P O S T - P A R T U M    D E P R E S S I O N

Motherhood does not automatically bring contentment but rather it can be a time of increased vulnerability to depression. It is not certain what causes postpartum disorders but it is likely that in vulnerable women the sudden and dramatic hormonal shifts can precipitate the onset of a mood disorder which can be serious and disabling. It is important to recognize the warning signs for postpartum disorders to avoid the long term negative impact on children, their development, and on the family. Postpartum disorders are treatable so prompt attention is advised.

Generally, when postpartum disorders occur, you cannot just pull yourself out of it. If you could, you obviously would. If you think you are experiencing more postpartum difficulty than what feels typical or others around you think you are depressed, it is wise to get some consultation on these issues. This is not only important for you, but also for your child. Babies are very sensitive to their parent's' moods even from birth. In most cases depression makes a mom more silent, irritable, inattentive, lacking in playfulness and unresponsive to the child's needs. So if you are depressed and experiencing the following symptoms, this is most likely affecting your parenting and your abilities to respond and connect with your child. This is not to say that when you have a bad day or stressful week that you are damaging your child through your parenting. I am referring to an ongoing and prolonged experience and not the normal mood fluctuations of everyday life.

There are 3 types of postpartum disorders – postpartum blues, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis.

1. Postpartum Blues:

This is the mildest and most short lived of the postpartum disorders. The postpartum blues affect 80% of new mothers. A woman experiences tearfulness, exhaustion, anger, irritability, stress, worry, restlessness, and emotionality. Usually this lasts for about two weeks. It usually diminishes with emotional and household support. However, 29% of women who experience "the blues" will experience more serious postpartum depression.

2. Postpartum Depression:

Approximately 10-15% of women in general experience postpartum depression. Women with a history of depression have a 1 in 4 chance of suffering from post-partum depression. If a woman has had a prior postpartum depression, the statistics of risk are even higher. Other risk factors include a family history of depression or postpartum depression, poor or no partner support, having an infant with health problems, and having an unplanned pregnancy. If you are experiencing the following symptoms you may want to consult your physician or a psychologist as soon as possible.

• depressed mood,
• diminishing pleasure in daily activities,
• sleep problems that increase, especially sleep problems returning to sleep after feeding the baby,
• eating or appetite problems – too little or too much,
• extreme restlessness or listlessness,
• fatigue or exhaustion,
• low self-esteem – self depreciating thoughts or self-doubt increasing discomfort with being a mother,
• extreme anxiety and excessive worrying about the health of the baby,
• thoughts of harm to self or to the baby,
• feelings of guilt,
• lack of steps to counteract fatigue or taking care of self,
• avoiding people and becoming social isolation,
• panic attacks,
• difficulty interacting with the baby,
• difficulties in concentration and thinking.

3. Postpartum Psychosis:

This illness affects 1 mother in 1000. It is the most serious of the postpartum disorders and the most rare. However, it needs immediate attention. The following symptoms are associated with post-partum sychosis:

• debilitating confusion,
• hallucinations,
• rapid swings of mood,
• insomnia,
• agitation,
• delusions (frequently involving the baby),
• paranoia,
• disorganization of thought and behavior.

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