Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mood disorder that affects some women after giving birth. While many new mothers experience mood changes and temporary bouts of sadness after delivery, postpartum depression is a more intense, long-lasting form of depression. PPD can occur at any time during the first year after childbirth, and it affects about 1 in 7 women. PPD has gained more attention in recent years, but is still not a topic of conversation for many women when they give birth. Lot’s of women who experience PPD have no idea what they are experiencing and it can make them feel like an inadequate mother, like they don’t love their child like they are “supposed to”, or that they are simply a bad person. This is not true! PPD is common. Your body is going through so many changes after you give birth that whether or not you are experiencing PPD, you do not need to feel any guilt for anything that you may be feeling or going through. You just created a human life and went through a traumatic event, be gentle and patient with yourself.

PPD can sometimes be difficult to identify and diagnose, as the symptoms can vary widely in severity and duration. Some of the most common symptoms of PPD include:

• Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness

• Extreme fatigue or exhaustion, even with adequate rest

• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much

• Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Irritability or anger

• Anxiety or panic attacks with intrusive/bizarre thoughts

• Feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

PPD is caused by a combination of physical, emotional, and social factors. The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to depression. Other factors that can contribute to PPD include a history of depression or anxiety, a difficult/traumatic childbirth or recovery, a lack of social support, and financial or relationship stress.

PPD is a serious condition that requires treatment. Without treatment, PPD can have a significant impact on a mother's mental health, as well as her relationship with her baby and other family members. PPD can also increase the risk of other complications, such as anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts or actions.

Fortunately, PPD is treatable with a combination of therapy, medication, and support. Some of the most effective treatments for PPD include:

• Therapy: Talking to a therapist or counselor can help new mothers process their emotions and develop coping skills for managing their symptoms. We have talented clinicians ready to support you with your PPD. Reach out today. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are two types of therapy that have been shown to be particularly effective for PPD.

• Medication: Antidepressant medications can help balance the brain's neurotransmitters and alleviate symptoms of depression. Many antidepressants are safe to take while breastfeeding, but it's important to talk to a doctor about the risks and benefits of medication before starting treatment. Oftentimes the PPD symptoms will improve and you will no longer need to take medication. This is a conversation to have with your doctor as well.

• Support: Support from friends, family, and other new mothers can be invaluable for women with PPD. Many women were raised with the mentality that “it takes a village to raise a child” and then when they have the child they wonder, “Where is the village?” because they feel an enormous lack of knowledge and support or a great deal of judgment from others. Although it may not feel like it at times, and even if you do not have support from family or friends, you can find support in other ways. Joining a support group or talking to other mothers who have experienced PPD can help women feel less isolated and more understood.

In addition to these treatments, there are many things that new mothers can do to take care of their mental health and reduce their risk of PPD. Some strategies for preventing or managing PPD include:

• Getting enough rest: You might be thinking, “Are you kidding me!? What new mom is able to get sleep with the baby waking up all hours of the night.” It is difficult, there is no doubt about that. However, sleep deprivation can exacerbate symptoms of depression, so it's important for new mothers to prioritize rest and sleep whenever possible. The dishes can wait, cleaning up the house can wait, maybe you can order take out instead of making dinner. Don’t feel bad for prioritizing your rest! Napping when the baby naps, asking for help with nighttime feedings, and creating a soothing sleep environment can all help improve sleep quality.

• Eating a healthy diet: Eating a balanced, nutritious diet can help stabilize mood and energy levels. It's important for new mothers to prioritize healthy eating habits and avoid skipping meals or relying on junk food or caffeine for energy. This will also help your baby get nutrients from you as you eat a balanced diet. 

• Exercising regularly: Exercise is a natural mood booster that can help alleviate symptoms of depression. Even gentle exercise, such as walking or yoga, can be beneficial for new mothers. As mentioned above, rest is probably most important in recovering and dealing with PPD, but when you feel up to it, some light movement can boost your mood as well. 

• Making time for self-care: It's important for new mothers to prioritize self-care activities that they enjoy, such as reading, taking a bath, or listening to music. Taking time for oneself can help reduce stress and promote feelings of relaxation and well-being. If you have a partner, ask for help! They are in this parenthood too. They have a responsibility to you to help you heal and take care of yourself. If you are a single mom, don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. Many women around you have been mothers before, if you express how you are feeling, they will likely be very willing to help in any way they can. 

If you need more information on PPD or other depression symptoms, you can learn more here. Our clinicians at Fortis Counseling would be happy to give you some support during this new phase of your life. You can book a free consultation with us here.