Lesson One - What is Postpartum Depression?

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(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 in her confusion and was tragically killed. Emily’s husband started the Emily Effect Foundation to bring awareness to postpartum depression. The website offers resources available to mothers struggling with postpartum depression. Emily’s husband felt they did the best they could, but understands now that more could have been done preventatively. Here is the link to read the full story about Emily (Penrod, 2016). 


What exactly is postpartum depression? 

Many women experience joy, excitement, and contentment while pregnant and after the arrival of the baby. However, some women experience anxiety, sadness, loss of sleep, energy, and appetite. The umbrella term for depression during pregnancy, and after, is postpartum depression or peripartum depression (APA, 2020).

According to researchers Helen Jones and Joyce Venis (2001), postpartum depression has been used as a blanketed term to refer to the different severities of cases. The risk of generalizing all types of postpartum depression under one term could result in an individual not receiving the appropriate help. Jones and Venis discuss how each diagnosis has a specific treatment. The three most common types of postpartum depression are:  

  1. The "baby blues": Depression that occurs within the first ten days with the peak happening sometime between three and seven days (Jones & Venis, 2001). In some women, the “baby blues” can progress into postpartum depression.
  2. Postpartum depression: When speaking of postpartum depression this is the type most commonly referenced. This depression usually begins around six weeks after birth and can last anywhere from three to 14 months. Studies have shown that the length of the depression positively corresponds to the severity of the depression (Jones & Venis, 2001).
  3. Postpartum psychosis: Postpartum psychosis is the most severe type and typically requires professional help and treatment. It will usually present itself within the first three weeks after the birth of the baby (Jones & Venis, 2001).

Note. Source: (California's Budget & Policy Center, 2021).

Who is affected by postpartum depression and how common is it? 

The American Psychological Association (2008) says, “Up to 1 in 7 women experience Postpartum Depression (PPD)”. Almost half of women diagnosed with PPD are experiencing it for the first time (2008). Also, about half of women who are diagnosed with PPD after the birth of their child had begun having symptoms while they were still pregnant (2008).

Postpartum depression can affect first-time moms and those with multiple children (2008). It can affect those who are poor or rich, black or white, those with easy pregnancies, and those who struggled during pregnancy (2008).


How well do you recognize your emotions?

Recognizing and being aware of your emotions can help you stay on top of the situation and allow you to seek help before the situation becomes severe. Emotional wheels are helpful in identifying primary and secondary emotions. Here is an example of an interactive emotional wheel to learn more about emotions.


Note. Source: (napatcha, 2019).

                               

What do we learn from this?

Seeking help early can lead to controlling the depression before it becomes severe. Prevention is critical when dealing with postpartum depression. Knowing the available resources before the situation occurs can save heartache in the future.

    • One of the best resources is knowledge. Knowing the difference between the different levels of postpartum depression can help a mother recognize the warning signs early.

    • Postpartum depression impacts many new mothers and often goes untreated. Learning more about what postpartum depression is can give new mothers the courage to seek help without feeling guilty.

    • The following lessons will cover symptoms, risk factors, life coping skills, and when to seek professional help. 

    • If you feel like you may be experiencing “the baby blues” or postpartum depression, please call your OB-GYN or physician and speak with them about it.


Below is a great video on postpartum depression.



Our invitation to you.

Emily’s story shows the importance of sharing personal experiences. Living through postpartum depression can feel so all-consuming and isolating. Please feel free to share any thoughts, comments, or stories that might help you or another mother who is or has suffered from postpartum depression. 

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References

American Psychological Association. (2008). Postpartum depression. https://www.apa.org/pi/women/resources/reports/postpartum-depression#

Jones, H. W., RN, A.P.N., C., & Venus, J.A. RN, 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 

Napatcha. (2019). Postpartum depression [Online image]. PBS News Hour. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/what-we-know-about-the-fdas-new-postpartum-depression-drug

National Institute of Mental Health. (2006, April 19). Baby blues - or postpartum depression? [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/6kaCdrvNGZw.

Penrod, Sam. (2016, May 19). The Emily Effect: Family rises from tragedy in effort to help struggling mothers. KSL.com. https://www.ksl.com/article/39841410/the-emily-effect-family-rises-from-tragedy-in-effort-to-help-struggling-mothers

Ramos-Yamamoto, A. (2021). Strategies to improve maternal mental health in California. [Graph]. https://calbudgetcenter.org/blog/strategies-to-improve-maternal-mental-health-in-california/

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


 

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