Postpartum Depression

                Congratulations on your new baby! What an exciting time in your life! This time, as joyous as it may be, also comes with a tornado of emotions. Our previous post started our series on maternal mental health and understanding the intersection of the postpartum period and mental health. Today, we’re expanding that conversation by spotlighting postpartum depression – the most commonly spoken of mental health issue that can show up during the postpartum period.

                Postpartum depression is different from the baby blues. Many women experience the baby blues in the two to three days (up to about two weeks) following the birth of their child. Symptoms of the baby blues include:

·        Mood swings

·        Anxiety

·        Sadness

·        Irritability

·        Feeling overwhelmed

·        Crying

·        Reduced concentration

·        Appetite problems

·        Trouble sleeping

And it makes sense that anyone would experience these following birth. Birth is a massive transition for your family and also for your body. It’s unreasonable to believe that your body, brain, and hormones, which took 9ish months to grow a human would re-regulate immediately. Transition coupled with this reregulation bring about the above symptoms.

                Now, postpartum depression has some symptoms that overlap with the baby blues and initially it can be difficult to tell what you’re dealing with. Key differences between the baby blues and postpartum depression include duration (baby blues typically resolve on their own within about two weeks) and intensity (with postpartum depression symptoms being more intense). Postpartum depression can also show up at anytime within the first year following birth.

                Specific symptoms of postpartum depression include:

·        Depressed mood or severe mood swings

·        Excessive crying

·        Difficulty bonding with your baby

·        Withdrawing from family and friends

·        Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual

·        Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much

·        Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy

·        Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy

·        Intense irritability and anger

·        Fear that you're not a good mother

·        Hopelessness

·        Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy

·        Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions

·        Restlessness

·        Severe anxiety and panic attacks

·        Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

·        Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

So what do you do if you or a loved one are experiencing the above symptoms? First, connect with your doctor if you’re experiencing any of the following:

·        Symptoms that don't fade after two weeks

·        Symptoms that are getting worse

·        Symptoms that make it hard for you to care for your baby

·        Symptoms that make it hard to complete everyday tasks

 They are going to be your first line of defense against postpartum depression and many OBs have partnerships (or at the very least an existing referral relationship) with therapists who specialize in maternal mental health. You want those referrals.  Therapy, and sometimes a combination of therapy and medication, can help you navigate postpartum depression and get your life back quickly.

                As an aside, skip this and go directly to the emergency room if you’re experiencing any thoughts of harming yourself or your child. This is now a mental health emergency and requires an emergency response. Call 911 or go to your nearest ER in that case.

                You are not a bad parent or experiencing a personal failure if you experience postpartum depression. Many birthing parents go through this (support parents can also experience a version of postpartum depression but that’s information for another post). Your entire life is experiencing massive upheaval and transition is a time that is ripe for mental health challenges. You are worthy of care. You are worthy of treatment. You do not have to feel like this.