PPD in Depth
Postpartum Depression is an issue which is primarily rooted in the physical realm yet it extends to the emotional realms, as well. Exposing the prevalent misconceptions is the first step in the road to recovery.
What is PPD?
Postpartum Depression can occur during pregnancy, or up to a year after childbirth. It presents with feelings of sadness, unhappiness, frustration, and inadequacy. Although everyone experiences such ‘down’ moments at times, depression is only diagnosed when these feelings interfere with an individual’s daily functioning for an extended period of time. Mothers who are dealing with this condition may display changes in sleeping patterns, a loss of appetite and incessant irritability.
PPD is fairly common, affecting one out of five new mothers. Researchers believe that postpartum depression is the most common complication after childbirth, and timely intervention greatly reduces its effects. Unfortunately, eighty percent of women suffering from PPD symptoms do not seek help. They are needlessly restrained by lack of knowledge and awareness. Dealing with the difficulties by burying one’s head in the sand, will not eliminate the problem. In fact, negligence could cause a mild case of PPD to balloon tremendously over time, thus necessitating greater amounts of intervention, therapy, or medication.
What Causes PPD?
If someone is stricken with a virulent virus, would he hide behind a facade of good health? Would he avoid medical treatment due to feelings of embarrassment that he has contracted this disease? Obviously not! Physical illness is not a cause for shame, and does not call for one to withdraw in humiliation. The field of medicine has advanced tremendously in recent years, providing relief for a wide range of ailments. It would be foolish to forgo the benefits of their advancements.
PPD is an illness which is rooted in physical factors. During pregnancy, two hormones in a woman’s body, namely estrogen and progesterone, increase greatly. Within twenty-four hours after childbirth, the levels of these two hormones drop drastically as they revert to their pre-pregnancy levels. Researchers contend that the sudden hormonal changes induce symptoms of depression in some women.
In certain instances, the symptoms of PPD can be traced to low-thyroid levels. The thyroid is a small gland in the neck which controls our metabolism. When food is consumed, the thyroid regulates the usage and storage of energy found in the food. Following childbirth, the levels of thyroid hormones may drop, triggering signs of depression. Low thyroid levels can result in irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating; sleep irregularities, and weight gain. A simple blood-test can detect low thyroid levels, and medicine is prescribed to regulate this seemingly insignificant gland.
The following factors may also contribute to the development and severity of PPD:
Exhaustion after delivery coupled with sleep deprivation and interrupted sleep patterns prevents the new mother from regaining her strength.
New mothers may feel overwhelmed and incapable of dealing with the newborn and/or other children.
Stress is a notorious enemy which plagues many postpartum mothers. The pressure of performing optimally both at the home-front and at work may induce depression.
After childbirth, many women experience feelings of loss. Life as they knew it is irrevocably transformed by the arrival of the baby. Mothers may feel restricted by their new responsibilities and resent the fact that they must give up their previous schedules.
Symptoms of PPD:
Now that postpartum depression has been downsized to its actual proportions, we can begin evaluating its concrete symptoms. PPD is a physical disorder, and it certainly does not reflect one’s mental or emotional equilibrium. With proper treatment, the underlying factors can be resolved to eliminate all signs of depression.
Any of the following symptoms, when present for an extended period of time (i.e. longer than two weeks), calls for a medical diagnosis:
Feeling restless or irritable
Feeling sad, hopeless, and overwhelmed
Excessive bouts of crying
Having no energy or motivation
Drastic increase or decrease in appetite
Drastic change in sleeping patterns – sleeping excessively or vice versa.
Experiencing difficulties in focusing, remembering, or making decisions
Feeling worthless and guilty
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and daily activities
Sudden withdrawal from friends and family
Experiencing headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations (the heart beating extremely fast and feeling as if it’s skipping beats), or hyperventilation (rapid, shallow breathing)
Fear of hurting the baby or oneself and not displaying any interest in the baby’s welfare.
Baby Blues, Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Psychosis:
Feelings of depression after childbirth run the gamut from mild and moderate to severe. A short period of sadness is considered part and parcel of the childbirth experience, and is commonly known as the ‘Baby Blues’. New mothers may experience sudden mood swings, unexplained crying spells, loss of appetite, and sleeping problems. These symptoms are extremely mild and they should subside within a week after childbirth. Although treatment is unnecessary, the ‘baby blues’ can be alleviated by napping when the baby does, asking for help from family and friends, and by socializing with others in similar circumstances.
When does a simple, uncomplicated case of ‘baby blues’ merit the title of PPD? If the symptoms persist for longer than two weeks, interfere with a woman’s functioning and negatively impact her well-being, medical attention is recommended. As stated above, PPD is extremely common and prompt intervention reduces its severity. Just as one would seek a doctor’s counsel for other physical ailments, one should do the same for postpartum depression.
Postpartum Psychosis is fairly uncommon, occurring in one or two of every 1,000 births. Women who have bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder (two categories of psychiatric disorders) have a higher risk of developing Postpartum Psychosis. In addition to the symptoms of PPD, women suffering from Postpartum Psychosis may experience delusions, hallucinations, sleep disturbances and obsessive thoughts concerning the baby. Immediate medical intervention is required to ease the symptoms and treat the underlying factors.
The Danger of Denial:
Denying the presence of PPD is counter-productive. If medical treatment is not received, symptoms tend to become aggravated over the course of time. The mother is obviously the primary victim of her condition. She cannot muster up the energy to look after her well-being, and oftentimes her health is seriously neglected. Life is meant to be lived, not survived! New mothers are entitled to enjoy their bundles of joy, and allowing them to wallow in self-pity merely prolongs their misery.
Aside from the postpartum mother, there are several other individuals who are in danger of neglect. The newborn baby may suffer from emotional trauma, inability to bond with others and experience developmental delays as a result of the mother’s depression. Other children in the household are in equal danger of developing signs of distress due to their mother’s withdrawal and unpredictable mood swings.
Picture a young mountain-climber teetering precariously at the edge of a cliff. He looks down at the yawning chasm below, wondering tremulously whether his remains would ever be discovered. Desperately, he clutches the edge of the mountainside. His fingers dig into the rocky terrain while his legs dangle freely over the expanse of emptiness.
A benevolent ranger stands above him, dangling a rope near the endangered young man.
“Grab the rope!” the ranger cries out. “Hold onto the rope and I’ll pull you up!”
“No,” replies the foolish young man. “I am alright. I don’t need your assistance. I’ll manage on my own.”
Denial is not an option! PPD is a treatable disease, and there is no reason to prolong the agony. Physicians and therapists are readily available, extending the proverbial rope of salvation. All that is needed is a call for help, and the road to recovery will begin in earnest. Talk therapy and/or medication will be prescribed, depending on the individual’s symptoms and circumstances.
In addition to medical intervention, the following techniques can be implemented to accelerate the rate of recovery:
Try to get as much rest as you can by napping when the baby does.
Stop putting pressure on yourself to accomplish everything to perfection.
Ask for help with household chores and nighttime feedings. If possible, have a friend, family member, or professional support person help you in the home for part of the day.
Share your feelings with others who will offer empathy and support.
Do not spend a lot of time alone. Push yourself to run small errands or stroll leisurely through the streets.
Spend quality time with family members or close friends.
Talk with other mothers, so you can learn from their experiences.
Join a support group for women with depression.
Don’t make any major life changes during pregnancy. Major changes can cause unneeded stress. If a change cannot be avoided, try to arrange support and help proactively.
