Lesson 2 - Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
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 never brought it up with my doctor. At my six-week follow-up appointment, he inquired as to how I was doing, and I told him that everything was fine. Gradually the negative feelings faded away and I started to feel like myself again. I was able to discuss it with my doctor, once I no longer felt ashamed, and he felt like I probably had experienced postpartum depression. My doctor assured me it is okay to seek help, and it is better to seek help early before the depression escalates. One of the symptoms of postpartum depression is guilt which makes it difficult to reach out for help. How can we let women know that it is not shameful to seek help?
Moving Forward
Lesson One focused on distinguishing between the different types of postpartum depression. This lesson will focus on what some of the possible symptoms look like. Mothers can experience the same symptoms in the different types of postpartum depression, however, the biggest difference is determined by the duration or onset of symptoms.
Slide Presentation on the Symptoms of postpartum depression:
Why are Symptoms Important?
Correctly identifying postpartum depression helps new mothers get the treatment they need. Most women do not know what are “normal” hormonal changes and what changes need to be reported to their doctors. According to Sriraman (2012) about 50% of women, who experience some form of postpartum depression, are not diagnosed. The many different feelings associated with postpartum depression can make it difficult for new mothers to seek help when they need it.
A study done by BMC Public Health (Wan Mohamed Radz et al., 2021), listed several symptoms of depression in a study on women with postpartum depression. Some of the symptoms listed include:
Loss of interest
Feelings of guilt
Low self-respect
Sleep deprivation
Poor appetite
Constantly being unhappy
Showing signs of fatigue
Symptoms let us know when something is not quite right, so pay attention to them and let your physician know so that they can help you to create a treatment plan.
(Source: http://www.kidspot.com.au) Retrieved from https://dareallalucedoula.com/postpartum-support-for-new-moms/more-than-just-the-baby-blues-all-about-pnd-postnatal-depression/ on 2/4/2021
Activities
We would like to encourage active participation in some of the following activities and resources. Please go check out this website which has ten apps listed that can help with postpartum depression.
When discussing postpartum depression with a doctor, it is common for them to ask what type of feelings you have been experiencing, as well as how long you have been feeling that way. It can be difficult to answer these questions (and remember them) due to the fact that a person can experience many different emotions throughout the day. Another resource to track your emotions, and have documentation when you go see a doctor, would be to start a Mood Journal. Mood journals can help you track your emotions throughout the day. They can help you identify different situations which can trigger negative responses.
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| (Source: https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/) |
Discussion Questions
Have you, or someone you know, experienced any postpartum depression symptoms?
What has been your experience with postpartum depression?
If you are comfortable with leaving comments below, please do so. We would love to hear what you have to say and we’re sure others will as well.
Please Take A Moment
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Deeb, K. More than ‘just’ the baby blues – All about pnd (postnatal depression).
https://dareallalucedoula.com/postpartum-support-for-new-moms/more-than-just-the-baby-blues-all-about-pnd-postnatal-depression/ Retrieved on 2/4/2021
Ferren. (2016). Understanding postpartum depression. https://www.thedatingdivas.com/understanding-postpartum-depression/ Retrieved on 2/4/2021
Jones, Helen W, RN,A.P.N., C., & Venis, Joyce A,R.N., C. (2001). Identification and classification of postpartum psychiatric disorders. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services, 39(12), 23-30. Retrieved from http://byui.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www-proquest-com.byui.idm.oclc.org/scholarly-journals/identification-classification-postpartum/docview/225552001/se-2?accountid=9817
Sriraman, N. (2012). Postpartum depression: Why pediatricians should screen new moms. Contemporary Pediatrics, 29(6), 40+. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A456582181/AONE?u=byuidaho&sid=AONE&xid=b20899b6
Wan Mohamed Radzi, C. W. J. B., Salarzadeh Jentabadi, H., & Samsudin, N. (2021). Postpartum
Depression symptoms in survey-based research: a structural equation analysis. BMC
Health 21 (1):1-12 doi:10.1186/s12889-020-09999-2.
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