Postpartum depression in women is rarely talked about even though on average, around 80% of women experience it (1).
Some of these women only experience mild emotional changes but there are others who get severe emotional changes.
An average of 75% of new mothers experience clinical postpartum depression and that’s not even the most interesting factor; these numbers only account for women who have had successful deliveries (2).
They do not account for those who experience miscarriages or have stillbirths, even though they are also susceptible to postpartum depression.
What Is Postpartum Depression?
Giving birth triggers a series of emotions including excitement and joy but it can also result in depression.
Postpartum depression in women is often confused with the baby blues but it is more severe than that. Immediately after giving birth, most women experience fatigue, anxiety, and difficulties falling asleep. This typically lasts for two weeks.
Some mothers, however, go through a more severe type of the baby blues that lasts longer and in some cases, an extreme form of the disorder called postpartum psychosis.
Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression
The main difference between baby blues and postpartum disorder is the intensity of the emotions. Postpartum depression in women can interfere with their ability to take care of their children and sometimes even daily tasks.
The symptoms include:
- Severe depression/ mood swings
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Challenges bonding with your baby
- Overwhelming loss of energy and extreme fatigue
- Excessive crying
- Extreme anger and irritability
- Hopelessness and restlessness
- Reduced enjoyment on activities yr previously loved
- Feelings of hopelessness, inadequacy, and worthlessness
- Recurring suicidal thoughts
- Recurring thoughts of harming your baby
- Panic attacks and intense anxiety
- Excessive loss or gain of appetite
Some women withdraw from friends and family, and experience insomnia or sleep too much. Untreated postpartum depression can last for months and sometimes even longer.
Postpartum psychosis, a severe form of postpartum depression typically manifests within one or 2 weeks of delivery and has the following symptoms;
- Delusions and hallucinations
- Intense agitation and energy
- Disorientation and confusion
- Paranoia and attempts to harm the baby
Postpartum psychosis is extremely dangerous and requires immediate treatment.
Main Causes Of Postpartum Depression
It is unclear as to what exactly causes postpartum depression but here are some of the factors that may lead to it
- Abrupt hormonal shifts and imbalance after childbirth
- factors like poor diet and lack of sufficient sleep
- Medication
- Stress-related to raising a child e.g lack of financial support.
Treatment Of Postpartum Depression In Women
As soon as you suspect you have postpartum depression, you should visit your ob-gyn immediately. The most common treatment options for postpartum depression are
- Medication – you may be put on antidepressants
- Hormone therapy
- Psychological therapy
Selfcare is also very important and helps reduce your chances of postpartum depression.
Links to sources used
- Postpartum Depression Statistics – https://www.postpartumdepression.org/resources/statistics/
- Postpartum Mood Disorders-An Informational Guide for Couples – https://psychotherapy.com/mom.html
