Its more serious than the baby blues as it can interfere with a new mothers ability to function.
Its important for new mothers and family members to be on the lookout for signs of postpartum depression.
Its treatable and early intervention can be key to helping mothers feel better as quickly as possible.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Symptoms of PPD vary from person to person.
And they may fluctuate on a daily basis.
They sometimes temporarily subside and then resurface.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Diagnosis
A physician or mental health professional can diagnose PPD.
This diagnosis would be made after an interview and assessment.
This is part of the screening process for postpartum depression.
Physicians may run some tests to rule out any health issues that may be contributing to symptoms.
Thyroid conditions, for example, can cause depression.
Treatment
Treatment for PPD may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both.
Zuranolone is a once-a-day medication for postpartum depression taken over two weeks.
Antidepressantsare also commonly prescribed to treat it.
These regulate the chemicals in the brain that manage emotions.
But it can take a few weeks for them to take effect.
And sometimes the first antidepressant doesnt work, so a new medication may be tried.
Some antidepressants are safe to take if youre breastfeeding, but others are not.
Your physician will discuss treatment options with you as well as any side effects you might experience.
Your physician may refer you to a therapist as well.
Causes
Postpartum depression affects up to 15% of mothers.
Psychosocial risk factors for postpartum depression include:
Postpartum depression may be related to sensitivity to hormonal fluctuations.
Women who previously had the condition are more likely to experience it again after the birth of another baby.
Normal fluctuations in hormonal levels during pregnancy and after delivery can lead tochanges in sleep patterns.
And these interruptions in sleep can contribute to the onset of postpartum depression.
One study found that difficulty falling asleep during the first three months after delivery can be a risk factor.
Prognosis
Its important to seek treatment forpostpartum depression.
Without treatment, symptoms can worsen.
In addition to experiencing emotional pain, women with postpartum depression are at a greater risk of suicide.
In extreme cases, women with the condition have hurt or even killed their babies.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
Theres also a greater risk that mothers with postpartum depression may struggle to form healthy attachments with their babies.
This can have longer-term consequences on children and families.
And it can also affect a couples relationship as well.
Some people may find that symptoms resolve on their own.
Others may have their symptoms cleared with medication, therapy, or a combination of the two.
Most mothers feel better after about six months of treatment.
Many new mothers feel too embarrassed or guilty to tell anyone that theyre struggling.
But postpartum depression can happen to anyone after childbirth.
You might ask someone to help you watch the baby so you could take a nap.
Or you may need to tell your partner what kinds of things would be helpful for you right now.
So request that they assist you with household chores or errands if these things seem overwhelming.
Or simply let someone know that you’re gonna wanna talk.
Its important to work on caring for yourself when youre dealing with postpartum depression.
Of course, this can be difficult when youre caring for your new baby too.
It can also help to join a support group for new mothers.
Youll likely find that many of them are experiencing (or have experienced) PPD as well.
Share your symptoms, and talk about your concernseven though it may be tough to do so.
Your physician can assist you in getting thetreatment you better feel your best.
Offer practical assistance or emotional support if youre able to do so.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.FDA Approves First Oral Treatment for Postpartum Depression.
The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing.
Archives of Womens Mental Health.
Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.
Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol.
2014;28(1):4960. doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2013.08.009
