Postpartum Depression

DisclaimerThis page is not here to be used as a self-diagnosis, self-identification, or promotion - it's simply here to be informational. Whether or not one self-diagnoses, self-identifies, and/or seeks a professional diagnosis is up to them.Self-HermThe following page includes discussions of self-harm and suicide. If you are uncomfortable or get triggered by this topic, it is recommended to not read this page.

**Postpartum Depression (PDD)** is a type of depression that happens after having a baby. Individuals with postpartum depression experience emotional highs and lows, frequent crying, fatigue, guilt, anxiety and may have trouble caring for their baby. Postpartum depression doesn't just affect the birthing individual, it can affect surrogates and adoptive parents too.

The partners of birthing parents can also develop a type of postpartum depression called **Parental Postnatal Depression**.

## Signs & Symptoms

Many individuals feel sad, empty, moody or fatigue within a few days of giving birth, a condition nicknamed "baby blues", but postpartum depression goes beyond that, lasting for weeks after one gives birth. Its symptoms can be severe and interfere with the individual's ability to function.

Symptoms of postpartum depression can vary from individual to individual and even from day to day. While symptoms can develop anytime after childbirth, they often start within one to three weeks after having a baby.

Postpartum depression can make one feel disconnected from their baby. One may feel as thought they don't love their baby. These feelings are not their fault.

Other indicators of postpartum depression include:

* Feeling sad or crying a lot.
* Feeling overwhelmed.
* Having thoughts of hurting the baby or themselves.
* Not having an interest in the baby.
* Having no energy or motivation.
* Feeling worthless, guilty or like one is a bad parent.
* Sleeping too much or too little.
* Change in relationship with food.
* Feeling anxious.
* Having chronic headaches, aches, pain, or stomach problems.

Postpartum depression doesn't mean that one is a bad parent and it's not their fault.

## Causes

Hormonal changes may trigger symptoms of postpartum depression. When one is pregnant, levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone are the highest they'll ever be. In the first 24 hours after childbirth, hormone levels quickly drop back to normal, pre-pregnancy levels.

Levels of thyroid hormones may also drop after giving birth. Low levels of thyroid hormones can cause symptoms of depression. A simple blood test can tell whether this condition is causing the symptoms. If so, a doctor can prescribe thyroid medicine.

Other feelings may contribute to postpartum depression. Many new parents say they feel:

* Tired after labor and delivery.
* Tired from a lack of sleep or broken sleep.
* Overwhelmed with a new baby.
* Doubts about their ability to be a good parent.
* Stress from changes in work and home routines.
* An unrealistic need to be a perfect parent.
* Grief about loss of who they were before having a baby.
* Less attractive.
* A lack of free time.

## References

https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/postpartum-depression#symtpoms

https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/postpartum-depression

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9312-postpartum-depression