Myths and misconceptions surround Postpartum Mood Disorders
Postpartum depression is not new. Often (mis)referred to as the ‘baby blues,’ we’re beginning to understand a little more about the condition, its symptoms, its treatment, and most importantly, its prevention. If you had to, could you define it? This type of illness is difficult to pinpoint—it’s not apparent, like a virus, a broken arm or a stuffy nose.
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a longer and more severe continuation of the baby blues. Triggered by the chemical, psychological, and social changes that result from the pregnancy and birth of a new baby, it is generally a situational form of clinical depression.
Though research has brought us a long way in understanding PPD, the issue is yet cloaked in much myth, misconception, and stigma. What are the societal myths? How do we work to dispel them? Let’s take a look.
Myth No. 1
Mothers with PPD didn’t want to be mothers, or don’t love their babies.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Many are thrilled at the idea of bringing home their little bundle of joy. Yet somehow, following the birth, bliss turns to dread. Women who suffer from PPD are not bad, unloving mothers. They love their babies, but are suffering from a condition they cannot control.
Myth No. 2
Women who experience PPD have a history of depression.
Women who have a history of depression pre-pregnancy are at a greater risk for developing postpartum depression, but there is no guarantee that a woman who has experienced depression at some point in her life will experience PPD. Likewise there is no guarantee that a woman who has never experienced depression is immune to PPD. Prior depression is a risk factor but not a determinant.
Myth No. 3
Everyone gets the baby blues.
Within five days to two weeks following the birth of a child, 80 to 90 percent of moms will experience periods of heightened emotions, sadness, and frustration. It’s not uncommon to get a little down from time to time and wonder, “What did I get myself into?” With the exhaustion and stress of being a new parent, certainly we have all had those frazzled, questioning moments. But of those 80 to 90 percent, just 10 percent will experience actual PPD. Their symptoms will go beyond ‘the blues’ and may manifest up to a year following birth. PPD, unlike the baby blues, does not go away. It is no one’s fault. It is a condition that is common, but it must be recognized
and addressed.
Myth No. 4
Depression is the only condition to watch for after the birth of a child.
While people are increasingly on the lookout for signs and symptoms of postpartum depression, this is not the only mood disorder a new mom or dad may face following the birth of a child. Postpartum depression is just one of a collection of mood disorders that can plague parents, including Postpartum Anxiety Disorder, Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Postpartum Psychosis. While there may be shared symptoms and characteristics, each disorder is distinct and may require its own treatment approach.
Myth No. 5
Only women suffer from PPD.
While often misunderstood and under-diagnosed, a vast number of men suffer from postpartum depression and other mood disorders. Given men’s natural tendency to try to manage emotions and anxiety on their own, far fewer men are speaking out about their own depression. It’s also important to recognize that PPD symptoms may manifest very differently in men than women. Male PPD is more likely to include aggression, argumentativeness, isolation, refusal to talk about or interact with the baby, fear of their own anger, feelings of uselessness, mourning for loss of pre-baby lifestyle, and frustration over inability to calm the baby. Their friendships and work relationships suffer. Men are at higher risk of developing PPD if their wife is suffering from it as well.
Widespread misconception about these conditions leads to insensitivity, misdiagnosis, and a lack of proper support and care for the affected parents. Society is still learning what these disorders are and how they can be prevented, recognized, and treated. Tory Kielas-Jensen, a professional postpartum doula at Welcome Baby Care, says “Moms and dads tend to suffer in … isolation because they feel guilty about their feelings toward their new baby and life. They are especially afraid to talk about their symptoms for fear that someone will take the baby from them.” Yet, the more women begin to speak out, the more that are saved from continued suffering … or worse. If you or someone you know is showing signs of a postpartum mood disorder, help is available for you. Talk to your doctor about a screening.
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Postpartum depression symptoms—what to watch for
Women: Longer existence (greater than two weeks) of the baby blues symptoms; uncontrolled crying; mood swings; anxiety; sadness; inability to concentrate. More notable symptoms may include loss of appetite; feelings of hopelessness; insomnia; excessive worry or concern; scary and intrusive thoughts; thoughts or dreams of harming yourself or your baby; isolating yourself from friends and family; withdrawing or not bonding with your baby. These symptoms will be more severe and longer lasting than the baby blues.
Men: Aggression; argumentativeness; isolation; lack of interaction with or interest in the baby; fear of your own anger; feelings of uselessness; mourning for loss of pre-baby lifestyle; frustration over inability to calm the baby.
