WISCONSIN UNITED
for MENTAL HEALTH

Postpartum Depression

Most women experience the "baby blues" shortly after giving birth. This brief period of mood swings, anxiety, tearfulness, or irritability lasts several days and usually subsides within two weeks of giving birth. Postpartum depression occurs in approximately one out of every ten mothers, and among women in poverty the number reaches three in ten.

Sometimes the symptoms occur within days of delivery, and other times they appear gradually, at anytime with the first year. No one knows the exact cause of postpartum depression, but it is thought to be triggered by a hormone imbalance. Postpartum depression is characterized by the following symptoms:

• fatigue
• sluggishness
• sadness
• appetite and sleep disturbances
• poor concentration
• memory loss
• uncontrollable crying
• irritability
• feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness
• lack of interest in the baby
• fear of losing control

A woman suffering from postpartum depression experiences several of the above symptoms ranging from mild to severe for more than two weeks. Each day will be different, some better than others. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, women may be more likely to experience postpartum depression if they have experienced depression prior to pregnancy, have severe premenstrual syndrome, have a difficult marriage or have little support from family and friends. In addition, postpartum depression that is not successfully treated can lead to postpartum psychosis. Postpartum psychosis is rare, affecting one tenth of one percent of new mothers, and is the most severe postpartum disorder. Symptoms include hallucinations, severe insomnia, delusions and extreme anxiety.

Like any other type of depression, postpartum depression can be treated. Talking to a counselor and taking medication can help. There are many other ways to help yourself as well. Finding time for yourself everyday is extremely important. Also, establish a support network. Everyone needs someone to talk to about their feelings. Finally, understand that no one expects you to be a “supermom.” Do not be afraid to ask for help and realize that having a baby is going to take up an incredible amount of your day. You will not have as much time to do other things and people shouldn’t expect that of you.

References:
American Academy of Family Physicians. (1999). Postpartum depression and the ‘baby blues’. Retrieved from the World Wide Web March 20, 2003: http://familydoctor.org/handouts/379.html.
Postpartum Depression. (2003). Depression After Delivery. Homepage. www.depressionafterdelivery.com/depression.htm
Zimmerman, G. (2001). Postpartum depression. Pulse. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on March 20, 2003: http://www.pressrepublican.com/special/pulse_lib/1201p3a.htm


Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is rare. It occurs in 1 or 2 out of every 1000 births and usually begins in the first 6 weeks postpartum. Women who have bipolar disorder or another psychiatric problem called schizoaffective disorder have a higher risk for developing postpartum psychosis. Symptoms may include delusions, hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and obsessive thoughts about the baby. A woman may have rapid mood swings, from depression to irritability to euphoria.


Additional Resources on other postpartum disorders and organizations:

• Mental Health during Pregnancy and the Perinatal Period (WUMH)
• Perinatal Depression Directory (1 MG .pdf)
  • Provider Index
  • County Index
  • Subject Index
• Postpartum Anxiety may be Common (Medscape article; subscription required)
• Birth Trauma Association
• Eating Disorders and Pregnancy (National Eating Disorders Association)