Post Partum Depression

Post partum depression is the most common complication of childbearing. It is a mood disorder that occurs within 2-12 weeks of giving birth.  Many women do not understand what they are feeling and that they can turn to someone for help, and choose to suffer alone because they may feel that this is supposed to be the most happiest time in her life. You may feel guilty for not feeling happy.

Symptoms: excessive worry or anxiety, irritability or short temper, sad mood, feelings of guilt and phobias, difficulty making decisions, feeling overwhelmed, loss of interest or pleasure, lower sex drive, changes in appetite, significant weight gain or loss, feelings of hopelessness, sleep problems, fatigue, physical symptoms or complaints without apparent physical cause, loss of concentration or focus, discomfort around the baby or a lack of feeling toward the baby.

Risk factors: increased risk if you have had previous post partum depression, depression or anxiety during pregnancy, family or personal history with depression and anxiety, social isolation or poor support, history of premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysmorphic disorder.

How to deal with it?

With correct treatment, many woman are able to successfully recover. Generally, treatment is the same as for depression. For mild to moderate post partum depression treatment may involve psychotherapy, increased social support and learning relaxation techniques and severe episodes would require an additional treatment with antidepressants.

Reference: Postpartum Depression: A guide for front-line health and social service providers, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (2005).

 Where to find support:

• Local CPNP projects.
• Health centres/units
• Support groups (breastfeeding, moms and tots etc).