Postpartum depression is a serious illness that can happen in the first few months after childbirth. It also can happen after miscarriage or stillbirth. It can make you feel very sad, hopeless, and worthless. You may have trouble caring for and bonding with your baby.
Postpartum depression is not the "baby blues," which usually go away within a couple of weeks. The symptoms of postpartum depression can last for months.
It's very important to get treatment for depression. The sooner you get treated, the sooner you'll feel better and enjoy your baby.
What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?
The two most common symptoms are:
- Feeling very sad, hopeless, and empty
- Losing pleasure in everyday things
Other symptoms include:
- Not feeling hungry, which may cause you to lose weight (but some people feel hungrier and gain weight)
- Having trouble sleeping
- Not being able to concentrate
Symptoms can occur in the first day or two after the birth. Or they can follow the symptoms of the "baby blues" after a couple of weeks. The symptoms of postpartum depression can last for months.
What causes postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression seems to be brought on by the changes in hormone levels that happen after pregnancy. Some things can increase your chances of getting it, such as having depression in the past, not having good support, or having a lot of other stress.
What increases your risk for postpartum depression?
A risk factor is anything that increases your chances of having a certain problem. Risk factors for postpartum depression include:
- A history of postpartum depression. This puts you at high risk of having it again.
- Poor support from family, partner, and friends.
- High life stress, such as a sick or colicky newborn, financial troubles, or family problems.
- Physical limitations or problems after childbirth.
- Depression during a current pregnancy.
- Previous depression.
- Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression.
- A family history of depression or bipolar disorder.
- Previous premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which is the severe type of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
How can you lower your risk for postpartum depression?
If you have a history of depression or postpartum depression or if you're having symptoms of depression, be sure to tell your doctor. Counseling may help lower your risk for postpartum depression. In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you start taking an antidepressant.
Many new moms feel down, anxious, or grumpy in the weeks after giving birth. For some, these feelings last longer and are more intense. If you or your loved ones are worried about how you're feeling, talk to your doctor right away.
How is postpartum depression diagnosed?
Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your mood and your symptoms. Be sure to tell your doctor about any feelings of "baby blues" at your first checkup after the baby is born. Your doctor will want to follow up with you to see how you are feeling.
How is postpartum depression treated?
Treatment choices include:
- Counseling. It can give you emotional support and help with problem solving and goal setting. Others in your family may also benefit from counseling.
- Antidepressant medicine. It relieves symptoms for most women.
Doctors recommend that women with moderate to severe postpartum depression combine counseling with medicine. Women with mild depression may get better from counseling alone. Moms can still breastfeed while taking certain antidepressants.
Antidepressants are typically used for 6 months or longer. They're taken first to treat postpartum depression and then to prevent symptoms from coming back.
Getting regular exercise, eating well, and getting enough sleep may also help you feel better. Support from family or other mothers may also help.
Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Together you can decide what treatment is right for you.
If you feel you need help or are trying to help someone important to you who is in crisis – don’t try to “go it alone.” We can help you access the specific type of assistance you need.
Simply call the Parkview Behavioral Health’s HelpLine at 260-471-9440 or 800-284-8439, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our dedicated assessment specialists can answer your questions, provide recommendations, and help arrange care.
Parkview Behavioral Health’s HelpLine provides:
- Confidential assessments at our Beacon Street facility
- Services specific to the needs of children, adolescents, adults and seniors
- Information and referrals
- Admission assistance
- Insurance verification and pre-certification
- Financial counseling (in conjunction with inpatient treatment)
