Also known as postnatal depression (PND), postpartum depression (PPD) is a condition that occurs in some women following pregnancy. PPD typically develops 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth but sometimes can take months for symptoms to appear.
While mostly confined to women, some men (…approximately 10% in fact) experience PND. Symptoms of these types of depression include:
- Fatigue
- Sadness
- Reduced libido
- Crying episodes
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Irregular sleeping patterns
No one is really completely sure what causes postpartum depression although some experts have identified risk factors like stress, lack of family support, lack of sleep or a history of mental health problems. Hormonal changes too can present a risk of depression following pregnancy.
PND/PPD though is completely treatable through support groups, counseling and medication.
It’s important to understand – postpartum depression is a clinical illness and is in not indicative of a character flaw. It doesn’t mean you don’t love your child.
Despite greater awareness of postpartum depression, many women forego getting any help. According to a survey by 4Children, over half of mothers with PPD in the U.K. do not get professional medical help for their problem.
Treating postpartum depression can be done through a combination of factors. Support groups with mothers who’ve had similar experiences has proven to be an effective way for treating mild forms of PPD. One-on-one cognitive therapy is another way along with antidepressant prescription drugs.
For more severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy may be used if all other treatment options have been exhausted. If doctors feel the particular case of PPD is bad enough the mother could harm herself or her child, they can force the patient to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital.
Taking a few preventative steps though is your best defense against postpartum depression. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are shown to reduce risk of PPD. Be open with friends, family and your midwife/OB doctor on your feelings. Don’t be afraid to discuss your thoughts.
Organize tasks on list to reduce your risk of feeling overwhelmed. Get a good night’s rest each night and eat often so your blood sugar doesn’t drop too low.
See this article from Medical News Today for more information on the signs of postpartum depression and ways for treating it.
Millions of women each year suffer from postpartum depression. Understand that it having it doesn’t mean you’re a bad person. Through good treatment and talking about your feelings, you will come out of it a-okay.
