Postpartum Depression - Topic Overview

I found this article at WebMD.com. This is a condition that afflicts so many new mothers and I'm posting this article in hope that someone will realize that they may need help. Check out the checklist below.

- Health Girl

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is a serious illness that can occur in the first few months after childbirth. It also can happen after miscarriage and stillbirth.

Postpartum depression can make you feel very sad, hopeless, and worthless. You may have trouble caring for and bonding with your baby.

Postpartum depression is not the "baby blues," which many women have in the first couple of weeks after childbirth. With the blues, you may have trouble sleeping and feel moody, teary, and overwhelmed. You may have these feelings along with being happy about your baby. But the "baby blues" usually go away within a couple of weeks. The symptoms of postpartum depression can last for months.

In rare cases, a woman may have a severe form of depression called postpartum psychosis. She may act strangely, see or hear things that aren't there, and be a danger to herself and her baby. This is an emergency, because it can quickly get worse and put her or others in danger.

It’s very important to get treatment for depression. The sooner you get treated, the sooner you'll feel better and enjoy your baby.

What causes postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression seems to be brought on by the changes in hormone levels that occur after pregnancy. Any woman can get postpartum depression in the months after childbirth, miscarriage, or stillbirth.

You have a greater chance of getting postpartum depression if:

• You've had depression or postpartum depression before.
• You have poor support from your partner, friends, or family.
• You have a sick or colicky baby.
• You have a lot of other stress in your life.

You are more likely to get postpartum psychosis if you or someone in your family has bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depression).

What are the symptoms?

A woman who has postpartum depression may:

• Feel very sad, hopeless, and empty. Some women also may feel anxious.
• Lose pleasure in everyday things.
• Not feel hungry and may lose weight. (But some women feel more hungry and gain weight).
• Have trouble sleeping.
• Not be able to concentrate.

These symptoms can occur in the first day or two after the birth. Or they can follow the symptoms of the baby blues after a couple of weeks.

If you think you might have postpartum depression, fill out this postpartum depression checklist(What is a PDF document?) . Take it with you when you see your doctor.

A woman who has postpartum psychosis may feel cut off from her baby. She may see and hear things that aren't there. Any woman who has postpartum depression can have fleeting thoughts of suicide or of harming her baby. But a woman with postpartum psychosis may feel like she has to act on these thoughts.

If you think you can't keep from hurting yourself, your baby, or someone else, see your doctor right away or call911 for emergency medical care. For other resources, call:

• The national suicide hotline, National Hopeline Network, at 1-800-784-2433.
• The National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.

How is postpartum depression diagnosed?

Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any feelings of baby blues at your first checkup after the baby is born. Your doctor will want to follow up with you to see how you are feeling.

How is it treated?

Postpartum depression is treated with counseling and antidepressant medicines. Women with milder depression may be able to get better with counseling alone. But many women need counseling and medicine. Some antidepressants are considered safe for women who breast-feed.

To help yourself get better, make sure to eat well, get some exercise every day, and get as much sleep as possible. Seek support from family and friends if you can.

Try not to feel bad about yourself for having this illness. It doesn't mean you're a bad mother. Many women have postpartum depression. It may take time, but you can get better with treatment.

Depression in women

I found this article at priorityhealth.com. I hope this can help anyone who is suffering. - Health Girl

What is depression in women?

Depression can happen to any woman for any number of reasons, no matter what her age, ethnicity or income. Depression is not a normal part of being a woman, and the condition is very treatable. Some things to know:

• About 12 million women experience depression in any given year.
• Women suffer depression at about twice the rate of men.
• One out of eight women will develop depression sometime in life.
• Depression occurs most frequently in women between the ages of 25 and 44.
• Research shows a strong relationship between depression and eating disorders in women.
• Misdiagnosis happens in about 30% to 50% of cases.
• Fewer than half of all women with depression get treatment.

Signs & symptoms

Only a doctor can determine if you have depression. Despite advances in diagnosing the condition, it is often overlooked because people don't talk about their feelings or mood changes. It's important to talk honestly about your mood just as you would talk about any other health concern. Here are some questions to help you evaluate your own situation:

• Have you been feeling sad or nervous for a while?
• Do you feel gloomy or "out of it"?
• Have you lost interest in hobbies or things you like to do?
• Is it harder than usual to concentrate, remember things or make a decision?
• Do you stay awake longer or oversleep more often than usual?
• Has your appetite changed? Your weight?
• Do people tell you that you're irritable or you're not paying enough attention?
• Do you often think about death or suicide?

If you answered "yes" to more than half of these questions, or if you have frequent thoughts about death or suicide, tell your doctor.

Who's at risk?

Many factors unique to women's lives may play a role in development of depression, including reproductive events and the accompanying hormonal changes that can affect emotions and mood. These events include:

• The menstrual cycle
• Pregnancy
• Infertility
• Miscarriage
• Post-pregnancy
• Pre-menopause
• Menopause

About 10% to 15% of new mothers develop "postpartum" (after birth) depression. When hormonal changes combined with the new responsibilities of baby care cause depression lasting longer than two weeks, you need to seek immediate help from your doctor.

Women also may suffer more depression because of social and relationship stresses unique to them, such as:

• Major responsibilities at home and at work
• Single parenthood
• Taking care of children and elderly parents
• An unhappy marriage
• Changing roles and expectations in society
• Higher rates of abuse and poverty

Professional help is available

Treatment for depression varies and may include the following:

• You may have to change your diet, change the medications you are taking or exercise more often.
• You may have to take a medication called an antidepressant.
• You might be encouraged to begin talk therapy.

While treatment is usually effective, it may take time to find what works for you. Fortunately, more than 80% of people with depression find ways to reduce or eliminate the condition and its symptoms.

Priority Health members can check here for information on getting mental health assistance.

What you can do

If you're worried about depression, the best place to start is by talking to your doctor. He or she can help you decide whether you need help from other professionals. It also helps to learn more about depression and its effects. Read more:

article found at priority health.com

• What is depression?
• Bipolar disorder
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