Welcoming a baby can be a moment of unmatched joy for most women, but there are many others whose loneliness feels like it will never end. Some might not even realize they are depressed, what with the many tasks that need to be accomplished days after giving birth.
Let’s admit it: having a baby is stressful, no matter how much you’ve looked forward to having one. There are a lot of changes happening in a new mom’s life—and it can be overwhelming to the point that some fall into the trap of postpartum depression. But this is not your fault, mama!
“It is important to know that postpartum depression is not your fault,” said Dr. Angela Aida Halili-Jao, adult and child psychiatrist affiliated with The Medical City and St. Luke’s Medical Center-Quezon City. “The adjustment to motherhood can be very stressful as you learn to navigate your new role, balancing care for yourself and an infant—and possibly other children and family members. This can be demanding, exhausting, and overwhelming.”
What it is and what are the symptoms
We talked to Dr. Jao to know more about postpartum depression (PPD) and how mamas can cope and overcome this condition. According to her, PPD is a mental health illness that affects women after giving birth. “There's no single cause of postpartum depression, but physical (dramatic drop in estrogen and progesterone) and emotional issues may play a role. While some women are predisposed to experiencing postpartum depression, PPD can affect anyone, including women who experience a normal delivery and give birth to a healthy child. Since a personal history of depression can increase the risk of postpartum depression, let your doctor know if you have struggled with depression or anxiety in the past. By taking special precautions, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing PPD,” she advised.
Watch out for symptoms of PPD, including (1) feeling down or depressed for most of the day for several weeks or more, (2) feeling distant and withdrawn from family and friends, (3) a loss of interest in activities, including sex, (4) changes in eating and sleeping habits, (5) feeling tired most of the day, (6) feeling angry or irritable, and (7) having feelings of anxiety, worry, panic attacks, or racing thoughts. Sometimes, symptoms of PPD do not begin until months after birth.
“The adjustment to motherhood can be very stressful as you learn to navigate your new role, balancing care for yourself and an infant. It is important to know that postpartum depression is not your fault," said adult and child psychiatrist Dr. Angela Aida Halili-Jao. Postpartum Depression vs Baby Blues
You might be wondering to yourself: I’m sad and feeling the “baby blues.” How is that different from PPD?
According to the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Women’s Mental Health, an estimated 50 to 85 percent of women experience postpartum or baby blues—feelings of tearfulness or crying for no reason, anxiety, irritability, and quick changes in mood—within a few weeks of delivery. But these feelings usually go away on their own after 1 to 2 weeks.
“What sets PPD apart is how long it lasts and the severity of symptoms. The feelings of sadness, loneliness, worthlessness, restlessness, and anxiety last much longer than a few weeks,” noted Dr. Jao.
Postpartum Depression Treatment
Can it be treated? Yes.
According to Dr. Jao, PPD sometimes goes away on its own within three months of giving birth. The symptoms usually go away more quickly with the help of medication and talk therapy.
She advises moms that should you start experiencing the symptoms above, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. Your doctor may recommend that you meet regularly with a counselor or that you start taking antidepressant medications. Often, both types of treatment are recommended.
“About 90% of women who have PPD can be treated successfully with medication or a combination of medication and psychotherapy. If left untreated, postpartum depression can interfere with mother-child bonding and cause family problems. Untreated postpartum depression can last for months or longer, sometimes becoming a chronic depressive disorder for the mother,” warned Dr. Jao.
Lifestyle changes can also help to reduce some symptoms of PPD. You may consider doing the following strategies:
- Get enough sleep
- Find time to exercise
- Surround yourself with a supportive network of family and friends
- Eat regular, nourishing meals
- Ask others to watch your child so that you can have a much-needed break
