Postpartum Mental Health

Lesser known facts

How well do you know postpartum mental health problems? Here are some lesser-known facts:

• Not just depression: Postpartum mental health includes anxiety, psychosis, and obsessive-compulsive disorders, not just depression.
• Men can experience it too: Partners may also undergo postpartum mental health challenges.
• Delayed onset is common: Symptoms may develop weeks or months after delivery.

• Postpartum Depression (PPD): A mood disorder causing persistent sadness, fatigue, and loss of interest, impacting a new mother’s ability to care for herself and her baby.
• Postpartum Anxiety: Excessive worry or fear about the baby’s safety, often accompanied by physical symptoms like restlessness or difficulty sleeping.
• Postpartum Psychosis: A rare, severe mental health condition marked by hallucinations, delusions, and confusion, requiring immediate medical attention.
• Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours focused on protecting the baby, causing significant distress.

Who is at risk?

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing perinatal mood disorders such as:

• Women with a history of mental illness.
• Women with inadequate support systems.
• Women experiencing high stress or financial strain.
• Women with difficult or traumatic births.

Symptoms of postpartum depression

Symptoms of postpartum depression may differ from person to person but some common symptoms include persistent sadness, fatigue, and difficulty bonding with the baby.

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness
• Loss of interest in activities
• Fatigue and sleep disturbances
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby

Is baby blues postpartum depression

While it is a common misconception, baby blues are not necessarily postpartum depression. Unlike PPD, baby blues are temporary emotional shifts that don't impact daily functioning.

Postpartum depression causes

Some of the common causes of postpartum depression include:

• Hormonal Changes: Sudden drop in estrogen and progesterone levels.
• Emotional Factors: Stress, identity changes, fear of parenthood.
• Physical Strain: Labour, delivery, and sleep deprivation.

Who is at risk?

While anyone can experience postpartum depression, the following have higher chances of experiencing it:

• First-time mothers
• Mothers with a history of depression
• Mothers with a lack of social support

• Building a support network
• Prioritising rest and self-care
• Seeking therapy or counselling during pregnancy

Treatment of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is treatable, and with the right support and intervention, most mothers make a full recovery. Here are some effective treatment options:

• Therapy: Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy to address negative thoughts and improve coping skills.
• Medication: Antidepressants or other postpartum depression medication prescribed by your doctor.
• Support groups: Connecting with other mothers experiencing similar challenges for emotional support.
• Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate rest to support overall well-being.
• Mindfulness practices: Yoga, meditation, or relaxation techniques to reduce stress.
• Professional support: Regular check-ins with a mental health professional to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.

Symptoms of postpartum anxiety

Postpartum anxiety presents through physical, cognitive, and behavioural symptoms that can impact daily life and parenting. Here's a breakdown of common signs to watch for:

• Physical Symptoms: Racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness.
• Cognitive Symptoms: Constant worry, fear, or catastrophic thinking.
• Behavioural Symptoms: Avoidance of certain activities or hyper-vigilance over the baby.

Treatment of postpartum anxiety

Postpartum anxiety is highly treatable with the right combination of professional care and self-help strategies. Common treatment options include:

• Therapy: CBT and other talk therapies.
• Medication: Anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants.
• Relaxation Techniques: Yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises.

Symptoms of postpartum psychosis

Postpartum psychosis often develops suddenly and is marked by severe symptoms including:

• Confusion and disorientation
• Hallucinations or delusions
• Paranoia or manic episodes

Treatment of postpartum psychosis

Effective postpartum psychosis treatment involves prompt medical intervention to ensure the safety of the mother and baby, including options such as:

• Hospitalisation
• Antipsychotic medications
• Supportive therapy

Symptoms of postpartum OCD

Symptoms of postpartum OCD can be distressing but are treatable with proper care. Common symptoms include:

• Intrusive thoughts: Recurrent, unwanted thoughts about harm or danger.
• Compulsive behaviours: Repeated actions like checking, cleaning, or organising to reduce anxiety.
• Intense guilt or fear: Feeling ashamed of the thoughts or fear of losing control.
• Avoidance behaviours: Avoiding certain activities or situations to prevent perceived harm.

Treatment of postpartum OCD

Postpartum OCD is highly treatable with the right combination of professional interventions and self-help strategies. Common treatment options include:

• Therapy: Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), particularly exposure and response prevention (ERP), to address intrusive thoughts and reduce compulsive behaviours.
• Medication: Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications prescribed under medical supervision.
• Support groups: Connecting with other mothers facing similar challenges for shared experiences and encouragement.
• Stress management: Techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or meditation to lower anxiety levels.
• Professional monitoring: Regular follow-ups with mental health professionals to adjust treatment plans as needed.