What Is Postpartum Depression?

The birth of a baby can result in powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. But it can also result in something you might not expect — depression. Postpartum depression is a type of depression that can affect mothers after childbirth. It is a serious condition that requires treatment. 

Postpartum depression can cause mood swings, problems with sleeping or eating, and leave you feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. Some women also experience anxiety, panic attacks, and thoughts of harming themselves or their baby.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about postpartum depression. We will cover the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition.

Also read: Common Myths About Postpartum Depression

What are some symptoms of postpartum depression?

Hormonal changes may trigger symptoms of postpartum depression. When you are pregnant, levels of the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone are the highest they’ll ever be. In the first 24 hours after childbirth, hormone levels quickly drop back to normal to pre-pregnancy levels. Researchers conclude this sudden change in hormone levels may lead to depression. This is similar to the hormonal changes that occur before a woman’s period but involves much more extreme swings in hormone levels. 

Levels of thyroid hormones may also drop after giving birth. The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that helps regulate how your body uses and stores energy from food. Low levels of thyroid hormones can cause symptoms of depression. A simple blood test can tell whether this condition is causing your symptoms. Postpartum depression can affect women in different ways. Some of the most common symptoms include feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and having trouble caring for your baby. You may also experience mood swings, anxiety, and irritability.

Many new mothers say they feel:

• Tired after labour and delivery

• Overwhelmed with a new baby

• Doubts about their ability to be a good mother

• Stress from changes in work and home routines

• An unrealistic need to be a perfect mom

• Grief about the loss of who they were before having the baby

• Being uninterested in your baby or feeling like you’re not bonding with them

• Like crying all the time, often for no reason

• Severe anger and crankiness

• Loss of pleasure 

• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness 

• Thoughts of death or suicide 

• Thoughts of hurting someone else

• Trouble concentrating or making decisions

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you must talk to your psychiatrist. Postpartum depression is a serious condition and should not be ignored.

How is postpartum depression diagnosed?

Postpartum depression is diagnosed by a mental health professional such as a therapist or a psychiatrist. They will ask about your symptoms and how long you've been experiencing them. You are more at risk of developing postpartum depression if:

• Have a history of depression or bipolar disorder

• Have a family history of depression or bipolar disorder

• Do not have support from family and friends

• Were depressed during pregnancy

• Had problems with a previous pregnancy or birth

• Have relationship or money problems

• Are younger than 20

• Have alcoholism, have some other problem with drugs

• Have a baby with special needs

• Have difficulty breastfeeding

• Had an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy

You should immediately consult a mental health professional if you have symptoms like:

• Your baby blues don’t go away after 2 weeks

• Symptoms of depression get more and more intense

• Symptoms of depression begin within 1 year of delivery and last more than 2 weeks

• It is difficult to work or get things done at home

• You cannot care for yourself or your baby (e.g., eating, sleeping, bathing)

• You have thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby

They will also want to know if you have any history of mental health problems and if you're struggling with any other issues like anxiety or stress. Postpartum depression can develop at any time during the first year after childbirth, so it's important, to be honest, and open with your psychiatrist. Your psychiatrist will usually talk with you about your feelings, thoughts and mental health to distinguish between a short-term case of postpartum baby blues and a more severe form of depression. Don't be embarrassed ― postpartum depression is common. Share your symptoms with your psychiatrist so that a useful treatment plan can be created for you.

Also read: Role of the Partner in Baby Blues

If you're feeling reluctant to seek help, know that postpartum depression is very common—it affects one in seven women—and it's nothing to be ashamed of. Your psychiatrist is there to help, and they want to see you get better.