Postpartum depression, also known as perinatal depression or PPD, is a type of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD) . PPD is a mood disorder that develops during the postpartum period, or the first year after welcoming a new baby. Birthing mothers, as well as non-birthing parents, including fathers, non-birthing partners, and adoptive parents, can all experience PPD. While we recognize that all parents can be impacted by PPD, for the purposes of this article, we focus on the experience of birthing mothers.
On average, 1 in 7 new mothers experience PPD. Approximately 10% of women develop depression during pregnancy. For others, depression may not develop until after they give birth.
The main sign of PPD is a sad mood that lasts most days, nearly all day, for at least two weeks.
A mother with PPD will also experience other symptoms such as:
The term postpartum depression has been used to refer to many different PMADs. Unfortunately, this has led to more stigma and confusion for new mothers. For example, it has been confused with postpartum psychosis by the media. Postpartum psychosis is a serious mental health concern that involves hallucinations, delusions, and a loss of touch with reality. It’s important to note that experiencing PPD or another PMAD does not mean that you are a bad mother. With the right treatment, you can and will get better.
Many people confuse PPD with the baby blues and vice versa. The baby blues are temporary mood changes that occur in the first few weeks after giving birth. They are common, with roughly 50 to 80% of new mothers experiencing them. The baby blues are not considered a mental health condition.
Symptoms of the baby blues include:
The baby blues are caused by the hormonal shifts that occur after childbirth. Symptoms typically begin within a few days of giving birth, peak around day five, and then improve over the following weeks.
The baby blues differ from PPD in the following ways:
PPD, on the other hand, is a mental health condition that persists. Symptoms are distressing and can make it difficult for a mother to keep up with caring for herself and her baby.
Postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety (PPA) are similar but yet different conditions. The main symptom of PPD is sadness, while the main symptoms of PPA are worry and fear. For mothers with PPA, worries and fears often center around the baby.
The symptoms of PPA include:
Many women with PPD also experience PPA, but it is possible to have one without the other.
Experts believe that PPD is caused by a combination of factors, rather than one specific thing. The rapid change in hormones after giving birth plays a large role in the onset of depression. Within days of giving birth, estrogen and progesterone levels decrease while oxytocin and prolactin levels increase. Some women are more sensitive to these hormonal changes. Discontinuing breastfeeding can also cause a hormonal shift that can lead to depression. Research has found that genetics also play a role in PPD. Having a close family member who experienced PPD increases a person’s risk.The stress of caring for a newborn and lack of sleep may also make mothers more vulnerable to depression. A new mother’s life completely changes overnight, which can be very difficult to cope with, especially if she lacks a good support system.
Risk factors increase the chances of experiencing a condition. Risk factors for PPD include:
The more risk factors that you have, the more you should be aware of the possibility of experiencing PPD. But you can also experience PPD without having any of the risk factors above. Keep reading to learn more about treatment options and ways to cope with your symptoms.
Postpartum depression is treatable. There is no reason to suffer when help is available. Treatment for PPD typically involves therapy, social support, and, in some cases, medication.
Therapy is the recommended treatment for new mothers with depression. Different types of therapy are effective in treating PPD:
Some of these therapies, like ITP, are time-limited, meaning they take place over a specific number of sessions. Others, like psychodynamic therapy, are open-ended. You and your therapist should decide together what length of therapy is best for you. Therapy can be offered individually (one-on-one with a therapist) or in a group setting with other postpartum mothers. Couples or family therapy may also be beneficial if you and your partner are struggling with issues in your relationship.
Medication is another treatment option for moderate to severe PPD symptoms. Medication may be recommended along with therapy to help manage symptoms. There are medications specifically for PPD, as well as other types of antidepressants and mood stabilizers that may be prescribed. Some medications are considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.A psychiatric provider who has experience and training in working with postpartum mothers can talk to you about whether medication is right for you. They can discuss the pros and cons and what to expect.
Social support is a critical component of treating PPD. Mothers who are experiencing depression may find themselves avoiding social situations. They may feel very overwhelmed or fear that they will be judged. Mothers with PPD may need some encouragement when it comes to seeking and accepting help.If you’re experiencing PPD, there are several ways that social support can help you. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with a non-judgemental friend or family member can relieve some of the overwhelming feelings you are experiencing. If you don’t have a support system available, joining a support group for new mothers or attending a mommy-and-me class are great ways to connect with other mothers.Keep in mind that you may need to push yourself to connect with other people. Avoid going more than a day without speaking with a supportive person. It may be hard to open up, but the benefits are worthwhile.
Self-care by itself will rarely make your postpartum depression go away, but it is an important part of the healing process. Creating time for self-care is challenging when you're sleep-deprived and living on a newborn’s schedule. Your self-care routine is going to look drastically different during this time, but trying to incorporate some positive activities for yourself can be very beneficial. Here are some ways to cope with PPD:
Treatment can help mothers experiencing postpartum depression recover from their symptoms and find joy in motherhood.
At Phoenix Health, we specialize in treating maternal mental health conditions like postpartum depression. Schedule an appointment with a maternal mental health specialist and start feeling better today.
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