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The people behind Parker's Project know how important it is to acknowledge and raise awareness for Partpartum mood disorders.
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Postpartum mood disorders encompass a wide range of conditions which differ in scope, symptoms, duration, and severity ranging from the well-known “baby or maternity blues”, which affects an estimated 85% of women, to the most severe form of PPD, postpartum psychosis, which affects an estimated 0.1% to 0.2% of women.

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The “baby or maternity blues”

Typically begins on the third or fourth day after delivery and may include such symptoms as tearfulness, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, poor concentration, fearfulness, and emotional instability. This condition is often transient and disappears by about one to two weeks. For a few women, however, the condition may last longer and become a
more serious mood or anxiety disorder. 

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Postpartum depression (major depressive disorder with postpartum onset)

This condition is estimated to affect approximately 10 to 15% of women and often begins within two weeks to six months after delivery. In addition to some of the classic symptoms of depression or anxiety, women might also exhibit extreme irritability, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and intrusive thoughts about harming the baby. This condition is more common in women who have previously experienced depression but many women experience first episodes after pregnancy. This condition responds well to treatment. 

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Postpartum psychosis 

The most serious of the postpartum disorders, this condition affects about 1 to 2 in 1,000 new mothers. Onset is rapid, sudden, and very dramatic, often within days to weeks of delivery. It can be characterized by psychotic depression, mania, hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that other people cannot),delusions (fixed, false beliefs), extreme confusion and suicidal thoughts. It is a serious condition that requires rapid treatment for the safety of the mother and her baby. This condition is more common in women with bipolar disorder.

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What are the risk factors/triggers for postpartum depression? 

Postpartum mood disorders can develop after the birth of any child. Women may be a greater risk of developing a postpartum mood disorder if:

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  • They have a history of depression

  • They have had postpartum depression following a previous pregnancy

  • They have experienced stressful events during the previous year

  • They have a weak support system

Women living with bipolar disorder are at greater risk of developing postpartum psychosis.

 

What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?

 

  • Feeling restless or slowed down

  • Feeling sad most of the day

  • Loss of interest or pleasure in all or most things, including the baby

  • Extreme irritability, frustration, or anger

  • Feelings of hopelessness

  • Trouble sleeping even when the baby is sleeping

  • Loss of appetite or eating too much

  • Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions

  • Crying for no reason

  • Overwhelming feelings of guilt, worthlessness or inadequacy

  • Scary thoughts about harming your baby

  • Anxiety or panic attacks

  • No desire to be with friends or family

  • Excessive worrying about your baby’s health

  • Suicidal thoughts or frequent thoughts of death

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Postpartum Psychosis:

  • Hallucinations and delusions

  • Paranoia

  • Confusion and disorientation

  • Attempts to harm yourself or the baby

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If you are experiencing some of these symptoms, and they have lasted for more than two weeks, you may be experiencing a postpartum mood disorder and should seek prompt professional help. 

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What do I need to tell my doctor? 

  • Write down any symptoms you’ve had, and for how long

  • Write down key personal information

  • Make a list of all medications you are taking, and any previous mood disorders you have had

  • Write down questions to ask your doctor

  • Take a family member or friend along

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