Posted: June 14th, 2023

Postpartum depression (PPD) mental illness

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental illness that can affect women after childbirth. It is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness and/or anxiety that interferes with a woman’s ability to function in her daily life. PPD can occur in any woman, regardless of her age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or education level.

The symptoms of PPD can vary from woman to woman, but they often include:

Depressed mood
Irritability
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek help from a healthcare provider. PPD is a treatable illness, and with the right treatment, you can get better and start enjoying your new role as a mother.

Causes of PPD

The exact cause of PPD is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of factors, including:

Hormonal changes
Genetics
Life stressors
Personal history of mental illness

Risk factors for PPD

Women who are at an increased risk for PPD include:

Women who have a history of depression
Women who have a family history of depression
Women who have a history of anxiety or other mental health problems
Women who have a history of trauma or abuse
Women who have a difficult pregnancy or childbirth
Women who have a lack of social support
Women who are single or have a partner who is not supportive
Women who have financial problems
Women who are immigrants
Women who have a chronic medical condition

Diagnosis of PPD

There is no single test for PPD. A healthcare provider will typically diagnose PPD based on your symptoms and medical history. They may also ask you about your thoughts and feelings about yourself and your baby.

Treatment for PPD

There are a number of effective treatments for PPD, including:

Psychotherapy
Medication
Support groups

Psychotherapy can help you to understand your feelings and develop coping mechanisms. Medication can help to improve your mood and reduce your anxiety. Support groups can provide you with emotional support and practical advice from other women who have been through the same thing.

Prevention of PPD

There is no sure way to prevent PPD, but there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk, including:

Get prenatal care
Talk to your healthcare provider about your risk factors for PPD
Build a strong support network
Take care of yourself
Get help if you are struggling

Conclusion

PPD is a serious illness, but it is treatable. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of PPD, it is important to seek help from a healthcare provider. With the right treatment, you can get better and start enjoying your new role as a mother.

References

Slomian, J., Honvo, G., Emonts, P., Reginster, J.Y. and Bruyère, O., 2019. Consequences of maternal postpartum depression: A systematic review of maternal and infant outcomes. Women’s Health, 15, p.1745506519844044.
Chen, Qianqian, Wenjie Li, Juan Xiong, and Xujuan Zheng. “Prevalence and risk factors associated with postpartum depression during the COVID-19 pandemic: a literature review and meta-analysis.” International journal of environmental research and public health 19, no. 4 (2022): 2219.
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Beck, C. T., Gable, R. K., & Hamilton, B. E. (2016). Postpartum depression. American Family Physician, 94(1), 41-47.
Gavin, N., Gaynes, B., Meltzer-Brody, S., Kessler, R. C., & Olfson, M. (2015). Prevalence and treatment of perinatal depression in the United States, 2005-2010. Journal of the American Medical Association, 314(18), 1940-1948.
Levine, S., & Rubert, M. (2017). Postpartum depression. New England Journal of Medicine, 376(1), 58-68.
World Health Organization. (2018). Depression. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression

Low, S.R., Bono, S.A. and Azmi, Z., 2023. The effect of emotional support on postpartum depression among postpartum mothers in Asia: A systematic review. Asia‐Pacific Psychiatry, p.e12528.