Promising Treatment for Postpartum Depression Brings Hope, Yet Stigma Persists

Treatment for Postpartum Depression
Spread the love

Postpartum depression is a condition that can affect any new mother, but it often goes unnoticed, lurking in the background of their lives. This condition is not to be taken lightly, as it can pose significant challenges for approximately 1 in 7 new mothers, affecting both their emotional well-being and the quality of life for them and their newborns. Treatment for postpartum depression exists but stigma still exists, stigma surrounding this condition should not deter anyone from seeking assistance.

In the days following childbirth, many women experience what’s often referred to as the “baby blues.” These feelings may include general sadness, worry, unhappiness, and exhaustion. Typically, these mood changes resolve themselves within the first two weeks after giving birth.

Postpartum depression, on the other hand, persists for longer periods, sometimes extending up to three years. In some cases, the symptoms can even begin during pregnancy. Research indicates that over 50% of women who experience depression symptoms during pregnancy will go on to develop postpartum depression.

An even rarer but more severe condition that can occur after childbirth is known as postpartum psychosis. This condition sets in rapidly and is marked by hallucinations, delusions, emotional distress, and, at times, bizarre and dangerous behaviors. Postpartum psychosis affects only about 1 or 2 in 1,000 women after giving birth.

Two experienced professionals, a clinical nurse specialist, and a licensed mental health counselor, have come together to share their insights. They have over 45 years of combined experience as educators and clinicians.

They emphasize that with proper awareness, education, and intervention, perinatal mood disorders, including postpartum depression, are nearly 100% treatable. They want women to understand that they are not alone, not to blame and that they can regain their well-being with help.

Common Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

The period following pregnancy can bring about numerous changes for women, some of which may resemble symptoms of depression, such as sadness, worry, and exhaustion. The transition to motherhood, especially with a new baby, can be overwhelming. It’s important, however, to differentiate between these normal adjustments and the more concerning signs of depression.

If you or someone you know experiences any of the following symptoms persistently for more than two weeks after giving birth, it’s crucial to reach out to a healthcare professional:

  1. Lack of Bonding: Feeling disconnected from the baby or experiencing a lack of interest in them.
  2. Restlessness and Irritability: Feeling unusually agitated or irritable.
  3. Persistent Sadness: Overwhelming feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or being overwhelmed.
  4. Physical Symptoms: Experiencing persistent headaches, body aches, or digestive issues that don’t go away.
  5. Lack of Energy: Profound fatigue or motivation loss, making daily tasks feel daunting.
  6. Appetite Changes: Significant shifts in appetite, either eating too little or too much.
  7. Sleep Disturbances: Altered sleep patterns, such as sleeping too much or too little, even when given the opportunity to rest.
  8. Cognitive Challenges: Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or experiencing memory problems.
  9. Feelings of Guilt and Worthlessness: Overwhelming guilt, feelings of worthlessness, or inadequacy as a mother.
  10. Loss of Interest: A notable decline in interest or pleasure in activities that were previously enjoyed.
  11. Social Isolation: Isolating from friends and family, avoiding social interactions.
  12. Disturbing Thoughts: Thoughts of harming the baby or themselves. These should be taken extremely seriously and warrant immediate attention.

Several factors increase the risk of postpartum depression, including life stress, a history of depression, maternal anxiety, lack of social support, infrequent exercise, unintended pregnancy, and intimate partner violence.

Understanding these symptoms and risk factors is crucial to ensuring that women receive the support and care they need during this challenging time in their lives. With awareness and intervention, postpartum depression is treatable, and women can find hope and help in overcoming it. The stigma surrounding this condition should not deter anyone from seeking assistance, as early intervention can lead to recovery and improved well-being for both mother and child.



Spread the love
  • ADHD Linked To Dementia Across Generations, New Study Claims

    Researchers found that parents and grandparents of individuals with ADHD…

  • Sibling Fights Linked To Poor Mental Health In Children And Adolescents, Says New Study

    Researchers at University of New Hampshire found that sibling aggression…

  • Teens Playing School Sports Have Better Mental Health: Study

    New research found adolescents playing team sports in grades 8…

  • Bird Watching Near Home Improves Mental Health, New Study Finds

    New study found that being able to see more birds,…

  • Mental Health Services For Teenagers Lower Depression In Adolescence: Study

    Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that teenagers with…

  • Sunshine Boosts Mental Health More Than Any Other Weather Variable: Study

    The time between sunrise and sunset matters most when it…

  • Your Driving Habits Can Reveal Early Signs Of Alzheimer’s, Scientists Say

    Studies have found that people with symptomatic Alzheimer disease (AD)…

  • Mental Health Effects By Traffic Police Harassment

    Mental Health Effects By Traffic Police Harassment

    Traffic police harassment is a very common occurrence that numerous…

  • Narcissism Changes Throughout Life, New Study Finds

    New research published in Psychology and Aging, found that narcissism…

  • Excessive Posting Of Selfies On Social Media Can Make You A Narcissist, Researchers Say

    Excessive Posting Of Selfies On Social Media Can Make You A Narcissist, Researchers Say

    Excessive use of social media, in particular, the posting of…

  • Not All Psychopaths Are Criminals – Some Are Successful Instead, New Study Finds

    People view all psychopaths as violent. The study provides insights…

  • PTSD Increases Ovarian Cancer Risk, Study Claims

    Researchers found that women who experienced six or more symptoms…

  • Scientists Find A Network Of Neurons That Influence Eating Behavior

    University of Arizona researchers have identified a network of neurons…

  • A Racing Heart Can Alter Your Decision-Making Ability, Scientists Find

    Body-state monitoring neurons can hijack the decision-making process, according to…

  • Seasonal Variation In Daylight Influences Brain Function, New Study Confirms

    We experience more negative emotions in winters than in summer.…

  • Distrust Of The Past Can Fuel Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms, Study Says

    Distrust of past experiences can lead to increased uncertainty, indecisiveness,…

  • Meditation Helps You Make Fewer Mistakes, Scientists Find In New Study

    Researchers from Michigan State University found that If you are…

  • Thinking Leisure Is A Waste Hampers Your Mental Health, Study Suggests

    If people start to believe that leisure is wasteful and…

  • Short Naps During Day Don’t Relieve Sleep Deprivation, Study Says

    Short naps don’t mitigate the potentially dangerous cognitive effects of…

  • Survivors Of Trauma Experience Persistent Grief Years Later, Study Finds

    New study finds that people who survive a trauma that…

  • Exposure To Antibiotics In Early Life Can Affect Brain Development

    Researchers at Rutgers University found exposure to antibiotics in early…

  • New Study Claims Only 10% Of Kids With ADHD Outgrow It As Adults

    Contrary to a popular notion, most children with attention deficit…

  • Scientists Find Histamine As A Potential Key Player In Depression

    New study finds that body inflammation and release of the…

  • Insomnia In Children Increases The Risk Of Mood, Anxiety Disorders In Adulthood, Study Claims

    Childhood insomnia symptoms that persist into adulthood are strong determinants…

  • Addiction To Sun Is In Your Genes, Research Says

    People who love basking in sun have genes involved in…

  • Scientists Confirm Dual Beneficial Effect Of Physical Activity In Depression

    New research reveals that physical activity not only reduces depressive…