Postpartum depression occurs after childbirth. Up to 15% are affected. Postpartum depression causes emotional swings, crying, fatigue, guilt, anxiety, and difficulty caring for the baby. Postpartum depression is treatable with medication and counseling.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Having a baby changes everything. Parenthood is exciting but exhausting. Worry and doubt are normal, especially for first-time parents. However, extreme sadness, loneliness, mood swings, and frequent crying may indicate postpartum depression. Postpartum depression (PPD) occurs after childbirth. Not just the mother experiences postpartum depression. Surrogates and adoptive parents can be affected. Postpartum hormonal, physical, emotional, financial, and social changes occur. These changes may cause postpartum depression. Know that postpartum depression is not your fault, you're not alone, and help is available. Doctors can treat symptoms and improve your health.
What Increases My Risk of Postpartum Depression?
Certain factors increase postpartum depression risk:
- Depression, postpartum depression, or PMDD in family or personal history.
- Little social help.
- Conflict in marriage or relationships.
- Pregnancy ambivalence.
- Health issues, difficult delivery, and premature birth.
- Younger than 20 or a single parent.
- Have a special-needs or crying baby.
Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Some feel ashamed about their symptoms or like bad parents for feeling this way. Postpartum depression is widespread. This is a common feeling, and it doesn't make you bad.
These symptoms may indicate postpartum depression:
- Sad, worthless, hopeless, or guilty.
- Worrying excessively or feeling on edge.
- Disinterest in hobbies or interests.
- Not eating or appetite changes.
- Energy and motivation loss.
- Inability or desire to sleep.
- Frequent or excessive crying.
- Trouble thinking or focusing.
- Suicidal thoughts or death wishes.
- Disinterest in or anxiety about your baby.
- Concerns about hurting or hating your baby.
- Contact your doctor if you suspect postpartum depression. Obstetricians, primary care providers, and mental health professionals are examples. Get help from your baby's pediatrician.
Postpartum Depression Causes
More research is needed to link depression to the rapid hormone drop after delivery. During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels rise tenfold but plummet after birth. These hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels by three days postpartum. Chemical, social, and psychological changes associated with having a baby increase postpartum depression risk. These changes include physical changes, lack of sleep, parenting worries, and relationship changes.
If you've had any of the following signs and symptoms, please notify your healthcare provider immediately.
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
- Frequent suicidal thoughts.
- Been depressed most days for two weeks.
- Worrying, guilt, hopelessness, fear, or worthlessness.
- Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions, or handling daily tasks.
- Nearly daily disinterest in most activities for a duration of two weeks.
Can PPD Harm my Baby?
Yes, postpartum depression can affect your baby. Both you and your baby need treatment.
Research suggests that postpartum depression can affect your baby as follows:
- You don't connect with your baby.
- Your child may have learning or behavior issues.
- A child's pediatrician appointments can be skipped.
- Your child may experience difficulties with feeding and sleeping.
- Your child may be obese or develop developmental disorders.
- You may neglect your child's health or not notice illness.
- Your baby may lack social skills.
- Treatments for Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression treatment depends on symptom type and severity. Antidepressants, talk therapy, and support groups are treatment options.
Postpartum psychosis treatment may include depression, anxiety, and psychosis medication. Your stability may require several days in a treatment center. If this treatment fails, ECT may work.
Breastfeeding doesn't preclude taking depression, anxiety, or psychosis medication. Discuss your options with your doctor.
What Medications Treat Postpartum Depression?
Your doctor of tms clinic in Dallas may prescribe antidepressants for postpartum depression. Brain chemicals that affect mood are balanced by antidepressants.
Talk to your doctor of tms therapy in Dallas about antidepressant risks and benefits if you're breastfeeding. Your milk can carry medications to your baby. Many antidepressants are safe, and transfer is low. You and your doctor can choose a medication based on your symptoms and nursing status.
Common antidepressants for postpartum depression include:
- SNRIs like duloxetine (Cymbalta®) and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq®).
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin/Zyban).
- Amitriptyline (Elavil®) and imipramine (Tofranil®) are TCAs.
Remember that antidepressants take three to four weeks to work. Consult your physician prior to discontinuing the medication. Early medication discontinuation can cause symptoms to return. Most doctors recommend reducing your dose before stopping. If you have postpartum depression in the hospital, your doctor may prescribe brexanolone IV.
How to Cope Postpartum Depression?
It's OK to feel overwhelmed. Parenting and having a baby are hard. Not everyone with depression suffers alone. You can find a treatment with your doctor.
Do these to manage postpartum depression:
- Talk to a therapist, friend, family member, or someone who will listen and help.
- Join a new-parent support group.
- Healthy eating and exercise are important.
- Take time for yourself.
- Go out or call friends.
- Spend time on self-care and hobbies like reading.
- Get help with chores or errands.
Conclusion
One in seven new mothers experiences postpartum depression. It does not render you a poor parent or individual. PPD is caused by biological, physical, and chemical factors beyond your control. Postpartum depression causes sadness, worthlessness, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, excessive crying, and mood swings. Consult your doctor if you suspect postpartum depression. They can determine symptom management. Therapy, medication, and support groups can help.
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