"Don't waste a minute not being happy. If one window closes, run to the next window- or break down a door."
~Brooke Shields (History of PPD)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5GMfi4QIaY
What is Depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD), in the classic sense, is more severe than baby blues and can cause many problems for women suffering with this illness. Statistics Canada (1998) reveals that in Canada PPD affects approximately 10% to 15% of new mothers, about 35,000 women a year (as cited in Leitch, 2002). It is important to realize that while many experience postpartum blues then leading to PPD it is not uncommon for the onset of PPD to be later in the postpartum period, without any immediate symptoms after childbirth. Usual symptoms include tearfulness, emotional lability, guilt, anorexia, sleep disorders, feeling inadequate, detachment from the baby, poor concentration, forgetfulness, fatigue, and irritability.
Most of these symptoms are experienced within the first 3 to 6 months postpartum however, they can take up to a year to evolve. Researchers believe that depression is one of the most common complications during and after pregnancy. Often, the depression is not recognized or treated because normal pregnancy changes cause similar symptoms and occur simultaneously. Tiredness, problems sleeping, stronger emotional reactions, and changes in body weight may occur during and after pregnancy. But these symptoms may also be signs of depression. Therefore, depression is more common than many believe it to be.
Possible Causes for Postpartum Depression (PPD):
Hormone/Biologic Causes
Biological factors for PPD are similar to the occurrence of postpartum blues; rapid decline in the circulating levels of reproductive hormones are the most likely cause. Pregnancy and childbirth related stressors may also be possible causes of PPD. Mothers who had tried to conceive for two or more years are at greater risk for developing PPD. In addition, contemplating the termination of pregnancy as well as premature births are further contributing factors. On the contrary, the mode of delivery (cesarean or vaginal), planned versus unplanned pregnancy, attendance to perinatal classes, and surprisingly, infant and maternal complications, did not contribute to the incidence of postpartum depression (Leitch, 2002).
Marital/Self-esteem Causes
Marital dissatisfaction is not only a risk factor but may also be a cause for PPD. Mothers who are closer to their spouses/partners are less likely to develop PPD. Many women become overwhelmed with the thought of being the primary caretaker of the home and of a new child; they often strive to be the ideal mother for the family thereby placing more stress on themselves. A poor marital relationship and lack of support can therefore elevate the symptoms of postpartum depression (ICEA, 2003)
Health/Fatigue Causes
Postpartum mood disorders may be directly related to the fatigue women experience. Studies show that the level of fatigue mothers reported at two weeks postpartum were the best predictors of later postpartum mood disorders at four weeks postpartum. Perhaps the lack of sleep adds to the mother's inability to care for herself and her baby and elevates the depressive moods (Leitch, 2002).
Sociocultural Causes
One of the ways that researchers discover possible causes is to study what works to treat women with PPD. Further research indicates that when "at risk" mothers, who are financially disadvantaged received individual psychotherapy (counseling), it greatly reduces their chance of developing major PPD. It is possible then, that financial difficulties can be a contributor to PPD.
There are many likely triggers or causes for PPD. Fortunately since so much media attention has centered around some of the tragedies resulting from PPD, more attention is paid toward learning about the causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment (ICEA, 2003).
Web pages created by: Desiree Reichhardt (2007)
For more information...
You can find out more about depression during and after pregnancy by contacting the the following organizations.
National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC)
Phone: 1-800-994-9662
National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, HHS
Phone: (301) 496-9576
Internet Address: http://www.nimh.nih.gov
National Mental Health Information Center, SAMHSA, HHS
Phone: (800) 789-2647
Internet Address: http://www.mentalhealth.org
American Psychological Association
Phone: (800) 374-2721
Internet Address: http://www.apa.org
National Mental Health Association
Phone: (800) 969-NMHA
Internet Address: http://www.nmha.org
Postpartum Education for Parents
Phone: (805) 564-3888
Internet Address: http://www.sbpep.org
Postpartum Support International
Phone: (805) 967-7636
Internet Address: http://www.postpartum.net