotional and behavior problems later in childhood.
Treatment for Postpartum Depression
Treatment for postpartum depression can include both medication and talk therapy. Studies have found that the most effective treatment is a combination of both. Your OBGYN or primary care physician can provide you with medication. I encourage women to also see a therapist in order to talk about the difficulties she is having. Becoming a mother is the biggest change you will experience in your life. This change does not just occur emotionally but there is also significant physical changes that occur within your brain. You actually have a different perspective on the world. Many women do not realize such a big change occurs and it can be incredibly helpful for a women to discuss these changes with a mental health therapist.
After reading this, if you think you may be experiencing postpartum depression, I encourage you to seek help as soon as possible. The earlier you get help, the quicker and fast treatment can take place. You and your child can find relief from your pain.
Sources & Additional Reading