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Postpartum Depression: Women
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Postpartum depression (PPD) affects women of all ages, economic status, and racial/ethnic backgrounds. Any woman who is pregnant, had a baby within the past few months, miscarried, or recently weaned a child from breastfeeding can develop PPD. The number of children a woman has does not change her chances of getting PPD. New mothers and women with more than one child have equal chances of getting PPD. Research has shown that women who have had problems with depression are more at risk for PPD than women who have not had a history of depression.
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Postpartum depression is more debilitating than the "blues." Women with this condition suffer despondency, tearfulness, feelings of inadequacy, guilt, anxiety, irritability and fatigue. Physical symptoms include headaches, numbness, chest pain and hyperventilation. A woman with postpartum depression may regard her child with ambivalence, negativity or disinterest. An adverse effect on the bonding between mother and child may result. Because this syndrome is still poorly defined and under studied, it tends to be under reported.
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Postpartum depression is a common disorder that is frequently unrecognized. Early identification and intervention are important, especially if psychosis is suspected. The good news is that there are many proven treatments, including psychotherapy and medication. With treatment, women suffering with PPD will be able to effectively manage difficulties of motherhood and ... experience its joys.
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Postpartum depression can make you feel restless, anxious, fatigued and worthless. Some new moms worry they will hurt themselves or their babies. Unlike the "baby blues," postpartum depression does not go away quickly. Very rarely, new moms develop something even more serious. They may stop eating, have trouble sleeping and become frantic or paranoid. Women with this condition usually need to be hospitalized.
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"With Postpartum Onset" describes an uncommon depressive episode that begins within four weeks of giving birth to a child and may affect up to 10% of new mothers. It is very different than the "baby blues" that women can experience usually 3-7 days after delivery. Many women with postpartum depression may experience great anxiety, panic attacks, spontaneous crying, difficulty sleeping, and a lack of interest in their new child. A woman's mood may fluctuate and seem inconsistent, and there may even be the presence of psychotic features (delusions, hallucinations). If this is the case, a woman should receive immediate medical attention and hospitalization may be necessary. Whether or not psychotic features are present, a woman may have suicidal thoughts, continuous thoughts about violence towards her child, a difficulty with concentration, and she may feel and appear to be quite agitated.
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Postpartum depression can last for several months or even longer if it goes untreated. With proper treatment, a woman can feel like herself again. Treatment may include talk therapy, medication, or both. In addition, proper diet, exercise, rest, and social support can be very helpful. Some women find yoga to be beneficial. Some research suggests that expressing thoughts and emotions through certain writing techniques can help relieve symptoms of depression.
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