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Postpartum Depression (PPD)Alfreda Gee, MSW It is real. It is scary. And it can be treated. These are the most important things to know about Postpartum Depression. While some of the types, symptoms and treatments may vary among practitioners, the hold that PPD can take on a woman is rarely doubted. She needs support, treatment and reaffirmation that she is not crazy initially, and each step of the way. What is it? Postpartum Depression is a set of symptoms that a woman can experience a few days to a whole year after giving birth. It is generally accepted that there are 3 areas of severity that are all associated with the overall term of PPD. “The Baby Blues” More than half of postpartum women can have these symptoms. They are usually mild, resolve on their own, and tend to come and go over a few days to a few weeks. There is rarely much impact on the woman being able to function...take care of herself or the baby. It looks and feels like adjustment to all of her physical changes, sleeplessness, hormones, and acceptance of new roles, and emotional attachment to the baby. The symptoms can change over time and can cause some distress on the woman’s part that the feelings are “for no reason”. Symptoms can include feeling: • tearful • anxious • isolated • nervous • exhausted • resentful • sad • weepy • moody • clingy • unable to concentrate ”The Baby Blues” respond well to sleep, support, help with the chores, and time. It usually resolves on its own. Postpartum Depression PPD can begin as early as days after birth, or as long as a year after birth. It affects at least 10% of postpartum women and it can happen to absolutely any one. It does not consider race, readiness, wealth, education or health of pregnancy. There is usually some remarkable impairment to the new mother’s daily functioning. She notices, and others may notice, but may not call attention to it or may dismiss it as “expected”. The symptoms can vary among women, can vary in severity, and can alternate with better times/days. They can last a few weeks, to months. The symptoms can include feelings such as: • ashamed • overwhelmed • helpless • “not yourself” • extreme anxiety • panic • loneliness • self doubt • excessive crying • appetite changes • fear of being crazy • fear of failure as a mother • hopelessness • distracted • inability to laugh • confused Postpartum Psychosis Postpartum psychosis is rare (1 to 2 out of a 1000), and very serious. It DOES NOT resolve on its own, or at least not before serious consequences have occurred. Like depression, it can strike ANYONE. It appears days after delivery. The woman usually loses touch with reality, and may not see anything wrong with her thoughts or actions. There is an increased risk of harm to herself or the baby. Immediate treatment is needed. Symptoms can include: • loss of control • thoughts/intents to hurt self, baby or others • intrusive/bizarre thoughts • scary fantasies • complete isolation from others • hallucinations or delusions Resources: If you or someone you know has mild symptoms that make you uncomfortable, ask for help. If you are the support for a women with symptoms, read and inform yourself. Encourage her to talk about how she feels, and assure her she is not crazy, but that she may need professional help. Guilt is a strong barrier to women seeking the help they need. Support her, and keep up the support. Alfreda Gee, MSW is part of the Clinical Team for the New Hanover County Health Department. For more information on postpartum depression: Depression After Delivery, Inc. Postpartum Support International Information for this article was taken from the Depression After Delivery, Inc. web site www.depressionafterdelivery.com home | provider database | mental health library | links & resources | donate | join provider database | contact us |
