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Postpartum Depression
Who is at risk of postpartum depression?
Although experts estimate that about 1 in 10
women suffer from some level of postpartum depression -- and
1 in 1,000 from postpartum psychosis -- it's still relatively
misunderstood, and the exact cause of it isn't known. Some say that a combination of
factors might be to blame -- or that certain factors are
correlated with a greater predisposition to PPD:
What is postpartum depression? The blues: Many new parents experience "the blues" shortly after arrival of a new baby. Symptoms might include crying jags, irritability, erratic sleep (outside of the demands of a new baby), anxiety and moodiness. The blues come quickly, and they typically go away quickly. Postpartum Depression: Postpartum depression isn't fleeting. Symptoms often don't appear until several months after delivery (thereby contributing to lack of diagnosis). They can include some or all of the following: exhaustion, sadness, hopelessness, confusion, memory loss, uncontrollable crying, lack of interest in the baby (or obsession with the baby), feelings of being overwhelmed, feelings of guilt and inadequacy, fear of harming yourself or the baby, resurgence of past emotional issues. See your doctor for help in treating your symptoms (and if these or other symptoms are interfering with your ability to care for yourself and/or the baby, seek immediate medical help). Postpartum Psychosis: Postpartum psychosis is much more rare, but it's an emergency and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms usually appear within the first two weeks after delivery, and might include some or all of the following: severe agitation, hyperactivity, bizarre feelings and behavior, aggressive and/or suicidal tendencies, delusions, paranoia, confusion, hallucinations, severe insomnia. Remember that 1) symptoms and severity vary from woman to woman, 2) you don't have to be a danger to yourself or your baby to be suffering from postpartum depression, and 3) a new mom who's had other children still can suffer from postpartum depression.
Moms With PPD Can Have Trouble Getting Help: Mothers with postpartum depression sometimes have trouble getting the support, information, and compassionate ear they need -- in part because it probably won't occur to most of them that postpartum depression is what they have. Women are strong; they make things work. They can read a thousand articles about postpartum depression -- never once dreaming that they're reading about themselves. Additionally, a great many mothers might feel they've failed if they "can't handle" a new baby, or they might worry the child will be taken away if they confess to having bewildering -- even frightening -- feelings. The good news is that postpartum depression is better understood today than it's ever been. Information is plentiful, and health care providers are much better informed. A good way to obtain information and resources on PPD is to get them before you need them. But if you're feeling in need of help right now, and your doctor isn't giving you the information or support you need (you're getting brushed off or being given unhelpful advice), do consider seeing another doctor. Take this condition seriously, and do something about it. Postpartum depression isn't "just in your head," it isn't something you need to just "get over," and it is treatable.
Links for information and support:
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- a book by Marie Osmond - chronicles
her struggle with postpartum depression