Postpartum depression (PPD) is a diagnosis that occurs post childbirth. There is a two week period where the ‘baby blues’ can occur, which are very typical and a normal response to the hormonal shift that occurs after birth, What differentiates Postpartum Depression and the ‘baby blues’ is the time frame in which you may experience these symptoms.

If you continue to experience symptoms such as crying, sadness, lack of interest in your baby, appetite or sleep issues, feeling of guilt, shame, helplessness/hopelessness, anger, irritability, difficulty with loss of interest in once pleasurable experiences past two weeks postpartum – You may be experiencing postpartum depression.

Screening for Postpartum Depression:

Postpartum Depression affects approximately 15% of women (The study does not include other genders, but we are learning more as we become more progressive in research!). Despite such a large percentage of birthing people experiencing PPD, there continues to be a lack of screening and monitoring for this disorder.

What does screening look like for PPD? At your obstetrician’s office, you may be screened with a short term assessment that asks you if you’re feeling any symptoms of depression or even suicidality. While many medical offices screen for these symptoms, they may not follow up with further inquiry. It is important, if you do not feel like yourself and you are experiencing symptoms that sound like PPD, that you speak with your doctor about further evaluation. It can be paramount to you getting the care you need to have a better pregnancy and postpartum journey.

Those who have already been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or have a family history of PPD may be at a higher risk. You may also be at a higher risk if you experience stressful events in your pregnancy such as being pregnant with multiple children, recent losses, complications throughout pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding, NICU stays, thyroid imbalances, financial stress, marital stress/domestic violence, and diabetes.

If you, or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression during pregnancy or postpartum, it is important to lean on support and encourage evaluation. There are many avenues for evaluation, including your obstetrician’s office, a perinatal informed therapist, a perinatal informed prescriber, and in some cases, your PCP.

Postpartum Psychosis is another disorder that can certainly mimic some of the features of postpartum depression. However, there are higher risk factors with postpartum psychosis that are very important to note. Symptoms of postpartum psychosis may include delusions (strange beliefs), hallucinations, rapid mood swings, difficulty communicating, paranoia/suspiciousness, inability to sleep or lack of sleep, severe depression, emotions feeling flat/flat affect, hyperactivity, and feeling irritated. The most significant risk of postpartum psychosis is suicide (5% rate) and infanticide (4% Rate). There are some predisposition factors that may apply such as personal or family history of bipolar disorder or psychosis. The onset of postpartum psychosis is fairly sudden, occurring within the first 2 weeks postpartum. It is imperative that if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, that you be evaluated immediately. If a loved one is experiencing symptoms, or you suspect they are experiencing these symptoms, please take them to their doctor or the nearest emergency room for treatment. There may be times when the birthing person is not aware of their psychosis, and may feel suspicious or paranoid about seeking care. This is a big indicator that they are not to be left alone with the baby, and that they need a higher level of care.

What might treatment look like? It is most important to understand that you did not cause this. This disorder is not something that you did or did not do, and it is far more common than most people know. Treatment can look like talking to a professional such as a therapist or psychiatrist about your symptoms. In therapy, I will work with you to identify the different ways that PPD can present, access your own knowledge of your feelings and emotions related to your pregnancy, your baby, your relationships, and your past, and work with you in various ways to allow you to find balance in this new journey you’ve taken. This may mean we work on building your independence back up with support, lean on friends and family in your life, find ways for you to balance your day to relieve different moments of pressure, and find therapeutic tools that may help you learn better coping skills in between sessions. I’ll also work towards validating the hardships of pregnancy and postpartum, because I also believe that this isn’t talked about enough! You’ve become a whole new person overnight, without a manual, and that can be really challenging no matter how much you prepared.

Furthermore, I want you to have access to medications if necessary. Many people become frightened of medications during pregnancy and into postpartum if they are breastfeeding. We have data that supports the use of numerous prescription medications, when the severity of depression warrants it. Some are safe for breastfeeding, some are not. The choice will always be discussed with you with the help of perinatal informed prescribers who can talk you through your options. The decision of how to manage your care is one aspect of. control you can rely on in this time. Despite the chaos of having a baby in your home, at the very least, my goal is for you to also have options and control of your body and mind. Sometimes medication is the route towards sanity during this time of insanity.

Finally, there is help out there for those who need it. The following resources are great places to search for not only more information, but to find therapists and prescribers who specialize in perinatal mental health in your area. You may also locate resources for support groups, which I highly recommend to allow you to see that you are not alone in this journey. PPD can make you feel like suffering alone in silence, and if you’re here reading this, take it as a sign to reach out for help.

I am also available for therapy if you feel you resonate with me. Please scroll below to learn more about how you can schedule a free 15 minute consultation with me.

Thank you for reading. I appreciate your support. Be well <3

Christina

Resources:
– https://www.postpartum.net/learn-more/depression/
– Postpartum Support International: Phone number (helpline): (800) 944-4773 (Spanish and English)
– Call 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
– The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. Available in English and Spanish.
– https://mchb.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/mchb/programs-impact/depression-during-after-pregnancy-en.pdf
– https://mothertobaby.org/