Postpartum Depression:
What Is It And How To Cope?

Most expecting parents look forward to their child’s birth and make extensive preparations to give their baby the best possible care. But postpartum depression can catch them off guard and overshadow the joy they feel after giving birth.

That being said, this condition is fully treatable with the right support. Therefore, if you suspect that you, or someone you know, is suffering from it, please seek help as soon as possible.

What is postpartum depression?
Postnatal depression is a form of depression that can develop after giving birth to a child. It is a common condition that affects 1 in 10 mothers, and those who suffer from it may find it difficult to care for their baby. In extreme cases, they may even think of harming themselves or their child.

Types of postpartum mental health disorders
The following are three types of mental disorders mothers can feel after delivery:

• Postpartum bluesAlso known as the “baby blues”, postpartum blues are a mild form of postpartum depression. Symptoms usually develop a few days after delivery and resolve within two weeks. As such, no medical treatment required other than support and reassurance.

• Postpartum depressionPostpartum blues that persist for more than two weeks can develop into postpartum depression. Symptoms usually develop within several weeks after childbirth but can also surface at any time during the first year.Women suffering from postpartum depression will notice physical, mental and emotional changes in themselves, leading them to behave like completely different people.

• Postpartum psychosis
  This is a rare but yet serious form of postpartum mental illness. Women can develop symptoms within days to weeks after giving birth. Because of the condition’s severity, immediate medical attention is required. The mother may even be hospitalised to ensure her safety and that of her baby.

Symptoms of postpartum mood disorders:

Symptoms of postpartum blues include:

• Mood swings

• Crying

• Irritability

• Anxiety

• Exhaustion

Symptoms of postpartum depression include:

• Feelings of hopelessness

• Sleeping disturbance

• Concerns that you’ve failed as a caregiver

• Headaches

• Drastic changes in appetite

In extreme cases, the mother may distance herself from her baby and her partner due to self-doubt and fear.

Fortunately, with both postpartum blues and postpartum depression, the mother is usually aware of these symptoms. Therefore, her chances of harming herself or the child are unlikely.

People who have postpartum psychosis, though, may not even be aware they're experiencing hallucinations and delusions. This, in turn, will lead to highly anxious and paranoid behaviours as they become desperate to regain control over their lives.

In the worst-case scenario, these symptoms may drive them to consider self-harm, suicide or even infanticide. Hence, there may be a need for immediate hospitalisation.

What causes postpartum depression?

The exact causes of postpartum depression are not fully understood, but several factors are known to increase a person’s likelihood of developing it.

Risk factors for postpartum depression

• Hormonal changes: Rapid changes in hormone levels after delivery, such as drastically lowered estrogen and progesterone levels, can contribute to depression.

• Lack of sleep: Caring for a new baby can keep parents up all night, which may be exhausting and lead to feelings of depression.

• Stress: The physical and emotional demands of childbirth, and the added responsibilities of childrearing, can be overwhelming and contribute to depression.

• Family history: Mothers with a family history of depression may be more likely to develop postpartum depression.

• Previous mental health conditions: Women with a history of depression, bipolar disorder, or other mental health conditions are more likely to develop postpartum depression.

• Major life events: Women experiencing other stressors, such as a recent divorce or losing a loved one, may be at increased risk of postpartum depression.

It's important to note that postpartum depression may develop even in women with no known risk factors. Additionally, multiple factors may interact to cause depression.

How is postpartum depression diagnosed?
A postpartum depression diagnosis typically involves many medical and psychological evaluations, including:

• Questions about symptoms and any prior history of depression or mental health conditions.

• Physical examinations to rule out other medical conditions with similar symptoms.

• Mental health evaluation, including a depression screening questionnaire and a review of symptoms and their impact on daily life.

• A discussion of thoughts concerning self-harm or harm to the baby to either confirm or rule out postpartum psychosis.

• Additional tests, such as blood tests or imaging studies, may be ordered to rule out other conditions.

In general, postpartum depression shares many diagnostic criteria with clinical depression, except symptoms must occur within four weeks after delivery. Based on information gathered from the evaluation, mental health professionals can diagnose postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression treatment
Fortunately, there are several ways to help women who are going through the symptoms mentioned above.

