What is postpartum Depression?
Postpartum Depression is when parents experience depressive symptoms after childbirth. These symptoms consist of feelings of sadness, guilt, worthlessness, inability to take care of herself or the baby, and others. Approximately 1 in every 7 women experience postpartum depression. It could cause many difficulties in personal life including taking care of the baby.
What are the types of postpartum depression?
Postpartum blues or baby blues: this is when you experience feelings of sadness and crying bursts a few days after childbirth that wouldn’t last more than two weeks and would subside without treatment.
Postpartum depression: this is when the depressive symptoms last for weeks or months. There are persistent feelings of sadness and guilt, anxiety and irritability, inability to do daily functions or take care of oneself or the baby.
Postpartum psychosis: this is a severe form of postpartum depression in which the symptoms could include agitation, irritability, confusion, delusions or hallucinations, thoughts of harming oneself or the baby,
Causes:
There are multiple factors that act to cause postpartum depression, these could include:
Personal history of Depression
Family history
Lack of social support
Pregnancy complications
Difficult childbirth
Stress and sleep deprivation
Life stressors such as financial and employment issues.
Signs and symptoms:
Persistent sadness or low mood
Crying spells and mood swings
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
Extreme fatigue or difficulty sleeping
Changes in appetite or weight
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Can fathers get postpartum depression?
Fathers can experience depression after childbirth as well, they may feel sad, irritable, overwhelmed with the changes and sleep deprivation. The causes include family or personal history, relationship issues, marriage problems and stress.
Treatment options at mind clinic:
Postpartum Depression is a treatable condition with many available options and modalities that could improve the person’s life significantly. Treatment varies according to severity and it could consist of psychotherapy, medications, a combination of both.In Mind Clinic we follow a holistic approach in assessing and treating Depression.
Firstly, a psychiatric assessment would be conducted in which the doctor assesses the person through personal interview, family interviewer, who would be interviewed as well.Questionnaires or medical tests may be required depending on the individual’s medical history.
After the assessment and diagnosis, an initial plan is made depending on what is best for the person. This could include medications, therapy approaches or a combination of both depending on the person’s need and goals.
A psychological assessment would be conducted by a therapist to determine what might help according to the individual’s specific needs, the options could include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Interpersonal therapy (IPT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Family focused Therapy or couples Therapy. Other options could be discussed as a part of the personalized plan for each person such as nutrition and diet counseling, and education.
References:
Mayo clinic. (2022, November 24). Postpartum Depression. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617
Cleveland Clinic. (2022, December 4). Postpartum Depression. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9312-postpartum-depression
MSD Manual. (2022, August). Postpartum Depression. https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/quick-facts-women-s-health-issues/postpartum-care/postpartum-depression