I recently accepted Dr. Kaeni’s, a Certified Specialist in Perinatal Mental Health, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, invitation to watch the documentary “Not Carol” [ https://www.notcarol.com/ ]. “Not Carol” is informative and eye-opening with regards to the serious outcomes of Postpartum Depression. The documentary tells the story of a devoted mother, who took the lives of her three young daughters while suffering from postpartum mental illness.
Over the past few years, I have met new mothers experiencing a range of emotions. From the excitement of being pregnant to the joy of becoming a new parent, or grief after a miscarriage. Some new moms were hesitant but brave to disclose about not being happy; experiencing ‘the blues’, feeling depressed, anxious, or having difficulty connecting with their newborn.
I remember after delivering each of my kids, it sure was a roller-coaster of emotions with all those hormones settling down. I heard about baby blues, and I could sure relate. I also heard the same from several other new moms I met in the community. But there seems to be shame around moms who occasionally mention symptoms of postpartum depression. Mild mood changes during or after childbirth are experienced by many women. Upon deeper research, I learned that 1 in 7 moms and 1 in 10 dads suffer from Postpartum Depression. Symptoms can start anytime during pregnancy or within the first 12 months after childbirth. Women of every culture, race, age, and economic level can develop perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. However, research shows that some factors may put you at a higher risk of developing PPD. Some of these factors include a family history of depression/anxiety, pre-existing physical illnesses, stress or inadequate support. Being aware of these risk factors can help you plan ahead and discuss future care steps with your medical care provider.The symptoms differ for everyone, but might include some of the following:
– Feeling sad or depressed
– Feeling more irritable or angry with those around you
– Having difficulty bonding with your baby
– Feeling anxious or panicky
– Appetite change and/or sleep disturbance
– Upsetting and persistent thoughts
– Feelings of guilt, shame or hopelessness
– Feeling as if you are “out of control” or “going crazy”
– Feeling like you never should have become a mother
– Worried that you might hurt your baby or yourself
Though the term Postpartum Depression is the most often used, there are other forms of illness that women can experience, these include but are not limited to, Bipolar Mood Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Postpartum Psychosis. Compared to the rates of postpartum depression or anxiety, Postpartum Psychosis (PPP) is a rare illness. Only occurring in approximately 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 deliveries (or approximately 0.1 – 0.2% of births). The onset is usually sudden, most
often within the first 2 weeks postpartum.
Symptoms of Postpartum Psychosis can include:
– Delusions or strange beliefs
– Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
– Feeling very irritated
– Hyperactivity
– Decreased need for or inability to sleep
– Paranoia and suspiciousness
– Rapid mood swings
– Difficulty communicating at times.
Most women who experience Postpartum Psychosis do not harm themselves or anyone else. However, research has suggested that there are approximately a 5% suicide rate and a 4% infanticide rate associated with the illness. This is because the woman experiencing psychosis is experiencing a break from reality. Often experiencing delusional thinking and irrational judgment. Immediate treatment for a woman going through psychosis is imperative.
Pregnant and new moms, if you are concerned that you have a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder like postpartum depression, please know there are hundreds of thousands of other women who are having the same experience. You are not alone! These are real illnesses, they are not your fault, and they don’t make you a bad mom. With informed care, you can prevent the worsening of these symptoms and fully recover. There is no reason to continue to suffer.
I have included some resources at the end of this article that might be helpful to get better informed or to start the conversation.
If you or your partner are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, please talk to your medical care provider
We are available to help. You can reach me and our other clinicians at Central Counseling Services. Available seven days a week at (951) 778-0230 if you need any assistance or guidance.
https://store.samhsa.gov/system/files/sma14-4878.pdf/
https://happywithbaby.com/
https://iehp.org/en/members/pregnancy-and-postpartum-page
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