The birth of my child was one of the highlights of my life. But in the weeks since that mountaintop experience, I find myself struggling through a dark valley of depression and emotional exhaustion. I know some people call those feelings the “baby blues,” but I’m worried I might have something more serious, such as postpartum depression. Is this normal? What can I do?
ANSWER:
Your experience is quite normal and extremely common. Between 50 and 80 percent of new moms are affected by a temporary emotional slump popularly known as “baby blues,” while about 10 to 15 percent suffer from a more severe disturbance known as postpartum depression (PPD). A much less common but far more intensive disturbance described as postpartum psychosis occurs after about one in 1,000 deliveries.
Given the intense physical and psychological changes that accompany the birth of a baby, it’s actually surprising that storm clouds aren’t a part of every mother’s emotional weather in the weeks immediately following childbirth. Many physical factors can affect a woman’s emotions at this time, including hormonal shifts, physical exhaustion, pain, blood loss, lack of sleep, and a wide variety of genetic considerations.
The good news is that you can find hope, help, and healing. Below, we’ll cover some basic info on “baby blues,” postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis. And for more personalized guidance, we invite you to call our professional and pastoral counselors at 1-855-771-HELP (4357) or search for qualified counselors and therapists in your area.
Postpartum “blues”
Postpartum “blues,” the most common mood problem related to childbirth, usually develops in the early days to weeks after childbirth. Symptoms are generally mild, come and go, and can include irritability, tearfulness, anxiety, insomnia, lack of energy, loss of appetite, and difficulty concentrating. When relatively mild, these are typically normal.
Still, although this emotional and physical slump usually resolves itself within two weeks, it should not be ignored in hopes that it will simply go away. Emotional support and practical help from her husband, family, and friends are extremely important to any woman suffering from the “baby blues.”
Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is a more serious condition. It can begin at any time during the first six months after childbirth and may last for several months.
In addition to deep sadness, a mother with PPD may:
- Develop severe restlessness or anxiety
- Be unable to sleep even when the baby does
- Stop eating
- Stop caring for herself
- Lose interest in activities she normally enjoys
- Lose any interest in sexual intimacy
- Isolate herself from family and friends
- Experience difficulty caring for her baby
- Develop extreme, unrealistic anxiety over her infant’s health
- Feel detached from or even resentful toward the child
While PPD can resolve over time, this does not mean it should be left to run its course. Like a major depression at any other season of life, PPD is not a problem that can be solved by just a little attitude adjustment. It’s also important to note that a woman who has experienced PPD in the past is at a much greater risk with subsequent pregnancies. She should be especially aware of the symptoms and seek help early.
If symptoms continue for more than two weeks and you believe you might be suffering from PPD, reach out to your maternity care provider or primary care provider for help. These medical professionals can offer an initial evaluation and ongoing care. Treatment might involve extended counseling, medication, or both. (If a mother is breastfeeding, input from the baby’s doctor will be needed before beginning drug therapy.) And if symptoms still do not improve, psychiatric care should be considered.
Postpartum psychosis
In the relatively rare but very serious disorder called postpartum psychosis, a woman experiences not only a disturbance of mood but also a break with reality.
The condition may include hallucinations, delusions, suicidal thoughts, and violent thoughts and even behavior toward her baby and other children. Current research indicates that five percent of women with postpartum psychosis kill themselves, and an equal percentage kill their baby.
Because of this risk, postpartum psychosis should be considered a medical emergency, and the mother should urgently be evaluated in an emergency department. A follow-up evaluation by a qualified psychiatrist is also important.
The condition can occur without warning, and there is a 30 to 50 percent chance that it will recur with subsequent pregnancies. The good news, however, is that it can be effectively treated with appropriate medication.
We’re here to help
We’ve listed a few resources below that can offer further insight into PPD. And as we mentioned earlier, you’re welcome to call our counseling team at 1-855-771-HELP (4357). They’d be glad to hear your personal story and offer input about next steps.
Books and Focus on the Family Broadcasts
If a title is currently unavailable through Focus on the Family, we encourage you to use another retailer.
After Baby Comes: Physical, Spiritual, and Emotional Recovery for Postpartum Moms
