What is Postpartum Depression?

Most women experience the "baby blues" shortly after giving birth. This brief period of mood swings, anxiety, tearfulness, or irritability lasts several days and usually subsides within two weeks of giving birth. Postpartum depression occurs in approximately one out of every ten mothers, and among women in poverty the number reaches three in ten.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Sometimes the symptoms occur within days of delivery, and other times they appear gradually, at anytime with the first year. No one knows the exact cause of postpartum depression, but it is thought to be triggered by a hormone imbalance. Postpartum depression is characterized by the following symptoms:

• fatigue
• sluggishness
• sadness
• appetite and sleep disturbances
• poor concentration
• memory loss
• uncontrollable crying
• irritability
• feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness
• lack of interest in the baby
• fear of losing control

A woman suffering from postpartum depression experiences several of the above symptoms ranging from mild to severe for more than two weeks. Each day will be different, some better than others. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, women may be more likely to experience postpartum depression if they have experienced depression prior to pregnancy, have severe premenstrual syndrome, have a difficult marriage or have little support from family and friends. In addition, postpartum depression that is not successfully treated can lead to postpartum psychosis. Postpartum psychosis is rare, affecting one tenth of one percent of new mothers, and is the most severe postpartum disorder. Symptoms include hallucinations, severe insomnia, delusions and extreme anxiety.

Treatment
Like any other type of depression, postpartum depression can be treated. Talking to a counselor and taking medication can help. There are many other ways to help yourself as well. Finding time for yourself everyday is extremely important. Also, establish a support network. Everyone needs someone to talk to about their feelings. Finally, understand that no one expects you to be a “supermom.” Do not be afraid to ask for help and realize that having a baby is going to take up an incredible amount of your day. You will not have as much time to do other things and people shouldn’t expect that of you.

Source:
American Academy of Family Physicians. Postpartum depression and the ‘baby blues’.