Postpartum Depression and Related Disorders

Feeling a little depressed, a little tired, a little anxious, a little weepy, etc.. is normal. About 50% of women will experience these characteristics, also known as the baby blues, postpartum. They typically subside after the first month. However, some women experience something altogether different. The effect of hormonal shifts on the neurotransmitters in the brain is more dramatic, and can result in postpartum mood disorders. This altered brain chemistry alone or combined with lack of physical and emotional support, severe fatigue, and severe stress can trigger some terrifying symptoms.

Being open about depression and admitting that you can’t “do it all” is the first step toward getting better. If you are postpartum and recognize any of these symptoms in yourself or your mate, contact a help organization or doctor immediately.

Postpartum depression (PPD)

This is not just the baby blues. This serious condition strikes anywhere from birth to six weeks after birth. It can also happen as breastfeeding mothers try to wean the baby. PPD affects around 20% of new mothers. The treatment can include psychotherapy, medications, and support group help. Symptoms include: inability to sleep or eat, extreme anxiety, thoughts of suicide or harming yourself or your baby, unfounded and inconsolable concerns about your baby, disconnect with usual social interest, etc.. Often these feelings are overwhelming and constant.

Postpartum Anxiety or Postpartum Panic Disorder

The strike range is the same as PPD and can often occur in conjunction to PPD. This condition affects 5-10% of postpartum moms. The treatment can also include psychotherapy, medications, and support group help. Symptoms are feelings of imminent  doom or dander, panic attacks, shortness of breath, dizziness, etc..

Postpartum Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder

This generally occurs shortly after birth. It affects less than 5% of new moms. Like postpartum anxiety/panic disorder, moms experience deep bouts of anxiety about the newborn. The mom worries about being left alone with the infant, worried that harm will come to the infant, worried that they will cause unintentional harm to the infant, and obsess over protecting the baby from real and unfounded threats. Treatment includes a combination of psychotherapy and medications.

Postpartum Psychosis

This comes on suddenly after birth. It can be extremely frightening for the mom and those around her. Thankfully, it is relatively rare, affecting only about 2 in every 1000 postpartum women. Symptoms include severe mental confusion, hallucinations, delusions, inability to sleep and severe sleep depravation, inability to eat, feeling that thoughts just aren’t clear, violent behavior, strange behavior. This condition requires immediate emergency treatment that includes psychotherapy, medications, and possibly hospitalization.

It is important to understand that all types of postpartum depression are forms of mental illness that are caused by biochemical and psychological factors that are out of your control. The sooner you get help the sooner you can move on to cheerfully and competently caring for your newborn. Contact your family doctor, obstetrician, pediatrician, prenatal class instructor, the hospital, etc.. They will be able to help you find the help you need.

Support Contacts:

D.A.D. Depression After Delivery
1-908-575-9121

PSI Postpartum Support International

1-805-967-7636