Signs of Postpartum Mood Disorders
Up to 1 in 5 women experience a maternal mental health disorder such as postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, OCD, or even psychosis. Studies show that women of childbearing age make up the largest depression demographic in the U.S. Although it is a common complication of pregnancy and the postpartum period, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) are unfortunately some of the most underdiagnosed and often untreated. These illnesses are often temporary and are treatable with professional help and resources.
Postpartum depression vs. postpartum anxiety
We know that 1 in 7 women will experience postpartum depression—it is much more common than many realize. We also know that approximately 6% of pregnant women and 10% of postpartum women develop anxiety. With any perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, the effects will vary by person. You do not have to experience all of the symptoms at once to have postpartum depression or anxiety. If any of these feelings are affecting your quality of life, please reach out for help.
What is Postpartum Depression (PPD)?
Some of the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression may be:
- An anxious, sad, or "empty" feeling
- Hopelessness
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Fatigue
- Irritability, anger, or restlessness
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
- Feeling disconnected from your baby
- Worrying constantly
- Withdrawing from loved ones
- Feelings of self-harm or suicide
The "Baby Blues" or Postpartum Depression?
Are Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression the Same? It’s easy to write off the seriousness of Postpartum Depression as simply “the baby blues,” but it’s important to note the distinction between the two.
"Baby blues" is a term used to describe the worry, sadness, and tiredness many women experience after having a baby. "Baby blues" symptoms typically resolve on their own within a few days.
In contrast, Postpartum Depression, or PMADs, do not go away in a short time. These feelings may also impact your quality of life and ability to do the things you enjoy or everyday activities.
What is Postpartum Anxiety?
Approximately 6% of pregnant women and 10% of postpartum women develop anxiety. Some experience anxiety alone, and sometimes they experience it in addition to depression.
Some of the signs and symptoms of PPA include:
- Worrying constantly
- Intrusive thoughts—Feeling that something bad is going to happen
- Racing thoughts
- Disturbances of sleep and appetite
- Inability to sit still
- Physical symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, hot flashes, and nausea
- Irritability or rage
Other Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Along with general anxiety, postpartum depression, and postpartum anxiety, PMADs also include Postpartum Panic Disorder and Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Postpartum Panic Disorder is a form of anxiety that can make you feel very nervous and can cause recurring panic attacks. Panic attacks may include numbness and tingling in the extremities, shortness of breath, chest pain, claustrophobia, dizziness, and heart palpitations. Panic attacks seem to go in waves, but it is important to know that they will pass and will not hurt you.
Postpartum International describes Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder as “The most misunderstood and misdiagnosed of the perinatal disorders.” You do not have to be diagnosed with OCD to experience these common symptoms of perinatal anxiety.
It is estimated that as many as 3-5% of new mothers and some new fathers will experience these symptoms. The repetitive, intrusive images and thoughts are very frightening and can feel like they come “out of the blue.” Research has shown that these images are anxious in nature, not delusional, and have a very low risk of being acted upon.
Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex
Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (DMER) is a wave of negative or even devastating emotion just prior to letdown. The breastfeeding mother experiences this surge of negative emotions about 30-90 seconds prior to her milk release when breastfeeding, pumping, or with spontaneous MER.
Some of the words mothers used to describe these feelings are: A hollow feeling in the stomach Sadness Dread Introspectiveness Nervousness Anxiousness Emotional upset Angst or irritability Hopelessness and general negative emotions
DMER is newly-recognized and much research still needs to be done. Often some of the same techniques used to manage general anxiety are encouraged. Deep breathing, talking through it with a partner or friend, grounding, and other distraction methods are encouraged as treatment. If you are experiencing these feelings, reaching out to an IBCLC for support and an empathetic ear can be a great help.
Dads and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Did you know that dads can experience postpartum depression and anxiety too? Between 2-25% of dads have reported depression in the first year of their child’s life. This rate can increase by up to 50% when the mother is also experiencing PPD. You can read more about how Postpartum Mood Disorders can affect dads here.
Treating Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety
The really good news is that Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Anxiety, and other mood disorders can temporary and are treatable with professional help. Many of the medications used to treat these mood disorders are compatible with breastfeeding.
Therapy with a licensed social worker or mental health professional can also be a very useful tool in treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. If you feel that you are experiencing any of these symptoms and they are affecting your quality of life, please reach out for help.
Along with getting professional help and taking medication, there are many things you can do to help with the symptoms of PPD and PPA. Some things that many have found to be helpful include:
- A warm bath or shower
- Taking a walk/exercise
- Sunshine and fresh air
- Yoga and meditation
- Grounding Massage
- Essential oils (please check with your doctor and a certified aromatherapist before using)
- Supplements (please check with your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet)
- Deep breathing exercises
- Writing down feelings/journaling
- Repeating positive affirmations
- Taking a nap
Please note that these are all just suggestions—Some may work for you, some may not, and you may have found something that is not on this list that works for you.
You are not alone
Please know that you do not have to walk this complicated path alone and you do not have to suffer. Talk to your doctor or Lactation Professional for local resources, medication, and other treatment options for postpartum depression or PMADs.
Talk to your primary care doctor or OBGYN who can connect you with resources in your area. If you do not feel supported by your providers, Postpartum International is a very helpful resource. They can connect you with local resources. They also have online support groups. You can even call their helpline at any time.
If you need immediate support or in case of an emergency, there is help available. National Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA National Suicide Prevention Hotline and Website 1-800-273-8255 www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Call for yourself or someone you care about; free and confidential; a network of more than 140 crisis centers nationwide; available 24/7
Remember that reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.
Additional resources include: