Depression is a phenomenon that is only beginning to be understood. There are many different causes of depression and even the happiest moments of life can be precursors to depression. Depression related to hormone changes is one such issue and is most closely associated with post partum depression. Most women are thrilled to be mothers but the challenges, changes and hormone roller coaster that follows can easily lead to post partum depression.
It is estimated that up to 80% of all women experience at least some symptoms of post partum depression related to hormone changes. This is only an estimate because the problem of postpartum depression is just beginning to be reported in earnest. The feelings have a broad range that can include feeling alone, upset, afraid, sad and as though you do not care for the baby. Guilt associated with these feelings can worsen the symptoms, leaving the mother on a downward spiral towards severe depression. For most women, the feelings subside after a short while, but about 10-20% of these women continue on to suffer post partum depression and require treatment.
Symptoms Overview
It is often termed as ‘baby blues’ because post partum depression usually occurs in women who have recently given birth. Most of the time postpartum depression peaks around 3-5 days after delivery, at the time when women are sent home and experience life with the baby outside the medical environment, and can last for a few weeks to a few months. Symptoms include:
Crying more easily than usual
Feelings of sadness and irritability
Fatigue
Appetite changes
Displeasure
Inability to concentrate
Feelings of parental inadequacy
Suicidal thoughts
Anxiety
Headaches
Withdrawal
Mood swings
Insomnia
Why It Happens
The post partum period is a time of intense hormonal upheaval which leaves a woman incredibly vulnerable to the effects of the changes inside her body. The psychological, physical and relationship related changes that occur can be traumatic to the psyche and cause the woman to fall prey to feelings of sadness and unhealthy thoughts. While most women who experience the baby blues notice that they have gone within two weeks without treatment, a small number of women will experience post partum depression in its entirety; an even smaller number will go further in the depressed state to what is known as post partum psychosis.
Post partum depression has more symptoms of typical depression than the baby blues and rapidly changing hormones are believed to be the major culprit. Studies on post partum depression have shown that women who have experienced some form of depression prior to pregnancy are more likely to suffer from post partum depression. Women who are single mothers, have multiple children or who are in unsupportive relationships are also at higher risk of developing post partum depression.
Treating Postpartum Depression
The most important thing you can do to treat postpartum depression is ask for help. Many women think they can handle the problem and that they can cure themselves but post partum depression requires professional treatment and support from friends and family. Postpartum depression related to hormone changes can be treated with medications like antidepressants, many of which are safe for nursing mothers. You can also be treated with herbal remedies and dietary supplements, like St. John’s Wort. One of the best forms of treatment for postpartum depression is therapy with a professional trained in treating post partum depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works by targeting negative thoughts and behaviors that encourage a depressed state; Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) teaches the sufferer how to communicate effectively and eliminate stressors.
In addition to medication and therapy it is important that you have a healthy diet and a fair amount of exercise to improve your physical and mental well being. You should also seek support from family and friends as well as healthcare providers. Caring for a baby is not an easy task so the more help you get, the better you will feel and the better parent you can be.
