Postpartum/Postnatal Depression

The symptoms usually start soon after birth of the baby. However, in some women the symptom may start after few  weeks to months and last for several weeks to months. Depression that occurs within 6 months of childbirth may be postpartum depression.

What are the symptoms?

1. The mother may experience sadness, dullness, and excessive tiredness. She may have significant loss of interest in pleasurable activities. She may also have irritability and anxiety over trivial matters. She may also find herself weeping often.
2. Some women may feel guilty and blame themselves for the misery, and feel worthless. The depressed mother may also express her inability to care for the baby and may not feel the normal joy when interacting with the baby.
3. She may not feel close to the baby and may experience anxiety about caring for the baby.
4. Activities which would otherwise provide enjoyment like playing with the baby seem to be boring and tedious.
5. Her food intake may reduce and there may be difficulty in falling asleep with frequent awakenings during sleep.
6. A small number of depressed women may feel that life is not worth living and if depression becomes severe, they may even think of ending their life.
7. More often than not, the depression may manifest as withdrawal, decreased interest in caring for the baby and an inability to laugh and enjoy things.
8. Feeling depressed doesn't mean that you are a bad person, that you did something wrong or that you brought this on yourself.

Who gets postpartum depression?

  Postpartum depression is more likely if some of the following are present:

1. Previous history of similar problems during postpartum period.
2. Pre existing depression that may be present even before pregnancy. Pre-existing depression can worsen during postpartum period.
3. A history of severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in which women have mood changes before every period.
4. Stressful family environment.
5. Relationship problems with the spouse.
6. Poor support from family members or friends.
7. Stressful life events during pregnancy or after childbirth (such as severe illness during pregnancy, premature birth or a difficult delivery).

Why do women get postpartum depression?

The exact cause is not known. Some possible reasons are related to the hormonal changes during pregnancy and right after childbirth. It may also be related to stressful situations at home which increase the chances of a woman having  depression during this period.

How long does postpartum depression last?

    It varies for each woman. Some women feel better within a few weeks, but others may continue to have symptoms for  several months. Please remember that help is available and that you can get better.

What kinds of treatments help with postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is treated much like any other depression. Support, counseling and medicines can all help. Milder forms are treated with psychosocial methods (such as counseling, psychotherapy), while in some cases medications are necessary.

What can I do to help myself?

1. Find someone to talk to and tell that person about your feelings.
2. Get in touch with people who can help you with child care and household chores.
3. Find time to do something for yourself like reading, going for walk, talking to friends.
4.  Childbirth brings many changes and looking after a small baby can be quite challenging. It is important that you don’t keep your frustration and sadness to yourself- but share it with you friends, husband or doctor.
5. Ask other people to help you when you need it.
6. Talk with your doctor- maybe a gynecologist, family doctor or pediatrician about how you feel.