Postpartum Depression

What Is Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is also sometimes referred to as the “baby blues”, and affects many new mothers. It is a fairly common depressive disorder in which new mothers find themselves in the middle of unpredictable mood swings and bouts of depression. Although it’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed once in a while by the whole idea of having to care for a new baby and having new roles and responsibilities, postpartum depression must be differentiated from the baby blues, which manifests itself as mild anxiety and tiredness.

Postpartum depression is a clinically defined condition. It may sometimes be called baby blues, but it is a much more serious condition. While baby blues are fleeting and mild and perfectly capable of being dealt with, postpartum depression has the potential of developing into a full on psychiatric disorder.

Postpartum Depression

Common Symptoms of the Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression

Baby blues and postpartum depression share a number of symptoms. That is why it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between the two. Below are the common symptoms that the two share:

  • Mood swings
  • Bouts of uncontrollable crying
  • Tearing up for little to no reason
  • Irritability
  • Insomnia
  • An inexplicable feeling of sadness
  • Changes in the appetite
  • Difficulty in concentrating

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

The symptoms of postpartum depression, although somewhat common to the symptoms of the baby blues, are much more intensified and difficult to deal with. Also, these are longer lasting than the symptoms of the baby blues. For example, the chances of sad thoughts developing into suicidal thoughts is far more likely among those suffering from postpartum depression. Inability to concentrate, another common symptom, may also grow into being unable to take care of the baby or even of themselves. The other symptomatic indicators of postpartum depression can include:

  • Recurrent thoughts of suicide
  • Recurrent thoughts of death
  • Varied and rapid mood swings
  • Unpredictable or bizarre behaviour
  • Feelings of guilt
  • Not taking any interest in the new born baby
  • A disturbance in the quantity or quality of sleep, or both. Sleeping more than usual or sleeping less than usual.
  • Having negative thoughts about the child
  • Blaming the child
  • Increase or decrease in appetite, leading to a subsequent increase or decrease in weight
  • Wanting to hurt the baby, and then worrying about hurting it. These thoughts then make one feel guilty about having such thoughts in the first place
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Not feeling concerned about taking care of oneself
  • A general feeling of sluggishness
  • Lack of motivation
  • No longer finding pleasure in activities which were at one point or another enjoyed

These symptoms are often repetitive and long lasting. The negative feelings can be intense enough to make some mothers physically hurt their babies, who they may blame as being the cause of their depression. These bouts of negative thoughts or actions are then followed by thoughts of guilt for having such thoughts about the infant. Such crushing guilt leads to further depression, and this can go on for weeks, if not months, and may manifest into something known in the medical world as postpartum psychosis.

Causes of Postpartum Depression

The causes of postpartum depression are generally hormonal. The rapid change of hormones during and after pregnancy can cause havoc in her thought process and mental well being. There is a rapid drop in progesterone, also called the “pregnancy hormone” as well as oestrogen and, in some cases, thyroid hormone. Lack of thyroid hormone leads to fatigue and sluggishness.

There are also physical changes and the stress of being a new parent that can lead to severe postpartum depression. Physical changes can include a painful delivery, the backaches related to extra baby weight, and the emotional insecurities and doubts which can accompany being a new parent. These can all eventually cause postpartum depression, and can be further triggered by hormonal changes.

Postpartum Depression Treatment

Psychological therapy is not always necessary, though in certain cases, it is recommended. If you believe you may be suffering from postpartum depression, or know someone who is, a mental health expert will be able to make the best decision based on the circumstances.