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Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression

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Depression can be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods. But true clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for an extended time. Depression can be mild, moderate, or severe. The degree of depression, which your doctor can determine, influences how you are treated.

Around ten to twenty percent will experience major depression symptoms following the birth of their child. These symptoms--anxiety, irritability, insomnia, feelings of guilt, difficulty concentrating, persistent weepiness or sadness--are persistent and intense as compared to the milder "baby blues". Onset of symptoms is usually within the first six weeks antepartum. These symptoms can last a year or even longer, although three to six months is the average. Hormones are also thought to play a role in this type of postpartum depression, but family and patient history of depression, lack of support and negative life events are risk factors as well. Postpartum depression responds well to antidepressants and therapy.

A form of severe depression after delivery that requires treatment. It is sometimes said that postpartum depression (PPD) occurs within 4 weeks of delivery but it can happen a few days or even months after childbirth. A woman with PPD may have feelings similar to the baby blues -- sadness, despair, anxiety, irritability -- but she feels them much more strongly than she would with the baby blues. PPD often keeps her from doing the things she needs to do every day. When a woman's ability to function is affected, this is a sure sign that she needs treatment.

Postpartum psychosis, which is a much more severe and dangerous form of postpartum depression is extremely rare and only affects about 3 women in every 1000. Very rarely - in about 1 or 2 out of 1,000 previously-normal women - the depressive symptoms precede an acute psychosis. Most of the psychoses appear within two weeks of childbirth and disappear within two months, although they can continue longer. Signs of postpartum psychosis usually occur within the first few weeks postpartum. In some cases childbirth may result in low thyroid levels, which may also be a cause of depression.

As with premenstrual syndrome, very little is known about psychiatric illnesses that develop following childbirth and whether or not they differ from depressions and psychoses that occur at other times. In addition to the dramatic hormonal shifts that take place following childbirth, stressful life events, marital problems, fear of mothering, overly high expectations of motherhood, and lack of social supports may influence whether a woman progresses from the blues to a clinical depression.

Postpartum psychiatric illness was initially conceptualized as a group of disorders specifically linked to pregnancy and childbirth and thus was considered diagnostically distinct from other types of psychiatric illness. More recent evidence suggests that postpartum psychiatric illness is virtually indistinguishable from psychiatric disorders that occur at other times during a woman's life.

Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression

When a woman has a baby, it is often assumed that she will be happy and joyous at the arrival of her newborn child and everything will be just wonderful. Some women may find this to be the case, but for others, the reality can be very different from this expectation. Often times, women will find themselves crying uncontrollably, uncomfortable in their own bodies, suffering from hormonal shifts and resenting the changes that the responsibility of caring for a child brings to their life.

Due to the fact that women feel the pressure to be the perfect mom, there is often a shame that comes with the negative feelings of baby blues or postpartum depression. This shame causes women to hide their feelings of sadness and depression. In order to decrease the incidence of baby blues and postpartum depression the families, friends, and doctors surrounding new mothers should be knowledgeable and observant of the possible symptoms of postpartum depression in new moms.

If left untreated, postpartum depression can cause negative effects on newborns and possibly turn into postpartum psychosis (remember Andrea Yates?). So, it is crucial that the community knows the symptoms of postpartum depression and where to turn for help.

Symptoms of Baby Blues

- Can occur 3-4 days after baby is born and last several days

- Mild depression

- Tearful for no apparent reason

- Emotional, easily upset

- Difficulty sleeping

- Anxious or tense

- Worrying about anything and everything

- Feeling of low energy despite rest

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

- Can occur anytime within 6 months after baby is born and last for varying amounts of time depending on treatment

- Loss of appetite

- Less energy and motivation to complete daily tasks

- Sleeping more than usual

- Difficulty falling or staying asleep

- Increase in crying or tearfulness

- Feeling that life is not worth living

- Feeling restless and irritable

- Constantly worrying

- Thoughts of hurting self or baby

Who is At Risk

Women with a history of depression are at higher risk of developing postpartum depression, so family and friends should be vigilant about supporting the mother and offering assistance if need be. Women who are encountering marital problems or other stressful events during or right after pregnancy are also at an increased risk of developing postpartum depression.

There have been studies that suggest that Omega supplements, exercise and breastfeeding can help to keep the symptoms of postpartum depression at bay. But, the most important thing for a new mom to receive is support.

All women need support after the birth of a baby. They need people to talk to, people to occasionally take care of the baby, someone who can offer them time to rest and emotional support. Having a baby is a major life event that comes with many emotions and adjustments. Both moms and dads go through a lot of changes when a baby comes into their lives, so communication is essential to overcoming postpartum depression and developing an ability to enjoy family life.

If you think that you or someone you know is suffering postpartum depression, there are many resources available for you. The first point of contact should be the obstetrician that delivered the baby. Make an appointment with the doctor as soon as symptoms surface. The second step should be finding a therapist or community support group (often offered at local hospitals where babies are born). Often times the right therapist can help guide new moms to a place where the cloud is lifted and they can finally enjoy life again.

Resources

Postpartum Support International http://www.postpartum.net/

Women's Health.gov http://www.4women.gov/faq/postpartum.htm

Responsible Family Company http://www.ResponsibleFamily.com

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Both Corwin Brown & Britt Michaelian are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Corwin Brown has sinced written about articles on various topics from Skin Care, Aromatherapy Bath Body Works and Wellness. Visit StBotanica Butea Gel . Also Read about. Corwin Brown's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.

Britt Michaelian has sinced written about articles on various topics from Parenting, Web Development and Family. Britt Michaelian, MA is the founder and CEO of Responsible Family Company. Her DVD, Care for Kids: The Essential Guide to Preparing Caregivers educates caregivers about medical emergencies. Sign up for the newsletter and get a free Child Safety Report a. Britt Michaelian's top article generates over 1900 views. to your Favourites.

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