For many mothers, the experience of pregnancy and childbirth is often followed by sadness, fear, anxiety, and difficulty making decisions. Many women have difficulty finding the energy to care for themselves, their infants, and their families. Some even have feelings about harming themselves and their children.
Postpartum Depression (PPD) is the most common medical complication related to childbearing. It can occur in any women within a year after giving birth. Without treatment, symptoms may last a few weeks, months or even years. In rare cases, the severe symptoms indicate potential danger to the mother and baby. In all cases, help is available.
There are a number of reasons why you may get depressed. As a woman, your body undergoes many changes during and after pregnancy. You may experience mood swings. A new baby will change your sleeping schedule and your lifestyle. In addition, there are many pressures to be the perfect mother.
Some women have family members with depression, some women have had depression in their own past, and for some women, the cause is unclear. But for every woman who suffers from PPD, the causes are as unique as she is.
A family history of depression or bipolar disorder, a history of alcohol or drug abuse, a recent stressful event, relationship or financial problems, or a previous pregnancy with PPD increases a woman's chances of having PPD.
Keep in mind, PPD can affect any woman- regardless of age, race, income, culture, or education. It affects women who breastfeed and those who don't. It affects women with healthy babies and those whose children are ill. It affects first-time mothers and those with more than one child. Because PPD is a health problem, it is not the fault of any woman.
About one in eight women suffer from PPD. Symptoms can begin at the birth of a child or any time in the first year after giving birth.
Common symptoms for PPD include:
A very small number of women (one or two in 1000) suffer from a rare and severe form of PPD called Postpartum Psychosis (PPP). Women who have a bipolar disorder or other psychiatric problem may have a higher risk for developing this form of depression.
Symptoms of PPP may include:
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW FITS THIS DESCRIPTION, PLEASE SEEK MEDICAL HELP IMMEDIATELY. THIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY REQUIRING URGENT CARE.
Below is a chart that can be used to compare the symptoms of Baby Blues, Postpartum Depression (PPD), and Postpartum Psychosis (PPP).
| Baby Blues | PPD | PPP | |
| Common Onset | Peaks at about one week | By 6 weeks but can occur anytime within first year | Sudden and extreme onset |
| Duration | 2-3 weeks or up to 6 weeks | Depends on treatment but usually resolves within months | Can be ongoing or episodic |
| Sleep | Some changes in sleep pattern apart from infant care | Inability to sleep or constant sleeping | Insomnia and sleep disturbances |
| Weight | Not impacted | Significant gain or loss | Significant gain or loss |
| Thoughts | Some intrusive thoughts that are quickly recognized as illogical and then dismissed | Varying inability to control or stop intrusive thoughts | Delusions, hallucinations, suicidal or homocidal thoughts |
| Concentration | Forgetfulness, distraction | Forgetfulness, distraction, inability to think logically | Illogical choices. confusion, disordered thought patterns |
| Mood | Mood swings, irritable, anxious | Angry, sad, extremely anxious | Severe depression |
| Feelings | Concern about self but not extreme guilt about feelings | Guilt, irrational fears, hopelessness | Extreme fears or lack of any fears |
| Behavior | Tearful, sensitive | Tearful, hypersensitive, lethargic, manic/ "hyper", loss of interest in others or usual activities | Blackouts, can (but may not) exhibit strange behaviors |
Women with any of these conditions (including Baby Blues) are NOT to blame and need immediate active support... both emotional and physical. Bring a meal, do her dishes, or take her baby (s) out for a walk so she can nap. Send a card, call her daily or weekly, PRAY for her. Be there for her and listen. But do not ignore her.
Only a trained health care or mental health professional can tell you whether you have Postpartum Depression. However, the following checklist can help you know whether you have some of the common symptoms.
During the past week or two-
If you could agree to more than one of these statements, I encourage you to visit with a trained health care or mental health professional who can help determine if you are suffering from PPD and advise a course of action.
Some women may find it hard talking about PPD. They may be unsure if they have it or how to discuss it. They may wish to deal with their problem secretly and hope that it goes away on its own.
These feelings are more common than one would expect. However, every woman must realize that she is not alone. PPD affects thousands of women and can be treated successfully. It is possible to feel better. Here are some things that can help.
The symptoms of PPD often create a very difficult situation for families. Children suffer when they lose the attention and support of their mother. Loved ones suffer because they don't know what to do or how to help. Other family members are often called upon to fill the gap. Because PPD affects the entire family, it is critical that family members recognize the symptoms and help their loved one get help.
WONDERFUL video for fathers and family...
If you know a woman who has the symptoms of PPD, this is how you can help.
As a spouse:
As a friend or family member:
If you suspect you may be experiencing any of these disorders, it is important to seek the advice of a medical professional immediately. The information presented here is not medical advice and is not to be taken as such.
The information listed on this page was taken from the US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration and Christian PPD Support.
