Postpartum Depression
The most common childbirth complication
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression, also know as perinatal or maternal depression, is the most common complication of childbirth, affecting about 5% to 16+% of women at some point during pregnancy and/or postpartum.
Symptoms Include:
sadness, anxiety or mood swings
irritability or anger
frequent crying
loss of interest in pleasurable activities
problems concentrating
withdrawal from others
fatigue or loss of energy
sleep difficulties not associated with the care of your baby
changes in appetite
feeling shame or that you are not a good mother
hopelessness or despair
thoughts of suicide or death
thoughts of harming your baby
How will I know if I have postpartum depression?
Because pregnancy and postpartum depression are medical conditions, it is important that you discuss with your doctor any symptoms that you may be experiencing. Your doctor will then conduct a medical evaluation that may include bloodwork.
You may find it helpful to bring some information about how you are feeling to your doctor to begin a conversation about pregnancy or postpartum depression. To begin a discussion with your physician, please refer to this checklist provided by Postpartum Support International. Click the button above for a printable checklist to share at your next doctor’s appointment.
It is standard practice to screen women during pregnancy and postpartum for depression. The most common screening tool is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). This is a screening that your doctor can give you. It has been developed for use in pregnancy and postpartum. It can be difficult to recognize symptoms of postpartum depression without a formal screening. That is why it is important to be screened by your health care provider. If you are concerned about pregancy or postpartum depression, ask you doctor for a screening measure such as the EPDS..
What if my primary experience is anxiety?
It is very common to experience anxiety when you have postpartum depression. In fact, this may be your most significant and challenging symptom. Treatment for postpartum depression effectively addresses anxiety.
Sometimes there are not symptoms of depression, only symptoms of anxiety. Like postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety is a treatable condition.
What is Postpartum Psychosis?
Very rarely, new mothers experience what is know as postpartum psychosis. This is a very uncommon occurrence, happening in just 0.1 - 0.2% of births. You are more likely to experience this if you or a family member have a history of bipolar disorder or psychosis. Postpartum psychosis usually develops quickly and often in the first two weeks after childbirth. It is a health emergency when you experience symptoms of postpartum psychosis. These symptoms include hallucinations, delusions or strange beliefs, paranoia, difficulty communicating at times, rapid mood swings, significant irritability and decreased need for sleep. If you experience these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. For more information about postpartum psychosis, please go to Postpartum Support International.
Early Detection is Critical
Early detection of postpartum depression and anxiety is associated with improved outcome, and even prevention. When you are familiar with risk factors for postpartum depression and get effective treatment, you could avoid a major depressive disorder. When you screen early and identify newly developed symptoms, the severity and duration of postpartum depression can be significantly reduced.
Risk factors for postpartum depression include:
prior history of depression or anxiety
low social support
stressful circumstances
traumatic birth experiences
challenging breastfeeding experiences
Additional Resources:
Early Detection of Postpartum Depression by Janine Castle, PhD
Common Myths
Having postpartum depression means you are a bad mom.
False. We struggle as a society to understand the complexity of our mind and bodies, and how the brain is intricately interwoven with our female reproductive system and our emotional system. Postpartum depression is a medical condition. It is absolutely false that women are “bad mothers” because they are experiencing depression. In fact, it is a sign of being a good mom that you are committed to your own self-care and that you are able to talk openly with your doctor about how you are feeling so that you can provide the best care for yourself and your baby.
It’s just “baby blues.”
Sometimes False. Postpartum depression is distinct from “baby blues.” Baby blues occurs in the first 2-3 days following childbirth and lasts for up to about 2 weeks. Postpartum depression lasts for a longer duration and has a significant impact on the quality of your life and your relationships. Your doctor can help you determine if you have postpartum depression by using a screening measure such as the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale and evaluating you medically. Ask your doctor about this today.
It will pass.
False. Perinatal depression is a highly treatable medical condition. If left untreated, it can become more longstanding and difficult to treat. Ask your doctor about perinatal depression today.
Only moms who have given birth get postpartum depression.
False. You don’t have to have given birth to experience symptoms of depression. You can adopt and experience these symptoms. You can be a partner of the birthing mother and experience symptoms of postpartum depression. Postpartum Depression Does Not Discriminate, and it is important for your provider to feel comfortable asking you and your partner about depression and anxiety.
I don’t have time to participate in therapy.
False. Research shows that individuals are not able to seek the appropriate level or amount of treatment when there are barriers to their participation, such as lack of childcare, transportation, and inability to leave work. Teletherapy video visits can be done in the convenience of your own home with your baby or at work during a break. All you need is a private space to have a confidential session. Want to learn more about teletherapy? Contact me at janinecastlephd@gmail.com
Have a question?
Email me at janinecastlephd@gmail.com
Resources for Postpartum Depression