Postpartum depression and treatment

“Babyblues” vs. Postpartum Depression

Many new moms experience postpartum “baby blues” shortly after their baby is born. This can include anxiety, irritability, mood swings, crying spells, feeling overwhelmed, and restlessness. These symptoms can last up to a week or two, but generally resolve on their own without treatment. However, some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression called Postpartum Depression, or PPD. Symptoms usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth, but may begin earlier ― during pregnancy ― or later — up to a year after birth. While postpartum depression is not a failure or weakness, it does carry risks for both mother and child, as it interferes with one’s ability to care for their baby, themselves, and carry out other daily tasks. Postpartum depression is a serious, but treatable medical illness. Treatment can help manage symptoms and help one bond with their baby.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression (PPD):

  • Depressed mood or severe mood swings

  • Difficulty bonding with the baby, or feeling anxious about/around the baby

  • Excessive crying for “no reason”

  • Withdrawing from family and friends

  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

  • Changes in appetite

  • Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much

  • Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy

  • Intense irritability and anger

  • Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to still still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech [these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others]

  • Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions

  • Severe anxiety or panic attacks

  • Thoughts of death or suicide

  • Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt, inadequacy, or of being a “bad mother”

  • Thoughts or fears of harming the baby or oneself

A woman experiencing postpartum depression usually has several of these symptoms, and the symptoms and their severity may change.

Who is at risk?

Any new mother (or gestational carrier/surrogate) can experience symptoms of postpartum depression or other mood disorder. It is also important to note that some women may be at an increased risk for postpartum depression, particularly if they have previously experienced (or have a family history of) depression or other mood disorders, if they are experiencing particularly stressful life events in addition to the pregnancy, or if they do not have the support of family and friends.

These symptoms may lead new mothers to feel isolated, guilty, or ashamed, and cause them to suffer in silence or dismiss their struggles as a normal part of pregnancy and childbirth. But it is important to call your doctor and schedule an appointment if the signs and symptoms of depression:

  • Don’t fade after two weeks

  • Are getting worse

  • Make it hard for you to care for your baby

  • Make it hard to complete everyday tasks

  • Include thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

PPD in new fathers

New fathers can experience postpartum depression too. They may feel anxious, sad, fatigued, overwhelmed, or experience changes in their usual eating and sleeping patterns ― the same symptoms mothers with postpartum depression experience.

Fathers who are young, have a history of depression, experience relationship problems or are struggling financially are most at risk of postpartum depression. Postpartum depression in fathers ― sometimes called paternal postpartum depression ― can have the same negative effect on partner relationships and child development as postpartum depression in mothers can.

If you're a new father and are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety during your partner's pregnancy or in the first year after your child's birth, talk to your health care professional. Similar treatments and supports provided to mothers with postpartum depression can be beneficial in treating postpartum depression in fathers.

Diagnosis and treatment:

Postpartum depression and anxiety are real illnesses that should be taken seriously. A health care professional can diagnose postpartum depression and anxiety based on an assessment of your symptoms, which can sometimes include filling out questionnaires. Like other types of depression, PPD can be managed with psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes and supportive environment or a combination of these. With proper treatment, most new mothers find relief from their symptoms. 

Next steps

In addition to providing individual therapy, we also offer a therapy group to new parents, Navigating the 4th Trimester. This group is structured to help provide tools to manage postpartum mood difficulties as well as a safe and supportive environment. To learn more or to book a free phone consultation with one of our therapists, please call us at 780-860-7338 or fill out our contact form.

The following therapists are able to treat Postpartum Depression:

Featured
Charlene Frank
Charlene Frank

M.S.W., Registered Clinical Social Worker, Not accepting new clients

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). What is Peripartum Depression (formerly Postpartum)? Retrieved from American Psychiatric Association: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/postpartum-depression

Mayo Clinic. (2022). Postpartum Depression. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/