Postpartum Depression Symptoms: It’s a Complication of Pregnancy, Not a Reflection of You

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Recently our Reset’s founder Kerry spoke openly about experiencing postpartum depression and how she works to actively manage it. Kerry is able to continue to live a fulfilled life as a mother since she acknowledges that depression is real and that it’s not a one-and-done experience for her; as she puts it: “I’m not ashamed of it. Like with any illness or disease, we must accept the reality of its persistence and learn how to cope.” Even though I am not a mother myself, I am a woman who has had to consider whether or not I desire biological children. And part of this decision is understanding the entirety of what it means to go through that process. What I’ve learned on my learning journey is that things like postpartum depression are not a reflection of a woman’s “lack of” willpower, strength, intelligence or love. It is a medical complication of pregnancy. One that all people should all be aware of as they move through parenthood. 

What is depression? 

Depression is a word that is often used casually in conversations. And this brings confusion to the difference between sadness, a typical human emotion, and a mental health disorder, depression. Let’s say someone had a bad week at work and they are feeling bummed out and sad about it. They might be experiencing sadness but use the word depression as a descriptor when trying to capture the low state they are currently in. Or the opposite, they may have had a prolonged experience of feeling sad about everything (every part of their life feels less enjoyable, they feel more numb regardless whether they are at work or home) but say that they are just sad because of the bad week at work. This type of mis-characterization can keep people from seeking help when they need it. The other effect of this imprecise use of language is that then depression is not seen as what it is - a mental health disorder and not a character flaw. 

The PHQ-9 is a scientifically validated questionnaire that you can fill out and get results in the comfort of your own home. It is not a diagnostic tool (meaning, the results of the questionnaire do not confirm whether or not you are suffering from depression) but they do give you an idea of whether or not you should seek professional help. 

What is postpartum depression? 

So just like the general depression, postpartum depression is a depression that comes on a little bit before delivery or usually within the first month after giving birth. It’s  important to note that a majority of women (almost 60%) experience postpartum depression so this is not a niche experience. And I repeat, this is not a characteristic flaw or a lacking of something in someone. Just like in confusing depression with sadness, postpartum depression can be confused with the baby blues.

What are the baby blues? 

Imagine all that had to occur in order for your body to give birth to a child. The months of nurturing and growing a human being, to then bringing the child into the world. Your body is incredible for moving through all those stages. And it takes a toll on your body, your hormones are working to try and regulate themselves after the birth, working to regain a new equilibrium after the baby is born. So often moms experience baby blues beginning 2-3 days after delivery and symptoms can last up to two weeks. The intensity and a more prolonged experience of symptoms may point to postpartum depression.

How to tell the difference? 

Baby Blues

• The symptoms of baby blues “include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping.” Other symptoms such as irritability, reduced concentration and appetite problems can also show up. 

• These symptoms also do not last more than two weeks in cases of baby blues.  

Postpartum Depression 

• Postpartum depression can seem to show up as baby blues but unlike baby blues, postpartum depression lasts longer than two weeks and/or can have more intense symptoms. 

• This list of symptoms from the Mayo clinic can indicate postpartum depression:

  • Depressed mood or severe mood swings

  • Excessive crying

  • Difficulty bonding with your baby

  • Withdrawing from family and friends

  • Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual

  • Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much

  • Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy

  • Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy

  • Intense irritability and anger

  • Fear that you're not a good mother

  • Hopelessness

  • Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy

  • Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions

  • Restlessness

  • Severe anxiety and panic attacks

  • Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

  • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Take a moment to listen to this mom’s description of her experience. It’s important to remember that postpartum depression affects all women - regardless of age, race, or social and economic status or educational background. 

Postpartum Depression and Covid/Pandemic

As Kerry mentions in Reset’s newsletter last week, having given birth to her second child in the middle of a pandemic: “I notice loneliness, isolation and lack of routine to be big contributors to my depression.” Given how complex parenthood is already, add on a pandemic and it can make things feel even more overwhelming than before. Check in with yourself, how is the pandemic circumstances affecting me, not just your physical health, but your holistic health. 

Click here to learn more about post-partum counseling.

Interested in getting support at this time? Contact us at Reset for help or call SAMSA’s 1-800-662-HELP (4357)