Postpartum Depression




What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is an illness, like diabetes or heart disease. It can be treated with therapy, support networks and medicines such as antidepressants. Here are some symptoms of postpartum depression:
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in life
  • Loss of appetite
  • Less energy and motivation to do things
  • A hard time falling asleep or staying asleep
  • Sleeping more than usual
  • Increased crying or tearfulness
  • Feeling worthless, hopeless or overly guilty
  • Feeling restless, irritable or anxious
  • Unexplained weight loss or gain
  • Feeling like life isn't worth living
  • Having thoughts about hurting yourself
  • Worrying about hurting your baby
Although many women get depressed right after childbirth, some women don't feel "down" until several weeks or months later. Depression that occurs within 6 months of childbirth may be postpartum depression.

Who gets postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is more likely if you had any of the following:
  • Previous postpartum depression
  • Depression not related to pregnancy
  • Severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
  • A difficult marriage.
  • Few family members or friends to talk to or depend on
  • Stressful life events during the pregnancy or after the childbirth
How long does postpartum depression last?

It's hard to say. Some women feel better within a few weeks, but others feel depressed or "not themselves" for many months. Women who have more severe symptoms of depression or who have had depression in the past may take longer to get well. Just remember that help is available and that you can get better.

What kinds of treatments help with postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is treated much like any other depression. Support, counseling ("talk therapy") and medicines can help.

What can I do to help myself?

If you have given birth recently and are feeling sad, blue, anxious, irritable, tired or have any of the other symptoms mentioned here, remember that many other women have had the same experience. You're not "losing your mind" or "going crazy" and you shouldn't feel that you just have to suffer. Here are some things you can do that other mothers with postpartum depression have found helpful:
  • Find someone to talk to--and tell that person about your feelings.
  • Get in touch with people who can help you with child care, household chores and errands. This social support network will help you find time for yourself so you can rest.
  • Find time to do something for yourself, even if it's only 15 minutes a day. Try reading, exercising (walking is good for you and easy to do), taking a bath or meditating.
  • Keep a diary. Every day, write down your emotions and feelings as a way of "letting it all out." Once you begin to feel better, you can go back and reread your diary--this will help you see how much better you are.
  • Even if you can only get one thing done in any given day, this is a step in the right direction. There may be days when you can't get anything done. Try not to get angry with yourself when this happens.
  • It's OK to feel overwhelmed. Childbirth brings many changes, and parenting is challenging. When you're not feeling like yourself, these changes can seem like too much to cope with.
  • You're not expected to be a "supermom." Be honest about how much you can do, and ask other people to help you.
  • Find a support group in your area or contact one of the organizations listed below. They can put you in touch with people near you who have experience with postpartum depression.
  • Talk with your doctor about how you feel. He or she may offer counseling and/or medicines that can help.
Credit: National Institute of Health.
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