Postpartum Depression: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Postpartum depression is a kind of sadness that some moms feel after having a baby. It happens to about 15% of moms. Moms with postpartum depression can feel very happy or very sad, cry a lot, get tired easily, feel guilty, and worry a lot. They might also find it hard to take care of their baby. But the good news is that postpartum depression can be helped with medicine and talking to someone for support.

What is postpartum depression?

Having a baby changes your life a lot. Being a parent is exciting, but it can also make you feel tired and sometimes overwhelmed. It’s okay to worry, especially if you’re a new parent. But if you feel extremely sad, and lonely, have big mood swings, and cry a lot, you might have postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression (PPD) happens after someone has a baby. It’s not only for the person who gave birth—it can affect surrogates and adoptive parents too. After having a baby, people go through hormonal, physical, emotional, financial, and social changes, and these changes can lead to postpartum depression.

If you’re going through postpartum depression, remember that you’re not alone, and it’s not your fault. Help is available. Talk to your healthcare provider—they can help you feel better.

What are the types of postpartum depression?

Three kinds of feelings can happen after having a baby:

Baby Blues:

Many people, about 50-75%, feel the baby blues after having a baby. If you have baby blues, you might cry a lot, and feel sad and worried. This usually starts in the first week (one to four days) after having the baby. Even though it’s not a great feeling, it usually gets better on its own within two weeks. The best thing to do is talk to your friends, family, or partner and get their support.

Postpartum Depression:

Postpartum depression is more serious than the baby blues, and it happens to about 1 in 7 new parents. If you had it before, your chance of getting it again is 30% each time you have a baby. You might feel really happy one moment and then really sad, cry a lot, and get easily annoyed and tired. You could also feel guilty, and worried, and find it hard to take care of your baby or yourself. These feelings can start within a week of having the baby or slowly over the year. The good news is that talking to someone or taking medicine like antidepressants can help you feel better, even though the symptoms might last for a few months.

Postpartum Psychosis: 

Postpartum psychosis is a severe type of feeling very down after having a baby, and it needs quick medical help. It’s not common, happening to only 1 in 1,000 people after giving birth. The signs usually show up fast after having the baby and can last a few weeks to several months. Symptoms include feeling very upset, confused, hopeless, and ashamed, having trouble sleeping, thinking strange things, or seeing or hearing things that aren’t there. It’s important to get medical help right away because there’s a higher chance of feeling like hurting yourself or the baby. Treatment usually involves going to the hospital, talking to someone, and taking medicine.

Who is affected by postpartum depression?

Feeling a bit down after having a baby is common—about 75% of people go through it, known as baby blues. Out of these, up to 15% may get postpartum depression. Postpartum psychosis is rare, happening to one in 1,000 people.

How do I know if I have baby blues or postpartum depression?

After having a baby, many people get the baby blues. Baby blues and postpartum depression are similar, but baby blues last around 10 days and aren’t as strong. Postpartum depression lasts longer, weeks or even months, and the feelings are more intense.

You might have the baby blues if you:

• Cry a lot.
• Feel stressed.
• Lose your appetite.
• Have trouble sleeping.
• Have sudden mood changes.

It’s okay to talk to your provider about your feelings. They can figure out if you need help with what you’re going through.

How long does postpartum depression last?

After having a baby, postpartum depression can stick around for up to a year. But just because a year passes doesn’t mean you should automatically feel all better. Share your feelings honestly with your healthcare provider and talk about your symptoms and treatment. Consider if you feel any improvement compared to when you first started getting help. Then, your provider can suggest what kind of ongoing help you might need.

What factors increase my risk of being depressed after the birth of my child?

Some things make it more likely for you to have postpartum depression:

• If you or your family had depression before.
• Not having much help from friends or family.
• Problems in your marriage or relationship.
• Feeling unsure about the pregnancy.
• Issues during pregnancy, like health problems or hard delivery.
• If you’re under 20 or a single parent.
• Having a baby with special needs or a baby who cries a lot.

What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?

Some people feel down about their feelings or worry they’re not good parents because of how they feel. However, having postpartum depression is very common. You’re not alone, and it doesn’t make you a bad person.

You might have postpartum depression if you:

• Feel sad, worthless, or guilty.
• Worry a lot or feel on edge.
• Lose interest in things you used to enjoy.
• Eat too much or too little.
• Feel tired and unmotivated.
• Have trouble sleeping or want to sleep all the time.
• Cry for no reason or a lot.
• Can’t think clearly or focus.
• Suicidal thoughts or the desire to pass away.
• Anxiety around your infant or a lack of interest in them.
• Feelings of not wanting a child or thoughts of hurting your child.

Speak with your healthcare provider if you believe you may be experiencing postpartum depression. This could include the doctor who assisted you during pregnancy, your primary care physician, or a mental health provider. Additionally, your baby’s doctor can provide valuable support. If you’re in Homer Glen, consider reaching out to a licensed clinical psychologist in Homer Glen for specialized assistance and guidance tailored to your needs.

What causes postpartum depression?

