The Hidden Battle: Supporting Women Through Postpartum Depression

Meeting someone who is suffering or has suffered from a form of postpartum depression is more common than you think. One in seven women experience a form of Postpartum Depression (PPD). These are neighbors, family members, and colleagues who often suffer in silence. It is very common and also very difficult for many women to seek out help in this period of time with the demands of a new baby. Apogee Behavioral Medicine professionals are experts in diagnosing and treating PPD, Perinatal Depression, and Postpartum Psychosis and want to bring light to the spectrum of depression that many new mothers suffer from and support them through education on this subject. 

Making and Bringing Up a Baby 

Women’s bodies perform an incredible feat making another human. It may take as long as 6-8 weeks to recover from giving birth, but the body does not return to normal for up to a year or more.  To put in an energetic perspective, a new study found it takes 49,753 dietary calories — the equivalent of 199 Snickers candy bars each containing 250 calories, to carry a child to term. This is just to carry a child, following the stress of birth, there is also nursing and sleep deprivation from feeding. A major depressive episode’s symptoms can hide relatively easily within the characteristic stress related to caring for a newborn. 

Is it the baby blues? Or Major Depressive Disorder 

Many women experience what is commonly called “the baby blues” after giving birth. It is physically a period of adjustment where milk is coming in, hormones are rebalancing, a body is physically repairing from delivery or C-section, and it is very common. This usually begins 2-3 days after birth and lasts around two weeks after giving birth. The emotional symptoms are also related to the new responsibilities of caring for a newborn. Symptoms of this period may mimic a depressive episode and include crying spells, sleeplessness, anxiety, and feelings of general overwhelm. 

How do you know what are the baby blues, and major depression? Knowing which is which and when to seek treatment for yourself or a loved one is critically important to the outcomes of a mother and a child. Perinatal Depression is the term defined within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders as a major depressive episode within 4 weeks of giving birth. Postpartum Depression also includes up to a year following the birth, and PPD is not in the DSM. 

Depression during or after pregnancy may include the following symptoms: 

• Persistent sadness and low mood 
• Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed 
• Gain or loss of weight 
• Change in sleep patterns 
• Fatigue 
• Changes in motor activities, such as speech, or pacing 
• Feelings of unworthiness and guilt 
• Inability to concentrate or make decisions 
• Lack of connection with the baby 
• Feelings of inadequacy as a caregiver 
• Fear of harming oneself or the baby 

The appearance and severity of these symptoms may change and it is very important for those surrounding a new mother to take notice. Providing support and checking in with new moms during and after pregnancy help ensure favorable outcomes for both mother and child. The risk to mother and child posed by Postpartum Depression can be fatal for mothers and is linked to cognitive problems and delays in the development of the child.  Both Perinatal and Postpartum are treatable through medical and therapeutic interventions, and early prevention is key. 

When to Seek Help for Yourself or Others 

Of the annual average of 900,000 women who experience Postpartum Depression, only 6% seek an intervention. How can we better support our friends, partners, and loved ones through pregnancy and beyond? First, notice the signs listed above. Checking in often, offering to watch or feed the baby while a new mother rests, babysitting older children, cooking a meal, or helping in everyday activities are ways to help new mothers. As partners and loved ones, we can promote self-care patience, and grace as they have been through an incredible journey and one that has also just begun as a mother. Most importantly, know when to seek help. 

PPD Emergency: Postpartum Psychosis 

Sometimes, new mothers develop what is called Postpartum Psychosis. It is a very serious mental illness and is considered a medical emergency. Symptoms appear hours after birth or within the first two weeks. The symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, either feeling very very high or low feelings and confusion. Postpartum Psychosis can rapidly get worse and place both mother and child in danger. Immediately see a health care provider or call 911. If you have a care plan, or if you’ve been assessed as being at high risk of developing postpartum psychosis. However, many who have Postpartum Psychosis may not know they have it, so partners, friends, and families may need to take action. 

Apogee Behavioral Medicine offers Postpartum Depression/Perinatal Depression medical and therapeutic care, and believe that it is our duty, not only as mental health professionals, but as mothers, fathers, sisters, and friends to ensure that mothers are properly supported and cared for.