The period after giving birth is a joyous and emotional time. For some women, it is also marked by mental health challenges. Women are at greater risk of mental illness in late pregnancy and the first year postpartum than at any other time in their lives. About one in eight new mothers will experience postpartum depression (PDD).
PPD is depression that occurs after childbirth, pregnancy loss, or termination. PPD is more than the baby blues or feelings of sadness and fatigue that many women experience when a pregnancy concludes. PPD is a serious disease that can occur up to one year after delivery.
Loved ones play a critical role in helping new moms identify, access care for, and recover from PPD. The support loved ones offer is vital to the well-being of both parents and the new baby.
What Is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious and treatable form of depression that can affect mothers for up to one year following the birth of a child.
Causes of postpartum depression
Many factors contribute to PPD, including:
- Fatigue from a lack of sleep.
- Hormonal changes after giving birth.
- Predisposition to mental health conditions.
What Is the Difference Between the Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression?
The baby blues are feelings of sadness that new mothers experience in the first few days after giving birth. They occur in up to 80% of women regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic status.
The baby blues resolve on their own without treatment in two weeks or less. They do not interfere with daily life or a mother’s ability to care for herself or her child.
Causes of the baby blues
- Hormone changes — The amount of the hormones estrogen and progesterone suddenly decreases after giving birth, causing mood swings.
- Emotional issues — New mothers may be nervous about caring for their new baby and overwhelmed by sudden life changes.
- Sleeping and eating habits — Sleep deprivation and not getting regular, healthy meals can affect mood.
What Are the Symptoms of Postpartum Depression?
A mother with postpartum depression (PPD) feels sad, empty, emotionless, or disconnected from her newborn.
Common symptoms of PPD include:
- Constant feelings of sadness, restlessness, anxiety, or hopelessness.
- Detachment from family and friends.
- Extreme fatigue and either sleeping too much or too little.
- Intrusive thoughts involving infant-related harm.
- Low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness.
- Loss of interest in their baby or their favorite activities.
- Persistent physical problems, such as headaches or an upset stomach.
- Severe mood swings, including irritability, anger, and sadness, but no joy.
- Trouble concentrating or remembering.
- Withdrawing from loved ones, including their baby, due to feelings of guilt or shame.
These signs and symptoms last longer than two weeks and make it difficult for a mother to care for herself and her child. They can make simple activities of daily living seem overwhelming or impossible.
In rare cases, mothers experience hallucinations, delusions, or hear voices. This condition is known as postpartum psychosis. The symptoms of postpartum psychosis vary.
Some women experience a manic state of high energy, talking faster than usual, or staying awake for days. Others experience deep depression and disconnection from their baby. In some cases, a woman with postpartum psychosis may have thoughts of harming herself or her baby.
Postpartum psychosis requires immediate emergency care.
How Can I Support a Friend or Loved One Who Has Postpartum Depression?
There are several things you can do to support a loved one who has postpartum depression (PPD). Learning, listening, and creating a supportive environment are essential.
Learn about the illness
Know the signs, symptoms, and the various treatment options of postpartum depression (PPD). Know the difference between PPD and the less-concerning baby blues. Prepare yourself to have a frank conversation about your concern for your friend or loved one.
Listen to your friend or loved one
Make time for a conversation with the person you are concerned about. Tell them you have noticed signs they are struggling. Be clear that you are there to listen without judgment or criticism. Make and effort to:
- Be honest about your concerns.
- Listen without interrupting.
- Reinforce that they are not a bad mother — that they are likely experiencing an illness that is common and treatable.
- Use “I” statements: I am worried about you. I have noticed you aren’t eating. I am here to offer my support.
Create a supportive environment
Help means different things to different people. Should your friend or loved one be open to receiving help, ask directly what help looks like to them. Listen and respect their wishes.
You can also make suggestions if they are too overwhelmed to know what they want or need at the moment. Offer to help with:
- Childcare
- Grocery shopping
- Household chores
- Meal preparation
Encourage any form of self-care from walks to naps. Be willing to help them make or get to and from doctor’s appointments. Remain available to give them breaks and stay attentive, calm, and ready to listen.
Seeking Professional Help for Postpartum Depression
Encourage your friend or loved one to contact their ob-gyn if:
- They have experienced signs and symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) for two weeks or longer.
- Their symptoms are getting worse.
- Their symptoms are making it difficult to manage daily activities.
Their ob-gyn can connect them with resources and mental health support. Types of effective talk therapy include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — This treatment centers around changing thoughts and behaviors to help manage a condition. CBT is often used for treating anxiety and depression.
- Interpersonal therapy — Also common for depression treatment, interpersonal therapy focuses on social and personal relationships. It aims to help people improve communication in their relationships, develop support systems, and set and achieve other goals.
- Other therapy options — Support groups and parenting classes connect new moms with peers who may also be struggling.
The path to postpartum depression recovery can also include antidepressant medications.
UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital offers various treatment options and classes. Our behavioral health experts are experienced and ready to provide care. Call 412-641-1238 to speak with one of our staff members.