6 Questions Answered about Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety
Postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety (PPA) have been hot topics for quite some time, but it often isn’t given the necessary attention it deserves. Mental health, in general, is not respected in the way that it should be unless something tragic happens. When it comes to maternal mental health like PPD and PPA, people don’t realize how common it is and how it affects parents, children, families, etc.
I am hoping that through this blog, anyone who is looking for information for themselves or for their loved ones can understand the importance of seeking support and resources for those who need it.
Before I even get started, I do want to stress that if you or a loved one is needing support to contact a licensed mental health professional and/or medical professional immediately to schedule an appointment. If you are, or if your loved one is in crisis, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
What are Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety?
Postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety (PPA) are maternal mental health diagnoses that are given to a parent, at any time during or after pregnancy (including loss), who experience symptoms that impact their daily lives.
These symptoms include (but are not limited to):
Increased anger
Lack of sleep (outside of the “norm” of the newborn stage)
Lack of eating
Overly cautious or watchful
Intrusive thoughts** - Make sure to read the misconceptions section!!
Baby blues lasting longer than 3 weeks postpartum
Increase feelings of sadness, overwhelm, and anxiety
There are differences between postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety (PPA), but it is very common for a parent to have both PPD and PPA. The easiest way to differentiate PPD and PPA (and please be mindful that this is a generalized difference and can be different per parent) are that parents who experience PPD feel disconnected from their child and their experience, while parents with PPA work to become overly connected to their child and experience.
What Risk Factors that Increase your Likelihood of PPD or PPA?
There are several risk factors that increase a parent’s likelihood of developing postpartum depression and/or postpartum anxiety. These risk factors include (but are not limited to):
Previous experience with depression and/or anxiety
Previous PPD or PPA with a previous pregnancy
Family members with a history of depression or anxiety
Lack of emotional support
Complications during birth
Premature delivery
Difficult life transitions
If this was an unplanned pregnancy
What are the Effects of Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety?
Postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety can have intense effects that impact more than just the parents.
Babies and children of parents with PPD or PPA (that are untreated) are more likely to develop mental health issues and sometimes developmental delays (Glover, 2013). This can be especially true for mothers who develop PPD and PPA during pregnancy. This is why it is often recommended for moms to continue taking their medication throughout their pregnancy while being observed by their OBGYN.