Postpartum Depression

Many women experience the “baby blues” for a few days or weeks after giving birth. This mild depression or anxiety is usually short-lived, and treatment is not needed. But postpartum depression (PPD) is much more serious. Not only does PPD affect the well-being of the woman, it can lead to stress within the family, to child abuse or even suicide. PPD usually begins four to eight weeks after giving birth, but can occur at any time within the first year. It can even occur during pregnancy and is included in the category of perinatal depression.
Symptoms include:

  • Restlessness and irritability

  • Feeling sad, hopeless or overwhelmed

  • Crying a lot

  • Lacking energy or motivation

  • Eating too much or too little

  • Sleeping too much or too little

  • Difficulty focusing, remembering or making decisions

  • Feeling worthless and guilty

  • Withdrawal from friends and family

  • Experiencing headaches, chest pains, rapid heartbeat or breathing

An estimated 400,000 women experience PPD each year. Many of them don’t recognize the symptoms or they feel embarrassed or guilty about their feelings. It is important to understand that PPD is triggered by hormonal changes and is nothing to be ashamed of. Fortunately, postpartum depression can be treated, usually by medication and/or talk therapy.

To help prevent the tragedy of PPD, nurses at Wesley Medical Center are screening women who give birth at the hospital and educating them about PPD. The screening involves asking a few simple questions about current or past depression and thoughts of causing harm to themselves or others. Patients may be asked to take a brief  survey called the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. A high score indicates a greater likelihood of PPD.

 If you know someone who may be experiencing postpartum depression, suggest that she talk with her doctor or the local mental health association. Let her know that help is available.

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