Up to 80 percent of women with new babies experience the “baby blues”. This only lasts about two weeks and is only usually felt during the very early stages of motherhood. If your emotional vulnerability and depression lasts longer than two weeks, you may be suffering from postpartum depression. This clinical depression is severe and affects about 20 percent of new mothers. There is no definite time for the onset of postpartum depression and it can occur at any stage during the first year of your child's life.
Common symptoms of postpartum depression include; insomnia, uncontrolled sadness, lack of interest in pleasurable activities, diminished concentration, lack of appetite, feelings of anxiety, mood swings and irritability, self-imposed isolation from friends and family, overwhelming guilt, panic attacks (symptoms can include high heart rate, dizziness, feelings of dread and impending doom, confusion), self-destructive, negative, or scary thoughts. These symptoms are just a guideline; a trained healthcare worker or doctor can assess you to confirm if you really have PPD.
Some women suffering from PPD doubt their own abilities to look after their child properly; others are convinced that they will end up hurting their child. It is imperative that you do not mix up PPD with normal depression associated with the stress and fatigue of early motherhood. Bouts of sadness, depression and feeling overwhelmed are normal during the first few weeks. If you find that you are suffering from chronic panic attacks or spending entire days crying, it is best that you seek help from your midwife or doctor.
PPD can start at any time after pregnancy and it can affect any woman no matter how emotionally strong and prepared she is. Doctors and medical authorities have a long history of misdiagnosing PPD and blaming the symptoms on hormonal changes or feminine moodiness. Even though the medical profession takes this condition more seriously, society is slower to change perceptions. A mother with PPD is often seen as being “inadequate” and family members can't grasp how a mother can have negative thoughts about her role as a caregiver for her baby. The concept is frightening to most people.
A more severe condition is PPP – postpartum psychosis. This manifests itself in the form of extreme behaviour on the mother's part, along with possible hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, mania, paranoia and delusional thinking. This condition requires immediate medical intervention and treatment, since harm can come to the mother and to the child.
PPD has a number of possible causes and it is probably a combination of influences that sets it off. Hormones, environmental, genetic, biochemical and psychological factors all play a part. A history of depression and genetics are among the biggest factors in PPD onset.
There are factors that can put you at a higher risk of experiencing PPD, such as having an unplanned pregnancy; having an unsupportive spouse, experiencing marital difficulties, having gone through a big life change – such as moving – around the time you had your baby, having had complications during labour, you experienced childhood abuse or came from a dysfunctional family, you or someone in your family having thyroid problems (thyroid problems can make you predisposed to having PPD, but don't cause it directly).
If you suspect that you have PPD, get yourself diagnosed professionally. There is help available from doctors, healthcare workers and baby clinics. If you feel that you are unable to cope or are a danger to your child, you need to get hold of a professional immediately. Besides getting help from outside sources, there are things you can do to make PPD easier to deal with:
Treat yourself well by ensuring that you get enough sleep, eat regular meals and avoid dwelling on guilt feelings - your condition does not mean you don't love your child. Don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it, from family or friends. If someone can help by cooking a meal, doing the washing or shopping, it can make a big difference to your day.
Find a positive outlet for your feelings. Share what you are going through by talking to loved ones or by joining a support group. Sharing your experiences with other mothers going through the same trials as you are will be beneficial to your recovery.
Do not neglect your physical appearance. Superficial as it may seem, putting on your normal makeup everyday and wearing proper clothing helps prevent you from sinking into deeper depression. Ask your partner to look after your baby, while you indulge in a relaxing bath or long shower. Avoid wearing your maternity clothing, even if it fits. In fact, you should go on a special shopping trip and buy nice postpartum clothing.
Going for walks outdoors will do you and your child a lot of good. Put your child in a pram or buggy and go to a nearby park or meet a friend at a coffee shop. The fresh air, company and change of scenery will relax you and take your mind of your condition for a while.
Take things easy with your daily household routine. Delegate some of the chores to your partner or other family members. Do not catch up on tasks while your baby sleeps, instead use this time for personal needs. Turn your phone off when you are busy with your baby or doing other things around the house. Only have it on when it is convenient for you to talk. Take advantage of shopping delivery services and take-away food. Do not stress about work waiting for you at the office – there is nothing you can do about it until you are better.
You will probably be on antidepressants and may need to consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding. There is not much data to go on concerning the effects of antidepressants while nursing. Many doctors believe that the advantages of breastfeeding are greater than the possible risks of the antidepressants affecting your baby.
Your husband, or partner, can play a big role in helping you to recover smoothly. Speak to your husband about how PPD affects you and how much you need his support. Your husband will also experience stress and fatigue, so have empathy for him too. Arrange for your husband to speak to your doctor or health workers about how PPD affects you and how he can help you cope with it.
