Post-partum Depression Decoded - A Psychotherapist's Real Take

Becoming a mum is a radical milestone in a women’s life.  She and everyone around her usually expects her to be feeling deliriously happy after giving birth. Imagine then, to be overwhelmed with sadness, unwanted dark thoughts and severe mood swings instead!  That was exactly how I felt after birthing my daughter 16 years ago.
 

What is post-partum depression?
 

It is a specific form of mood disorder that impacts a large number of women after childbirth.  Women who experience post-partum depression have most likely also experienced low moods during some part or all of their pregnancy. Statistics show that up to 15 out of every 100 women experience depression in the first 3 months of giving birth.  About half this number will experience mild to moderate depression while the rest will suffer more severe bouts.  Without treatment and adequate emotional support, these women are likely to develop more serious forms of depression or other mental health issues.  
 

Causes and symptoms of post-partum depression
 

During pregnancy, a woman’s body is aflush with hormones. Post-partum depression is caused by a sudden drop in hormonal levels in a womans' body after childbirth, leading to a severe imbalance.  Due to this, almost all women, post child-birth, experience crying spells or mood swings.  Over a few days as the body regains its inner balance and with rest and emotional support, most start feeling better again.  In some cases, symptoms linger on longer because the body is unable to come back to its original chemical balance.  As a result, some women develop symptoms similar to what an individual faces after a depressive episode such as:-

• Deep feelings of sadness and crying spells

• Lack of pleasure in things that one usually enjoys

• Severe anxiety

• Insomnia

• Lack of appetite

• Poor concentration

• Low self esteem
   

In addition, a new mother may specifically experience:

• thoughts of harming herself and the baby &

• feelings of extreme guilt and inadequacy at being unable to look after the needs of her new born
   

For a new mum to be clinically diagnosed with post-partum depression, she should have experienced some of these symptoms for at-least 2 weeks at a stretch.
 

Cultural factors that may aggravate post-partum depression
 

Particularly, in the Indian context, pregnancy and childbirth are expected to be natural and fulfilling conditions.  Many new mums are therefore ashamed to speak about how they might be really feeling.  The idealized media image of the “perfect ma” may leave new mums feeling very guilty and inadequate about caring for their new-born.  This fear of being stigmatized prevents women from seeking professional help or support from family members.
 

Taking care of a new born is also an exhausting job.  Many women today live in nuclear family settings or away from extended family.  The new mum may or may not have access to the emotional and/or practical help she needs to meet the demands of taking care of a new born fulltime, leading to emotional distress, mental fatigue and physical exhaustion.  
 

Post-partum depression is a serious condition
 

Most of the symptoms of post-partum depression disappear on their own in four-six months without treatment.  However, during this period, the chances of the new mum endangering her own and her infants’ life are very high. Also, the woman may feel extremely guilty for having unwanted thoughts about harming her baby.  These feelings may greatly impact the women’s well-being as well as her long-term bonding with her baby.  Women with previous medical histories of depression or bipolar disorders are more vulnerable to developing post-partum depression.  In these women, without proper treatment, post-partum depression may progress into more serious mental health conditions.  Additionally, it is very difficult for her spouse and other close family and friends to be seeing a woman grapple with painful symptoms.  Living with post-partum depression impacts not just the new mum but those around her significantly.  For these reasons, it is important for the new mum to be seeking help as soon as she can.
 

What should you do next?
 

The first step is awareness and acceptance of the problem. It helps to remember post-depression is an illness like any other and is not caused by anything you did or failed to do.  Read more about the condition here https://www.postpartumdepression.org/
 

Often, it may be very difficult for the new mum to recognize the need or ask for help.  They may blame themselves for their inability to manage their mood swings and depressive bouts. This is where those around her such as her spouse, extended family or friend can support her in seeking help.
 

Today, there are specific forms of psychotherapy that deal with post-partum depression.  Seeing a counsellor or psychotherapist can go a long way to help alleviate the painful symptoms by working through difficult thoughts, beliefs and behaviours.
 

Scientific evidence also shows that everyday mindfulness practices can help protect or alleviate the painful symptoms of post-partum depression.  For more information click here https://www.facebook.com/amindfulmama/?ref=bookmarks.  
 

Some hospitals may also offer support groups that may serve a similar purpose. Talking to others who are going through similar problems might help develop a better perspective towards your own condition.
 

In severe cases, don’t be afraid to seek medical help.  There are many anti-depressants available today that provide immediate relief.  However, before opting for anti-depressants, do ensure you have a conversation with your doctor about any likely side-effects to the baby, in case you are breast feeding your child.  Having said that, keep in mind that bottle feeding formula milk to your child when you are in better control of your mental health might be a better option to consider than breast-feeding while trying to cope with emotional distress.  Keep the bigger picture in mind and do what is right for you and your baby.

Lastly, if you or a friend is struggling with post-partum depression, feel free to sign up for a free skype counselling session. You don’t have to struggle alone.  Reach for help.

References: National Library of Medicine, PubMed Health, 2016