By HAYDEN FINCH, PhD
For a long time, we’ve known about the “baby blues,” but only over the last few decades have we really begun to research and understand postpartum depression. Women with the “baby blues” have
- mood swings
- irritability
- appetite problems
- crying spells
- symptoms of depression and anxiety
- trouble sleeping
These symptoms of the “baby blues” usually go away within a couple of weeks of the baby’s birth. But some new mommies develop a condition that lasts much longer and interferes with the ability to care for and bond with their babies. The symptoms are more severe than what is seen with “baby blues” and include
- depressed mood or intense irritability
- excessive crying
- social withdrawal and lack of interest in pleasurable activities
- major changes in sleep and appetite
- overwhelming fatigue
- trouble bonding with the baby and a fear that they’re not a good mom
- feelings of worthlessness or inadequacy
- thoughts about harming yourself or even your baby
“New moms are sleep deprived, overwhelmed, and anxious. They’re dealing with body image issues, pain from nursing, insecurity about motherhood, and a major change in identity, especially if this is the first baby. All of this psychologically contributes to the onset of postpartum depression.”
Postpartum depression is a very serious condition and should be treated immediately, especially if the symptoms aren’t improving after a couple of weeks, are worsening, are interfering with completing everyday tasks or bonding with your baby, or include any thoughts of harm of any kind. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call 911 immediately. Also, seek care from your psychologist or physician or call 1-800-273-TALK.
Causes
The causes of postpartum depression aren’t completely understood, but we do know physical and emotional disturbance are key. Physically, after childbirth, there are major hormonal changes, especially a drop in estrogen and progesterone. Emotionally, having a baby is incredibly stressful. Hopefully it’s a good stress, but it’s a stressor any way you look at it. New moms are sleep deprived, overwhelmed, and anxious. They’re dealing with body image issues, pain from nursing, insecurity about motherhood, and a major change in identity, especially if this is the first baby. All of this psychologically contributes to the onset of postpartum depression.
Risk Factors
Your risk of experiencing postpartum depression increases under the following circumstances:
- You have a personal or family history of depression, bipolar disorder, or postpartum depression
- You’ve also had some other major stressors over the past year (e.g., unemployment, new job, relocation, divorce/separation, etc.)
- Your baby has health problems or other special needs that require even more care than is typical for a baby
- You are having trouble breastfeeding
- You have limited support from your partner or family
Evaluation & Treatment
If it’s diagnosed as postpartum depression, you’ll want to get connected to a psychologist who has experience and expertise in treating postpartum depression, and you might consider talking to your physician about whether antidepressants are advised. Challenge your thoughts about being the “perfect” mom (see my blog posts about perfectionism) and allow your friends and family to help out as much as possible while you make healthy lifestyle choices (e.g., with diet and exercise and sleep) and connect with others.
If it’s diagnosed as “baby blues,” you can expect the symptoms will probably fade away on their own within a few weeks. Get some rest, focus on caring for yourself, allow your partner and extended family to help out, and connect with other new moms.
As a final note, I want to mention that there is also a very serious postpartum condition called postpartum psychosis, which when untreated can be very dangerous for the mother and baby. Get immediate mental health treatment if there are any indications of strange sensory experiences (e.g., seeing ghosts/shadows/figures, hearing music/whispers/voices, etc.), really bizarre beliefs that don’t match reality (e.g., the devil is coming to harm the family), or any dangerous behavior to self or the baby.
Hayden C. Finch, PhD,
is a practicing psychologist
in Des Moines, Iowa.
