{"id":3574,"date":"2022-09-06T13:38:01","date_gmt":"2022-09-06T13:38:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.mutusystem.com\/en-us\/?p=3574"},"modified":"2023-12-31T10:16:28","modified_gmt":"2023-12-31T10:16:28","slug":"what-is-postpartum-depression-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mutusystem.com\/en-us\/mental-health\/what-is-postpartum-depression-2\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Postpartum Depression?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Beyond the Baby Blues: How to spot the symptoms of postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety disorders and how to seek help.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Postpartum depression and anxiety disorders are common, but serious issues affecting many new parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After giving birth, most new moms will experience a variety of emotions \u2014 from joy to fear, excitement to exhaustion \u2014 and have a variety of responses to those changing feelings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While most will have bouts of what\u2019s commonly called \u201cthe baby blues<\/strong>,\u201d or feelings of sadness coming and going in waves, some will experience a more intense version of depression. For some, this manifests in common symptoms of depression, for others it may be that anxiety traits are the most pronounced. Often, there is a combination of depressive and anxiety symptoms, which is why this cluster of emotional challenges is sometimes referred to as Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders or PMADs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Mothers typically show signs of PPD within four to six weeks after giving birth, but symptoms may arise as late as three months postpartum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a more severe type of PPD called Postpartum Psychosis<\/strong> which requires hospitalization and advanced medical treatment. There are mixed statistics on how often this disorder occurs in a population and is much more common amongst women who have a history of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The symptoms of postpartum psychosis typically arise around two weeks postpartum and may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some cases of PPD or PMAD can be treated through finding adequate support systems, talk therapy, somatic therapy, environmental or situational changes, or may fade on their own over time. It is important to be able to speak with a trusted and knowledgeable provider about these symptoms sooner rather than later. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Co-parents and other primary caregivers can also experience postpartum depression. One study<\/a> suggests that as many as 1 in 10 first time dads will experience postpartum depression. Many of the symptoms and risk factors for postpartum depression in birthing parents may cause a new father to experience postpartum depression as well. The likelihood of partner depression or anxiety increases significantly if the birth parent is experiencing postpartum depression and\/or anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Increasingly, there are Dads support groups, hotlines, and awareness within the mental health and wider medical community of the prevalence of postpartum depression in men. <\/p>\n\n\n\n LGBTQ+<\/a> parents, partners included, may face higher rates of postpartum mood struggles due to widespread stigma, discrimination, legal barriers, strained ties with family, etc. Thankfully, there is growing awareness within and beyond these communities of new parents and corresponding support groups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some new parents can even feel embarrassed or ashamed of their anxiety or depression postnatally. However, postpartum mood disorders are very common and often can be managed with good outcomes if addressed. Postpartum depression is not a flaw or weakness or sign of being a “bad parent” in any way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Call your doctor, midwife, OB-GYN or therapist if your PPD symptoms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you feel that you are\/your partner is experiencing signs of postpartum psychosis, contact your doctor immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming your baby, contact your doctor immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Partners, family, friends, doulas, or care providers may detect symptoms of PPD, PMADs, or Postpartum Psychosis before the new mum realizes she is experiencing mood changes beyond the baby blues. Family and support persons can often be helpful in getting you to the help you need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Treatment for postpartum depression or anxiety will vary depending on the symptoms, patient history with mood disorders, severity of the symptoms, access to support, and mother’s preference for care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some possible treatment options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can call SAMHSA\u2019s National Helpline<\/a> at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)<\/a> Information is available in English and Spanish.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Beyond the Baby Blues: How to spot the symptoms of postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety disorders and how to seek help. Postpartum depression and anxiety disorders are common, but serious issues affecting many new parents. After giving birth, most new moms will experience a variety of emotions \u2014 from joy to fear, excitement to exhaustion […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":3580,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"blog-single.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[39,37],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3574","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mental-health","category-post-birth-recovery"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThere are many reasons why a new mom could experience postpartum depression (PPD):<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Some common symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety include:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Postpartum Psychosis Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Sad Dads<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Queer families and PPD<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When to get help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Treatment for Postpartum Mood Disorders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Mental Health Hotlines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n