For people who suffer from post natal depression, one of the happiest times in life can take a sharp turn into one of the most mentally and emotionally difficult. Many women, up to 80%, experience some form of post natal depression but it quickly subsides as they take on the new role of mother to child. In some women though, the depression continues to deepen and becomes a full blown case of post natal depression that can last for months. This severe depression begins in the days and weeks following delivery and can make caring for the newborn incredibly difficult. The mother feels like she has not bonded to the child which leads to thoughts of inadequacies as a parent which further deepens the depression. If no help is received, this depression can lead to delusion, hallucinations and there have been cases where the mother commits suicide, infanticide or both. Post natal depression is a serious problem that must be dealt with using support of medical professionals and loved ones.
Risk of Post Natal Depression
Women are at highest risk for post natal depression, although men are not immune and cases have been recorded of men with similar symptoms. It is most common with first pregnancies. Women at highest risk for post natal depression are:
Those who have experienced post natal depression with previous pregnancies
Those who have had episodes of bipolar depression
Those who are being treated for depression but had to stop medication to avoid side effects to the fetus
The Effect of Changes
The exact cause of post natal depression is unknown, as is the cause of many forms of depression. There are factors that contribute to the likelihood of experiencing post natal depression. They include:
Physical – every time a woman delivers, the experience overwhelms the senses. There are sudden changes in hormone levels, a difficult labor is physically and mentally challenging and usually childbirth involves a great deal of lost sleep and exhaustion. These changes can cause a chemical or hormonal imbalance that cause depressive symptoms.
Emotional – going from being an individual to being a parent is a huge life change. Even if you already have children, the change of adding a family member can cause ripples of changes that need adapting. The mother is faced with constant child care or, if she has to return to work soon, the guilty feelings of leaving her child behind in someone else’s care. There is also the loss of freedom by being tied to a 20 inch long boss who cannot talk. All of this comes before the realization of the way the relationship between mother and father changes after a child is born. No longer is the relationship their own, the baby can sometimes seem an intruder on their quality time and intimacy for both parents. Additionally, parenthood tends to come with intermittent sleep which wreaks havoc on the hormone and chemical balances that keep you feeling ‘normal’.
Social – whether you are worried about being the perfect parent or if you have parents who are giving unsolicited advice, you realize all too quickly the pressures that society puts new parents. You may feel that you have to live up to the ideals of other people and when you find that you cannot do so, you may have feelings that lead to depression. Having a baby also makes you less able to keep in contact with her friends and coworkers because you spend all of your time with the baby. If you have to leave your job to care for the child, you will find that the change in income is also a real downer.
Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms of depression include:
Low self-esteem
Lack of confidence
Feelings of inadequacy and guilt
Negative thoughts
Feeling that life is meaningless
Inability to cope
Weepiness and irritability
Changes in sleeping patterns
Low sex drive
Anxiety, panic attacks or heart palpitations
Loss of appetite
Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
Treatment for post natal depression typically involves some drug therapy as well as psychotherapy. These can be done in combination or with just psychotherapy (talk therapy) for women who breastfeed and do not want to risk exposing their babies to drugs. Both are effective and can quickly help you become a happy, productive mom.
