Postpartum Depression: Information, Symptoms, Treatment and More

Postpartum Depression, also known as Postnatal depression, is a sub-type of Depression which many parents experience in the months after having a baby.

The birth of a baby is a huge life event, and therefore involves a plethora of emotions. It is unsurprising that on occasion this huge change can result in depression developing. Those with Postpartum depression exhibit all of the usual signs of depression – such as low mood and a lack of energy.

In the worst cases, psychotic symptoms can ensue – becoming Postpartum Psychosis. Postpartum Depression is not only dangerous for the mother/father, but also for the baby.

It is a common condition, with around 1 in 10 women suffering from Postpartum depression within a year of giving birth [1]. Fathers can also get Postpartum depression. With the correct support and treatment, there are very good remission rates.

What are the symptoms of Postpartum Depression?

The symptoms of Postpartum Depression are the same as symptoms for Clinical Depression. These symptoms can however range from person-to-person – with everyone experiencing depression in different ways.

However, there are some general symptoms that tend to be common. These symptoms include feeling hopeless and sad, and losing interest in formerly-enjoyable activities.

It is important to note that many mothers experience what is colloquially termed as the ‘baby blues’ in the weeks following the birth of a child – this is perfectly normal.

But if symptoms such as mild mood swings and sadness turn into severe mood swings and a depressed mood, it is possible the mother is suffering from Postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression can come on gradually, with the symptoms slowly becoming more severe. Symptoms are normally either psychological or physical.

Psychological Symptoms

• Continuous low mood or sadness
• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
• Low self-esteem
• Lack of emotion
• Feeling irritable
• Struggling to concentrate
• Losing interest in formerly enjoyable activities
• Numbness
• Anxiety
• Suicidal thoughts or self-harm.

Physical symptoms

• Lack of energy
• Loss of libido
• Losing or gaining appetite and weight
• Insomnia or excessive sleep
• Unexplained aches
• Tiredness
• Restlessness

The behaviour of the individual is also likely to change. For example, they are likelier to withdraw from family and friends – not feeling equipped to see others.

They will commonly have problems in terms of their relationship with their baby. They will often struggle to bond with the child, fear for his/her safety, or have feelings of guilt over being an inadequate parent.

These symptoms can be applied to both males and females. As mentioned, in most cases, mild symptoms that are a common reaction to a child’s birth should clear up after a couple of weeks.

But occasionally, Postpartum depression can develop – and it is essential to seek treatment.

What are the causes of Postpartum Depression?

While the birth of a baby is the key event involved with Postpartum depression, it isn’t known why some people suffer from the condition and others don’t.

With any type of depression, there isn’t normally just one cause. Instead, a range of factors might contribute to the onset of the illness.

A natural change in hormones such as oestrogen in the body take place after a childbirth. Hormones can be linked to regulating mood. Several hormones drop in number after childbirth, which could contribute to the onset of the condition.

It is also common for a new born to have problems sleeping. In this case, it is likely that the parents may be sleep deprived, and feeling overwhelmed. This clearly can affect any individual. Low mood can eventually turn into depression.

Anyone who has suffered from a mental health condition in the past could be susceptible to suffering from Postpartum depression. Those who have had Postpartum depression in the past are also likely to have the illness again. Mental illnesses can also run in families.

Financial problems, an unwanted pregnancy, or lack of partner, family or friends can all play a part too. There are certainly a range of factors that appear to be involved in the onset of Postpartum Depression.

Diagnosis of Postpartum Depression

It is crucial to see a doctor if you believe you may be suffering from Postpartum depression. The condition doesn’t just affect the person with the condition, but also their baby, and wider network. Unfortunately, Postpartum depression won’t just go away on its own.

At an appointment, a doctor will ask an individual regarding their feelings, thoughts and behaviour. Their symptoms, and their severity, will also be examined.

It is possible a blood test will be completed – this helps to see if an underactive thyroid or other physical condition is contributing to the low mood.

For Postpartum depression to be diagnosed, the patient will have given birth in the last 12 months, and display some of the symptoms described above. Cases of Postpartum depression are normally quite simple to diagnose and distinguish from other forms of depression.

Similarly, with Postpartum psychosis, the patient will have given birth in the last 12 months, and not only display some of the symptoms associated with Depression, but also either a hallucination or delusion. Once a diagnosis has been made, treatment can proceed.

How is Postpartum Depression treated?

Postpartum depression is a serious illness, though treatment is available. In many instances, with the right treatment plan, a full recovery can be made. The level of treatment however generally depends upon how severe the depression of a patient is.

The aim is to avoid prescribing medication. The main basis of this is that medication can pass into the breast milk in small amounts. This means that when an individual withdraws from the medicine, their child may have withdrawal symptoms.

Unfortunately, sometimes the risks of not prescribing medicine outweighs the risk of harming the child. While this is a horrible thought – it is important to take everyone’s life into consideration.

Talking Therapy

A form of talking therapy is commonly used as the first line of treatment. The usual type of therapy that is offered is Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that is used to treat a range of mental health conditions. CBT involves an individual talking face-to-face with a therapist, although sometimes CBT can be conducted in a group setting. CBT attempts to improve an individual’s wellbeing and mood. The therapy focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings and actions. This can be useful for those with low self-esteem, anxiety, unhelpful personality traits or intrusive thoughts. CBT can help an individual understand their feelings more, and in the long run should lead to an improvement in quality of life.

There are a range of other types of talking therapies available. There are many ways that talking therapy can help. We have more information on our Therapy section.

Medication

As discussed, avoiding medication is always the aim. But if a person isn’t responding to therapy, medicine could be prescribed. If you are prescribed medicine, it is important to make any of your health professionals aware. Antidepressants are the type of medicine that are prescribed.

Antidepressants: Antidepressants can help to improve and regulate mood. They should improve motivation and restore energy. SSRI Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed. They act on the brain chemical serotonin – which is thought to help in regulating mood and emotion. They may include side-effects such as a dry mouth, sexual problems and nausea, though these should hopefully be short-term. Other classes of antidepressants are available in the event of an inadequate reaction.

Summary

Once remission has been achieved, it is important to continue treatment for the foreseeable future, to ensure symptoms don’t return. In most cases, recovery will follow.

By accessing treatment, the individual, their baby and anyone else relevant, will be in a position where they can live in a happier and healthier way.

See Also

• Depression Section
• What is the Prognosis for Depression?
• Therapy Homepage
• Medicine Homepage