We need more research to understand why depression may happen after hormones drop quickly following childbirth. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone go up a lot during pregnancy but go down fast after giving birth. Within three days after having a baby, these hormones go back to how they were before pregnancy.

Besides these hormonal changes, the social and emotional shifts that come with having a baby also make you more likely to have postpartum depression. Things like changes in your body, not getting enough sleep, and worries about being a parent or how your relationships might change can all play a part.

In case you have suffered from any of the following symptoms, please reach out to your nearest licensed clinical psychologist as soon as possible.

• Thinking about hurting yourself or your baby.
• Having thoughts about death or suicide often.
• Feeling sad most of the day, almost every day, for the past two weeks.
• Feeling anxious, guilty, hopeless, scared, panicked, or worthless.
• Finding it hard to think, concentrate, make decisions, or handle everyday situations.
• Losing interest or joy in most things nearly every day for the past two weeks.

Can postpartum depression affect my baby?

Yes, postpartum depression can impact your baby. It’s important to get help for both you and your baby.

Studies show that postpartum depression can affect your baby in these ways:

• It may be harder for you to connect with and bond with your baby.
• Your child might face behavior or learning challenges.
• You could miss important appointments with your baby’s doctor.
• Your baby may experience difficulties with feeding and sleeping.
• There’s a higher risk of obesity or developmental issues for your child.
• You may unintentionally overlook your child’s needs or not realize when they’re unwell.
• Your baby might face challenges in developing social skills.

What medications can I take for postpartum depression?

Dr. Elizabeth Joy Fazio may suggest using antidepressants to help with postpartum depression symptoms. Antidepressants help balance the chemicals in your brain that affect your mood.

If you’re breastfeeding, discuss with your healthcare provider about the possible risks and benefits of taking an antidepressant. Some of the medication can be passed to your baby through breast milk, but the amount is generally low, and many antidepressants are considered safe. Your provider can help choose the right medicine based on your symptoms and whether you’re nursing.

Common antidepressants for postpartum depression include:

• Sertraline (Zoloft®) and fluoxetine (Prozac®) are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta®) and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq®) – Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
• Bupropion (Wellbutrin® or Zyban®).
• Amitriptyline (Elavil®) or imipramine (Tofranil®) – Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).

Remember, it takes at least three or four weeks for antidepressants to start working. Consult your healthcare provider before stopping the medication, as stopping too soon can bring back symptoms. Most providers will advise gradually reducing the dose before stopping completely.

If postpartum depression is identified while you’re still in the hospital, your provider might suggest IV medication with brexanolone.

What are ways to cope with postpartum depression?

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Taking care of a baby has its challenges, and it’s perfectly normal to have ups and downs. If you’re dealing with depression, you don’t have to go through it alone. Your healthcare provider can help you find the right treatment.

Here are some things you can do to handle postpartum depression:

• Talk to someone—a therapist, friend, family member, or anyone willing to listen and support you.
• Consider joining a group for new parents to share experiences.
• Eat well and make time for some exercise.
• Make sure you get enough rest for yourself.
• Spend time with friends, either in person or over the phone.
• Take care of yourself and do things you enjoy, like reading or hobbies.
• Get assistance with household chores or errands.

What happens if postpartum depression isn’t treated?

Not treating postpartum depression is risky and impacts you, your baby, and those close to you. It can make you:

• Feel tired.
• Have mood swings.
• Think you can’t care for your baby.
• Find it hard to concentrate or decide things.
• Have thoughts of hurting yourself.

FAQs

Do I have postpartum anxiety or postpartum depression?

Postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression have some similar symptoms, but they’re not the same. If you’re dealing with constant worry, sudden panicky feelings, or irrational fears, those might be signs of postpartum anxiety. Make sure to talk about all your symptoms with your healthcare provider so they can give you the right support.

Can dads get postpartum depression?

Yes, both parents can feel postpartum depression symptoms. If you or your partner show signs of feeling down or anxious after having a baby, it’s important to get medical help. About 4% of partners go through depression in the first year after their child is born.

What is postpartum dysphoria?

Postpartum dysphoria is just another term for baby blues. It starts in the first week after having a baby and usually goes away on its own within a few days, without needing medical treatment.

How can I help someone with postpartum depression?

People going through postpartum depression need a lot of support. Here are some ways you can help:

• Learn about the signs of depression and anxiety and encourage your friend or partner to get medical help.
• Be a good listener. Let them know you’re there to listen and support.
• Offer assistance with daily tasks such as cleaning and running errands.
• Suggest helping with baby care so they can rest.
• Encourage them to reach out to a therapist or mental health provider. Offer to help schedule an appointment or accompany them for support.

Postpartum depression is a common mood issue that affects 1 in 7 people after having a baby. It’s not your fault, and you didn’t do anything to cause it. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent or person. The reasons behind PPD, like biological, physical, and chemical factors, are beyond your control. Signs of postpartum depression include feeling sad or worthless, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, crying a lot, and mood swings. If you think you have postpartum depression, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help find the best way to handle your symptoms, whether it’s through counseling, medication, or joining a support group.