Dr. S. Sudarsanan
Postpartum depression occurs in women soon after giving birth. Symptoms include sadness and hopelessness. The birth of a baby can trigger a jumble of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. But it can also result in something you might not expect – depression. Postpartum depression is a serious medical condition that can be prolonged and disabling without treatment and can affect a baby’s development.
Faced by parents
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Feb 10- Feb 16
Many new moms experience the “baby blues” (usually peak around the fourth postpartum day and subside in less than 2 weeks) after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings and crying spells that fade quickly.
But some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression marked by feelings of sadness or emptiness, withdrawal from family and friends, a strong sense of failure, and even thoughts of suicide. This is known as postpartum depression.
Rarely, an extreme form of postpartum depression known as postpartum psychosis develops after childbirth. Postpartum depression sometimes is simply a complication of giving birth. If you have postpartum depression, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms – and enjoy your baby.
Reasons
Postpartum depression seems to be triggered by the sudden hormone changes that happen after childbirth. There’s no single cause of postpartum depression. Physical, emotional and lifestyle factors may all play a role.
* Physical changes – After childbirth, a dramatic drop in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) in your body may contribute to postpartum depression. Other hormones produced by your thyroid gland also may drop sharply – which can leave you feeling tired, sluggish and depressed. Changes in your blood volume, blood pressure, immune system and metabolism can contribute to fatigue and mood swings.
* Emotional factors – When you’re sleep deprived and overwhelmed, you may have trouble handling even minor problems. You may be anxious about your ability to care for a newborn. You may feel less attractive or struggle with your sense of identity. You may feel that you’ve lost control over your life.
* Lifestyle influences – include a demanding baby or older siblings, difficulty breast-feeding, financial problems, and lack of support from your partner or other loved ones.
How to cope with it?
Postpartum depression can have a ripple effect, causing emotional strain for everyone close to a new baby. When a new mother is depressed, the risk of depression in the baby’s father may also increase. And new dads are already at increased risk of depression, whether or not their partner is affected.
The already stressful, exhausting period following a baby’s birth is much more difficult when depression occurs. You may start to resent a partner struggling with depression, especially when you’re overworked and under-rested yourself. But remember: Depression is never anyone’s fault, and it can’t be fixed with a stiff upper lip or a positive attitude. Depression is a medical illness that needs treatment.
If you’re having trouble coping with postpartum depression in your family, talk with a therapist. Depression is a treatable condition. The sooner you get help, the sooner you’ll be fully equipped to help your partner and enjoy your new baby.
Treatments and preventions
Postpartum depression is often treated with counseling and medication. Counseling. It may help to talk through your concerns with a psychologist or other mental health professional. Through counseling, you can find better ways to cope with your feelings, solve problems and set realistic goals. Sometimes family or relationship therapy also helps.
Antidepressants. Antidepressants are a proven treatment for postpartum depression. If you’re breast-feeding, it’s important to know that any medication you take will enter your breast milk.
* If you have a history of postpartum depression – tell your doctor as soon as you find out you’re pregnant. Sometimes mild depression can be managed with support groups, and counseling.
* After your baby is born, your doctor may recommend an early postpartum checkup to screen for signs and symptoms of postpartum depression. The earlier it’s detected, the earlier treatment can begin.
What kinds of parents face this problem?
Postpartum depression can develop after the birth of any child, not just the first. The risk increases if:
* You have a history of depression, either during pregnancy or at other times
* You had postpartum depression after a previous pregnancy
* You’ve experienced stressful events during the past year, such as pregnancy complications, illness or job loss
* You’re having problems in your relationship with your spouse
* You have a weak support system
* You have financial problems
* The pregnancy was unplanned or unwanted
How does it get heal
Postpartum depression isn’t generally a condition that you can treat on your own – but you can do some things for yourself that build on your treatment plan and help speed recovery.
* Make healthy lifestyle choices. Include physical activity, such as a walk with your baby, in your daily routine. Eat healthy foods, and avoid alcohol.
* Set realistic expectations. Don’t pressure yourself to do everything. Do what you can and leave the rest. Ask for help when you need it.
* Make time for yourself. If you feel like the world is coming down around you, take some time for yourself. Get dressed, leave the house, and visit a friend or run an errand.
* Respond positively. When faced with a negative situation, focus on keeping your thoughts positive. Even if an unwanted situation doesn’t change, you can change the way you think and behave in response to it – a brief course of cognitive behavioral therapy may help you learn how to do this.
* Avoid isolation. Talk with your partner, family and friends about how you’re feeling. Ask other mothers about their experiences. Ask your doctor about local support groups for new moms or women who have postpartum depression.
Remember, the best way to take care of your baby is to take care of yourself.
(The author is Sr Consultant Psychiatrist, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi)
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