What is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is a condition which a new mother becomes depressed after delivery. It can be mild to very severe. Generally, there are three types of postpartum depression, they are baby blues, postnatal depression and puerperal psychosis.

The Baby Blues is the most common form of depression after delivery. It usually occurs in between 50 and 75 percent of new mothers after delivery. Within the first five days after delivery the mother may become tearful, irritable and/or slightly depressed. Generally, this condition may be a response to the birth itself and is usually short-lived.

Postnatal Depression affects one in ten women. It begins as baby blues but progresses quickly. Some reactions may include tearfulness, anxiousness, panic and feelings of failure. The new mother may experience unreasonable thoughts, pointless fears and indifferent feelings towards the baby. Factors such as environment, family, hormones and personal history may increase the risk for a new mother. Treatment includes counseling and medication, which may be able to speed recovery. Even with treatment, some women may face this form of depression for years.

Puerperal Psychosis, which is also known as Postpartum Psychosis, usually occurs within the first three months after birth. It is a severe mental condition that affects approximately 1 in 1,000 mothers. Symptoms may include delusions or hallucinations about the baby, poor impulse control and extreme depression. It generally strikes during the first two weeks after delivery and severely affects the mother requiring immediate professional psychiatric care.

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Why does it happen?

While Postpartum Depression has numerous factors, the exact cause has not been determined. Social and psychological adjustments to the baby as well as changes taking place in the mother’s body contribute to postpartum depression. The female body has an extremely high level of hormones prior to delivery; however, after delivery, the levels drop dramatically. This along with the decrease in endorphins, the body’s feel good chemicals, may increase the risk of depression after birth. It is a physical condition that needs professional treatment. A woman experiencing a form of postpartum depression cannot just “pull herself out of it” anymore than she could if she had a broken bone.

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What are the symptoms of Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum Depression is present in approximately 20 percent of all new mothers; however, the symptoms are so dissimilar that many women do not realize the connection. If you are experiencing at least three of these symptoms, you may have more than a case of the “baby blues.”

Depressed constantly                                    Sad, crying uncontrollably

Poor concentration                                        Lack of enjoyment

Decreased or no interest in sex                      Feelings of being a failure, hopelessness

Lowered energy, no appetite or overeating    Wishing you were dead

Anxiety or panic attacks                                Overly concerned /lack of concern for the baby

You can do some simple things around the house to elevate your spirits after delivery. Ensure that your basic needs are meet, such as eating right and getting adequate sleep. Whenever possible, get extra help around the house with the day-to-day chores. Ask for help from your spouse, friends or family members. In addition, it may help to find new mothers in your neighborhood that can help mentor you through the postpartum period.

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What Constitutes an Emergency?

There are situations in which a woman may need immediate psychiatric attention for PPD. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, call the CARELINE immediately at 1(800) 662-1002.

Thoughts of harming herself                                    Fear of harming her baby

Hearing voices, when no one is around                   Feeling out of control

Sleepless for 48 straight hours                                 Unable to care for the baby

Rapidly losing weight without trying

Any of these symptoms requires immediate attention. Call the CARELINE, 1(800) 662-1002 1(800) 662-1002 CARELINE, 1(800) 662-1002 to speak with a behavioral health care professional about treatment options. You do not have to face this condition alone.

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Dealing with Postpartum Stress

The birth of a baby is a challenging process, in several ways. It is important to take good care of yourself during the months after your baby’s birth.

Take care of yourself. Sleep as much and as often as you can because sleep deprivation will make everything seem worse. Sleep is nature’s way of giving you time to recuperate and keep your system working in tip-top shape.

Eat nutritiously. Avoid junk foods, alcohol, and caffeine. These substances increase fatigue and interfere with your body’s ability to strengthen itself.

Exercise moderately. Take a short walk, between 20 to 30 minutes to stretch your legs a few days a week. Take the stairs whenever possible and when running errands, park a little further away and walk.

Make time for yourself. Private time is not a luxury—it is a vital component to overall well-being. Create a list of things you enjoy and have been missing. Follow through on one or more days when you need a lift.

Create “couple time.” While your new baby is the priority, do not neglect time with your spouse. Spending time together is essential to maintaining a healthy relationship.

Nurture the nurturer. On the good days, get as much out of them as you can by doing as much as possible. On the bad days, remember to take an occasional breather. Bend the rules, stretch the limits and do not deny yourself the opportunity to feel good about yourself.

Taking care of yourself is vital. As part of the continuing education program at Mountain View Hospital, we offer a Parent Education Class. This support group is free of charge and open to the public. For information about this and other programs at Mountain View, please  call the CARELINE at 1 (800) 662-1002.

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Post-Partum Depression: 

What does the man need to do

When your wife is suffering from Post-Partum Depression, it is important to remember that it is not her fault nor yours. Her body is experiencing a tremendous biochemical change—an alteration in how her body works. And, while the causes are not known completely, it is known that 75 percent of all women experience some form of depression after delivery. Ranging from a short-term case of what is commonly called “the blues” to a more severe form of postpartum depression. Dealing with postpartum depression from the man’s perspective can seem frustrating; but, perseverance, patience and love are the best methods of overcoming postpartum depression.

So often, only the women may seek out professional help; however, it is important to realize that postpartum depression affects the relationship, which means both partners are affected. It is difficult to understand postpartum depression from the man’s perspective because he is not experiencing the same biochemical processes which his wife is going through. For this reason, often the man does not know what to do to help his wife, even though he desperately wants to help. There are a few things that the husband should do in order to deal with his wife’s postpartum depression.

Do not attempt to reason with her sympathetically, instead allow her to express her feelings, listen to her. Postpartum depression places her in an poor frame of mind. She does not need psychological counseling from you, just an ear and maybe a shoulder to lean on. Let her express herself while remembering the bodily stresses she is enduring.

Be willing to help in every way. She will get better, but for the immediate future you may need to take a more active role in the day-to-day activities of the household. Give your wife a break from the house and the new baby. Let her enjoy a few moments alone, with a good book or soaking in a tub. Allow her to relax.

Be patient with her. She is going through tremendous changes that affect the way in which she interacts socially. Therefore, she needs you to be patient with her. Treat her extra special. During difficult times, it may be easy to be discouraged and distant, but continue to remind yourself that she will get through this with your help. Spend time praying and meditating to ensure that your mental health remains strong.

If you are having trouble dealing with your wife, do not be afraid to ask for help. Seeking professional help should not be the last resort, but one of the first. With medications and therapy available, postpartum depression can be properly diagnosed and effectively treated. Do not send her alone; instead, seek out help together. Go with her when she is getting professional help. Make it a family recovery. Provide her with your support to deal with the stress that postpartum depression places on your life.

While the causes of postpartum depression are not generally understood, research is occurring daily to find ways to better prevent, educate and treat this disorder. Do not ignore the symptoms. Effective treatment is just a phone call away, 1 (800) 662-1002.  The CARELINE staff of behavioral health care professionals, can help with treatment and education options for your whole family.

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