1. Psychotherapy
Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for postpartum depression. For example:

• Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) helps women with postpartum depression identify and change negative thought patterns

• Interpersonal therapy (IPT) improves communication and relationships.

• Problem-solving therapy can help new moms develop coping skills and stress management skills. 

2. Antidepressants
These medications are designed specifically to treat depression by influencing the levels of certain brain chemicals, like serotonin.
However, breastfeeding women are strongly encouraged to discuss the risks and benefits of antidepressants with a doctor, as only certain antidepressants are considered safe for them. Examples of medication your doctor may prescribe include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine and sertraline.

3. Other medications
Your doctor may also prescribe mood stabilisers, antipsychotics, and beta blockers. But, again, these medications should not be taken without consulting a doctor, as they may cause more harm than good, especially if you’re breastfeeding.

How to cope with postpartum depression?
Although there may seem like there’s no end to the depressive feelings when you’re in the midst of it, rest assured that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Below are some things you can do to help you through this tough time.

1. Take care of yourself
For a full recovery from postpartum depression, your physical and emotional well-being must come first. So get enough sleep, exercise and nutrition while avoiding alcohol and drugs.

2. Connect with others
Talk to a doctor, therapist or counsellor about your experiences. Get your partner to care your baby for the day, or join a support group. Having friends and family around to help out and medical professionals you can talk freely to can go a long way in your recovery journey.

3. Mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques
Practice deep breathing, meditation and yoga to keep yourself in a mindful state. Stress reduction techniques like progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery may help too.

4. Practice self-compassion
Many women blame themselves for developing postpartum depression. It helps to remind yourself that:
- It’s not your fault
- Postpartum depression is treatable
- It occurs even in women with no known risk factors
So, be kind to yourself and avoid treating your condition like a personal failure.

5. Seek professional help
If symptoms persist or worsen, please seek help from a medical professional. Medication, therapy, and other treatments are more effective in improving your well-being than enduring them alone.
It's important to remember that recovery from postpartum depression is possible and that seeking help and support is a strength, not a weakness.

6. Take breaks
Take as many breaks as you need and ask for help with your responsibilities, such as caring for the baby and chores. Remember that it’s okay to prioritise your mental health.

Is it possible to prevent postpartum depression?
While there is no guaranteed method to prevent postpartum depression, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing the condition or to help manage symptoms:

1. Seek support:
- Strengthen your support network of family and friends before and after giving birth
- Join a support group for new mothers
- Seek help from mental health professionals if needed

2. Prepare for the transition to parenthood:
- Educate yourself about the common physical and emotional changes that occur after childbirth
- Consider taking a childbirth education class or parenting class
- Plan for and communicate with your partner regarding responsibilities and expectations for the postpartum period

3. Seek early treatment:
- Seek treatment as soon as possible if postpartum depression symptoms develop
- Early treatment can help prevent symptoms from worsening and improve the chances of a full recovery.

When to seek help for postpartum depression?
Here are some signs that it may be time to seek help for postpartum depression:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness.

• Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities.

• Difficulty bonding with or caring for the baby.

• Feelings of guilt or inadequacy as a parent.

• Difficulty sleeping, even when the baby is asleep.

• Changes in appetite or weight.

• Fatigue or low energy.

• Thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby.

Does insurance cover postpartum depression treatment?
That depends on your insurance provider. For instance, Prudential’s PRUMy Child Plus plan offers up to RM 8,000 in coverage for postpartum depression and other mental health conditions developed during or after pregnancy, up to a year after the baby’s birth.


Postpartum depression FAQ

1. How long will it take to recover from postpartum?
Most women recover within a year of developing postpartum depression symptoms. However, the exact timeline differs for each person. Some women may continue to experience symptoms for years.

2. Is postpartum depression considered a mental illness?
Yes, it is. While this may not be what you want to hear, the good news is that help is available for this condition.

3. Can fathers get postpartum depression?
Yes. Not only can fathers develop postpartum depression symptoms, but surrogate or adoptive parents are also at risk.

4. Can you get postpartum depression after six months?
Yes. Parents of newborns can develop postpartum depression symptoms up to a year after their baby is born.

Conclusion
Postpartum depression can make you feel like an inadequate parent, but it’s important to know that you don’t have to deal with it alone. If you’re worried about the cost of treatment, talk to Prudential today and find an insurance plan that provides the best coverage for you and your baby.