Postpartum Mood Disorder

Up to 15% of women will experience depression after pregnancy ("Postpartum Depression", 2018). Postpartum depression, or depression after giving birth, is a common occurrence among new mothers. Both hormonal changes as well as the stress of raising a new baby, along with changes in the body can greatly affect one’s mood.

Postpartum Mood Disorder vs. the ‘Baby Blues’ 

In the days immediately following giving birth, many women experience the ‘baby blues’. This ‘baby blues’ is a common condition related to hormonal changes and general stress that is felt when adjusting to a new baby. It does not require treatment and typically goes away within a few days. However, postpartum depression is longer lasting. This depression does not only affect the mother, but can also affect her relationship with her baby, her partner, and with other members of her family. PPMD typically starts within the first month after childbirth and can last for weeks and even months. 

Symptoms of Postpartum Mood Disorder (PPMD) 

Symptoms of postpartum mood disorder include: 
  • Severe mood swings
  • Social withdrawal
  • Trouble bonding with your baby
  • Appetite changes
  • Feeling helpless and hopeless
  • Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, including loss of interest in the baby 
  • Feeling inadequate or worthless
  • Sleep disturbance and fatigue 
  • Thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby
Signs of postpartum mood disorder can often be missed in new mothers as changes in sleeping patterns, interests, changes in energy levels, mood and body weight are all typical parts of new motherhood. Additionally, new mothers may not want to acknowledge these symptoms because of societal pressure or fear of being seen as a “bad mother”. However, PPMD has nothing to do with the love you have for your child or your ability to parent, but rather is a psychological condition that requires treatment. 

How is Postpartum Mood Disorder treated?

In addition to medications, several types of psychotherapy have been found to help women suffering from postpartum mood disorder. Both cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) have been found to be effective interventions for PPMD as they can help women different ways of thinking and reacting to situations, improve depressive feelings, promote adequate self-care, improve communication skills within relationships, and develop adequate support networks. 

If you’ve experienced any of the symptoms above while pregnant or after giving birth, you may be suffering from postpartum mood disorder. When left untreated, postpartum mood disorder can interfere with mother-child bonding and cause problems in family relationships. Consider contacting us for a free 15 minute consultation to see how we can help you. 

References 

Postpartum Depression: Types, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention. (2018). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9312-depression-after-the-birth-of-a-child-or-pregnancy-loss