Beyond the Blues: A Look at Postpartum Depression

Lesson 2 Review        In Lesson Two we discussed the symptoms in each type of PPD (“baby blues”, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis). One thing we know for sure is that it can affect any mother within any race or socioeconomic status. Knowing the symptoms and when they start is important so try to keep track in a mood journal, it will be helpful if you need to see your doctor.       Lesson Three will focus on the risk factors, some of which include biological, psychological, social, and lifestyle. Scientists are continuing to study the risk factors and narrow down the research. For now, we have compiled a list of some of the more common risks.  Comics on postpartum depression   (Source: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/comics-struggle-post-partum-depression_n_5a0db5b4b0c0b2f2f85fab Retrieved 2/17/2021)       The comics above portray some of the feelings and thoughts new mothers experience after the birth of their baby. If you enjoyed the comics above, many other comics an

Mandy’s Story       When I had my first child, friends and family would discuss how wonderful and joyful it was to have a baby. This was always discussed with the disclaimer that it is normal to experience hormonal changes. I knew postpartum depression was a possibility, but I didn't know what was considered "normal" hormonal changes and what would be considered postpartum depression. During my son's first months I would constantly find myself sitting up in the middle of the night, not being able to sleep, even though I was exhausted, and just crying. The first time it happened, it woke my husband up and he asked what was wrong, but I couldn’t explain it to him because I didn’t know. He shrugged it off and thought it was just the "normal" after delivery hormonal changes. I didn't feel like myself, but I kept telling myself it was normal. I kept waiting for the joy that was supposed to come with the baby, but I didn't feel joy. I felt guilty, so I nev

(Source: Photo: Dyches Family, Retrieved from KSL.com on February 5, 2021) Emily’s Story Emily Draschil had never before experienced postpartum depression with her previous four children, but the fifth one was a different story. Within just a few days after giving birth, Emily became depressed and agitated. Her doctor put her on antidepressants, and in August, when she seemed to be better she went off of them. But the anxiety returned. She then went to a psychiatrist who felt her symptoms resembled PTSD, which can be triggered by a traumatic labor experience. Their insurance would not cover outpatient services for her so she willingly checked into a psychiatric hospital. She only stayed there for a short time because she felt uncomfortable and felt she could manage the symptoms at home. Shortly after leaving the hospital, Emily was riding with her father on the freeway when she experienced a panic attack. Her father pulled over and she wandered in front of a semi-truck