Postpartum Depression: Not just a celeb-reality

By Jacquelynn Engle, M.S., C.P.P. And Georgia “Danielle” Webb

The Brooke Shields-Tom Cruise exchange a few years ago about the realities of postpartum depression fueled a buzz at the workplace water cooler, in grocery stores and at hair and nail solons across America. The opinion clash was widely publicized, putting postpartum depression (PPD) in the national spotlight. Even today, rare is the monthly tabloid or evening entertainment program that doesn’t highlight at least one rumored celebrity diagnosis of PPD. But PPD does not discriminate. Regardless of celebrity status, any postpartum woman can experience this very real medical condition.

PPD is a range of physical and emotional changes many mothers have following childbirth. They result from chemical and hormonal imbalances experienced during pregnancy. Every normal pregnancy involves chemical and hormonal changes for the mother-to-be. When an imbalance occurs, postpartum depression can result.

About one in ten mothers are affected by PPD within the first year following childbirth. For the Louisville metro area, that equates to over 1,000 cases of PPD each year.

Any form of depression in the postpartum phase of pregnancy is often referred to as postpartum depression. However, there are three actual forms of depression following pregnancy.

Baby Blues

The first form is commonly known as the Baby Blues. The Baby Blues are quite common and usually occur within a few days and sometimes up to one to two weeks after birth. Mothers can experience sudden mood swings, crying for no apparent reason, feelings of impatience, anxiety, loneliness, sadness, restlessness and irritability. Symptoms tend to subside fairly quickly, generally within ten to fourteen days. A prenatal care provider’s guidance, involvement with support groups or talking with other mothers might be helpful.

Postpartum Depression

The second form of depression following pregnancy is Postpartum Depression (PPD). Unlike the Baby Blues, this form can last for as long as a year after delivery. Women who experience PPD have symptoms similar to those of the Baby Blues but at a stronger concentration, resulting in an inability to accomplish day-to-day tasks or provide care for the new baby or herself.

PPD can occur after the birth of any child, not only the first a common misbelief. Women who experience postpartum depression in a previous pregnancy are statistically more likely to experience it with future pregnancies. PPD is very treatable through interventions that might include a short-term medication regimen.

Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum Psychosis is the third and the most serious form of depression following pregnancy. It is a serious mental illness which usually develops in the first three months after childbirth. Women experiencing postpartum psychosis can lose touch with reality and begin to hear or see things that do not exist. They may also display some symptoms of PPD and exhibit strange feelings and behaviors. A woman experiencing postpartum psychosis is at high risk for being unable to care for herself or her child and needs to seek professional mental health assistance immediately.

Most importantly, all forms of PPD are treatable. They are medical conditions that can affect any woman regardless of race, socio-economic or celebrity status, age or number of pregnancies. While most treatment periods are short-term, length and type can vary based on the situation. Treatment by medical professionals often results in a return to normal everyday life functions relatively quickly.

As with many serious illnesses, self-diagnosis, self-treatment, or self-medication, are generally not productive and can often result in harm to one’s health. While some women experiencing forms of PPD may believe they can work through it on their own, the guidance of a medical professional is needed and should be sought.

National Depression Screening Day is October 11, 2008. Throughout Kentucky, many sites will host depression screenings. Local sites can be found on the web at http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/locator/NDSDmap.aspx.

Help is also available every day and night through the Seven Counties Services, Inc. Crisis and Information Center at (502) 589-4313 or (800) 221-0446.

Jacquelynn Engle is a Prevention Specialist with Seven Counties Services, Inc. and Danielle Webb_ is a student at Eastern Kentucky University who is interning with the Prevention Division of Seven Counties Services, Inc.

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Signs of Postpartum Depression

Feeling restless or irritable Feeling sad, depressed, excess crying Lack of energy Headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations, numbness, or hyperventilation Sleep difficulties Lack of interest in the baby Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions Excess worry about the baby Feeling worthless and guilty Fear of hurting the baby or yourself Loss of appetite and weight loss Overeating and weight gain Feeling overwhelmed Loss of interest or pleasure in activities, including sex

A woman may feel anxious after childbirth but not have PPD. She may have postpartum anxiety or panic disorder. Signs include strong anxiety and fear, rapid breathing, fast heart rate, hot or cold flashes, chest pain, and feeling shaky or dizzy. If experiencing these or other PPD symptoms, consult a medical professional immediately. Medication and counseling are often used successfully to treat postpartum anxiety.