Postpartum Depression (Post Natal Depression), The Baby Blues

Usually, we associate the arrival of a new baby with joy and happiness. However, it is also a stressful time for new parents to adjust to the changes, especially the new mother. This is when women are susceptible to mood changes in varying degrees. From just the baby blues, to major depressive episode, or worst case scenario, postpartum psychosis; needless to say, it’s important for new mothers to recognise some of the signs and symptoms of Postpartum Depression (or Post Natal Depression). In fact, just getting pregnant is one of the biggest risk factors for a woman to develop mental illness.

A combination of factors can contribute to Postpartum Depression, and other types of mental illness. They can be biological, psychological and social. These includes previous mental health problems, family history of mental health problems, lack of social support, experience of abuse, low self-esteem, poor living conditions and major life events.

Postpartum Depression can manifest in different ways. The symptoms can begin soon after birth, lasting for months, or in severe cases for more than a year. Most of the time, it begins few months after Childbirth. Here are the key symptoms:

• a persistent feeling of sadness and low mood
• loss of interest in your surroundings and no longer enjoying things that used to give you pleasure
• lack of energy and feeling tired all the time

Other symptoms can include:

• sleep disturbance, such as not being able to fall asleep during the night or waking up earlier than normal.
• difficulties with concentration and making decisions
• poor appetite or an increase in appetite
• feeling very agitated or very apathetic (can’t be bothered)
• feelings of guilt and self-blame
• thinking about suicide or self-harm.
• thinking about harming your baby

If you have been experiencing five or more of the above symptoms for more than 2 weeks with at least one of the symptoms being depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure, you are mostly having a major depressive episode. If the symptoms started after you have given birth, then it’s more likely to be Postpartum Depression. You should contact your doctor right away to get help.

The treatment for Postpartum Depression usually includes therapy, medication, or both. Your doctor will be able to recommend suitable medication for you, especially if you are breastfeeding.

A supportive network can help ease your stress thus improve your condition. You can ask your partner, family and friends for help with the baby’s needs. It’s difficult, but don’t hide your feelings. You need to know that nobody is perfect, so don’t try to do too much on your own. Try to spend time outdoors to relax, and rest as much as you can. There’s also the option of joining a support group to talk to other mothers with similar condition.

It is important for partners, family members and friends to recognise signs of Postpartum Depression because many mothers do not recognise it, and thus delay in seeking treatment. It can be subtle and you might notice that ‘they are not themselves”. Some warning signs include:

• They often cry for no obvious reason.
• They have difficulties bonding with their baby.
• They seem to be neglecting themselves, for example, not changing clothes, or not showering
• They lose interest in things that usually brings them pleasure
• They worry that something is wrong with their baby, even if you reassure them.

If you think someone you know has postpartum depression, encourage them to open up and talk about their feelings to you, a friend, or their doctor.