Postpartum Depression (PPD)
- Alissar Dalloul
- Oct 28, 2022
- 2 min read
it's not just baby blues.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a more severe, intense, long-lasting form of depression some new moms experience. Anywhere around 5-15% of new moms experience PPD within 6 weeks after delivery and this serious mental illness can impact a mother's relationship with their newborn (as maternal brain response and behavior are compromised), and propel them to lose touch with reality.
Postpartum Depression vs. Baby Blues
Prevalence: While baby blues is reported in 50-75% of new mothers, postpartum depression is reported in 5%-15%,
Time: Baby blues typically last 1-3 weeks, while postpartum depression can last up to 18 months (especially if late-onset and left untreated).
Symptoms: Baby blues' symptoms typically include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. PPD may be mistaken for baby blues at first, as it includes these symptom, however PPD is marked by more intensity and is longer-lasting.
PPD Symptoms
Stigmas, Treatment, and Misconception
New fathers can also experience PPD.
Up to half of PPD in new mothers is undiagnosed.
This is in part due to the stigma surrounding therapy and new mothers that by stating their symptoms, they appear to not care about their child or will be judged, and additionally the stigma surrounding receiving therapy and mental illness in general.
Nevertheless, the complications of postpartum depression underscores the importance of a treatment approach to its management. New parents should have a plan in place for access to free metal health care after delivery; so why don't they?
"The stigmatization of mental health conditions continues to be a barrier to diagnosis and treatment" (Manso-Córdoba, et al.)
The lack of awareness about specific mental illness, fear of being judged, and negative misconceptions that patients with mental illnesses are responsible for their illness continue to perpetuate the stigma, leading to increased mental illness prevalence and a lack of diagnosis and treatment.
Manso-Córdoba, S., Pickering, S., Ortega, M. A., Asúnsolo, Á., & Romero, D. (2020,
December 13). Factors related to seeking help for postpartum depression: A secondary
analysis of New York City Prams Data. International journal of environmental research
and public health. Retrieved August 4, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/
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