Gayle had her second child in 1970. Three months after the birth, she began to feel listless, fatigued and irritable; she found herself crying for no reason.
Looking for answers, Gayle went to her OB/GYN, who in short recommended that she "get over it" and "have your husband take you out for a nice dinner."
Thirty-five years later, great strides have been made in women's health, and we now know that someone like Gayle was suffering from a type of depression called postpartum blues.
Abby Myers, a doctor practicing in Seattle, attributes changes in attitude toward postpartum disorders to two factors. "In the 1990s, there was a general decrease in stigma regarding depression as it became understood as an illness, not a personal failure," Myers explained. "In addition, the change in women's roles, the burden of multiple roles in modern culture, has led to less idealization of mothering."
Postpartum disorders can occur in any woman, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, education or economic status. There are currently five major types of postpartum disorders: the postpartum blues or "the baby blues," postpartum depression, anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and postpartum psychosis.
Postpartum disorders also can occur in women who have had miscarriages, abortions or are weaning an infant. As with any other illness - like flu or pneumonia - it is important to remember that a mother cannot just "pull herself out of it."
During pregnancy and after birth, mood fluctuations are greatly affected by hormonal changes, which can result in postpartum disorders. Co-factors in postpartum illness can include life stressors such as inadequate partner support, employment shifts, money difficulties and social isolation.
The baby blues affect between 50 and 85 percent of all new mothers. In the days and weeks following delivery, birth mothers can experience feelings of letdown after the high that is felt at the birth of their child. Symptoms may include inexplicable crying, anxiety, restlessness, impatience and irritability.
These indicators rarely interfere with the new mother's ability to function, and commonly dissipate as quickly as they arise. If symptoms persist more than a few weeks, it is important to see a health care professional.
Postpartum depression occurs in approximately 10 to 20 percent of new mothers. Symptoms may occur as early as a day after delivery or have a delay of as much as a year. Postpartum depression exhibits itself in a variety of ways ranging in severity and type and possibly including: exhaustion, poor concentration, uncontrollable crying, fear of going crazy, lack of interest in sex and fear of harming the baby or oneself.
Postpartum panic disorder can occur in 10 to 15 percent of women. Excessive worry, panic attacks and extreme anxiety are the common symptoms. Obsessive-compulsive disorders manifests in 3 to 5 percent of new mothers, who can develop symptoms ranging from repetitive thoughts of hurting or killing the baby, to enormous guilt about these thoughts, to hiding knives or other items to reduce anxiety.
Actual postpartum psychosis occurs in approximately .01 percent of women and is characterized by a distinct loss of touch with reality, including disorientation, delusions and occasionally auditory hallucinations. It is a very dramatic condition that can require medication and/or inpatient treatment as a means of keeping the new mother and baby safe.
Christine was 32 when she had her first son. At the time she thought she was just experiencing a life transition, but in retrospect she now sees that it's very likely that she was suffering from postpartum depression.
"I would just have terrible mood swings and freak out about nothing," Christine said. "I never had thoughts of harming my child, but I fantasized about offing myself just to get away from it all." Christine never sought help, even though her troubles went on for nine months, because "I didn't really have anyone at the time telling me that I seemed off - except my husband, and I ignored him."
It is important to remember that with the proper attention all forms of postpartum depression are treatable. Cognitive or interpersonal therapy, support groups and/or medication will be recommended on a case-by-case basis. A balanced diet and regular exercise can also help buoy moods.
Myers gives the following advice to new mothers: "If you have any doubts about what you're going through, you should go to see someone [a healthcare professional] even if it's just one time to see if what you're experiencing is 'out of the norm.'"
Myers went on to explain that each new mother is different, but one thing is consistent in every case: women who have more support fare much better at avoiding postpartum dis- orders.
If you think you or your partner might be suffering from a postpartum disorder, it is essential to immediately see a healthcare professional. A full physical examination, including a thyroid screen, can eliminate possible physiological factors for your distress. A psychological examination by a mental health professional will help you determine the proper support services needed.
In some cases it may be determined that medications will prove useful in lessening or eliminating symptoms. Data have shown that many well-known anti-depressants demonstrate high efficacy rates in women with postpartum depression.
Women who are breastfeeding should be aware that not all medications are off-limits. Your doctor can help you make a well-informed decision if you both feel that this might be a positive course of action.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms outlined above, it is vital that you remember that you are not alone, and that postpartum disorders do not last forever.
Christine and her husband are planning on a second child. "Now that I know what postpartum depression is, I will be less stubborn about recognizing and admitting," she said. "I can be a very strong woman, but I have a therapist now, and she'll be on speed dial.
"It's like a rollercoaster the second time you ride it," Christine added. "I know where the loop-de-loops are going to be, and this time I'll have the support I need and use it."
If you feel that you are in danger of harming yourself or your infant, call the Crisis Line immediately at 1-866-4CRISIS (1-866-427-4747).
If you would like to speak to another mother who has had a postpartum mood disorder, call Depression after Delivery at 1-888-404-7763 and someone will get back to you within 24 hours.
Rachel Bravmann is a freelance writer living in Seattle. She can be reached via mageditor@nwlink.com[[In-content Ad]]
