Postpartum depression: Signs, Causes, Prevalence & Treatment

A Quick Guide

Postpartum Depression like the name suggests is a complex set of physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms that occur among women after childbirth. This state is also commonly known as ‘baby blues’ or ‘ post partum blues’.

Signs of postpartum depression

According to DSM-V, usually 4 weeks within or after the delivery of a child, the mother goes through drastic chemical, social and psychological changes. As a result of this big change, she experiences postpartum symptoms which are mostly depressive in nature.

Physical signs

A few physical signs or symptoms of postpartum depression include the following:

• Disturbed sleep
• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Low Libido
• Changes in Appetite

Emotional signs

Particularly, emotional signs or symptoms may include:

• Frequent mood swings
• Episodes of crying
• Low mood
• Lack of interest in the baby or not feeling anything for the baby. For example, a lot of women worry that they cannot bond with their children
• Irritability and anger outbursts
• Reduced or loss of pleasure
• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
• Experiencing a low sense of worth
• Feeling anxious
• Feeling overwhelmed with all the changes
• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy

Note: some women may also experience fears and panic about the baby’s health, not being a good mother, or accidentally harming him/her.

Cognitive signs

Cognitive signs of postpartum depression include:

• Having thoughts about dying or committing suicide.
• Thoughts about hurting others which may sometimes include the baby
• Trouble thinking and concentrating
• Difficulty making decisions

The possible reasons for postpartum depression

Biological Factors

One possible biological factor underlying postpartum depression that may possibly fuel it is the rapid chemical i.e. hormonal changes, that take place in a woman’s body from pregnancy till birth. Particularly, hormones of estrogen and progesterone are high in pregnancy and increase even further at the time of delivery. Their levels sharply return to their normal levels before the pregnancy. Since the body goes through this drastic change so suddenly, it takes time to readjust. Accordingly, this may contribute to physical and emotional symptoms of depression.

Psychological Factors

Psychological factors may also play a role in postpartum depression. Particularly, having a history of depression or having depression in your family may increase the likelihood of a woman having postpartum depression. Similarly, young age, having multiple children, being a single mother, and living alone may also increase the risk. Going through stressful life events during pregnancy or after childbirth such as developing a serious health condition, losing a loved one, losing your job, etc, may contribute to symptoms of depression in some women after childbirth.

Social Factors

Social factors may underlie some depressive symptoms among new mothers. For instance, being confused about the pregnancy, poor marital relationship with your spouse, and having low social support.

How common is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression or baby blues is not a rare experience and happens to a lot of women. Some women develop depression that is more long-lasting but the statistics are relatively lower (1 in 10). Still, others may develop serious psychotic symptoms during the postpartum period (1 in 1000) which can be dangerous for the baby, the mother, and the family. Consequently, this may require immediate hospitalization and management.  

Postpartum depression in men

Some researches suggest that men or new fathers also experience postpartum symptoms after the birth of their child. However, there are no set criteria for its diagnosis. Symptoms may occur over a span of one year. For example, irritability, restricted emotional expression, low mood, depression, etc. Men from lower socioeconomic status, with a family history of mental illness and experiencing hormonal changes, are more likely to develop postpartum depression symptoms. This can have a great impact on their family and child. It is recommended that clinicians also screen new fathers for postpartum symptoms and offer treatment.

Treatment of Postpartum depression

If you are experiencing postpartum depression or know anyone else experiencing it and think its getting severe with time, consider getting medical treatment. If symptoms are serious, medication may be advised by the psychiatrist. Some mothers may be admitted to the hospital for proper management. It is advisable to also consult a mental health professional to learn how to regulate and deal with emotions, thoughts, and behaviors associated with the post-childbirth period.

We hope you found this article useful in learning more about postpartum depression.