What Are the Causes of Postnatal Depression?

What is referred to as having the "baby blues" frequently occurs among new mothers. The symptoms are similar to those associated with depression in general, but normally go away within a week or two. If mood swings persist beyond that, postpartum depression may require treatment. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, while about 80 percent of all new mothers suffer from the baby blues, only 10 percent of women develop postpartum depression. A woman suffering postpartum depression may show a lack of interest in her baby, or else constantly worry about her baby. No matter what the cause, a woman needs to understand that she is not at fault.

Emotional Causes

• A woman may feel inadequate in her new role as a mother, causing her to feel anxious and guilty much of the time. Anxiety may escalate into panic attacks, and a new mother may be afraid to be left alone with her baby. Some women have difficulty dealing with insecurities related to feeling unattractive until they lose weight and get back into shape.

Physical Causes

• Even though fatigue, loss of appetite, and lack of sleep and energy are common physical symptoms following childbirth, they can also contribute to depression. Getting enough rest is not always easy to do with a newborn in the house; however, a woman needs to take care of herself so that she can care for her baby. Inadequate levels of thyroid hormone, a difficult birth or premature delivery, and other health problems following delivery can also cause depression. Women who have suffered some sort of physical trauma or abuse during pregnancy can sometimes feel depressed following the birth of a baby.

Previous History of Depression

• A past history of depression can trigger postpartum depression in women who get depressed when they become stressed. How long the depression lasts varies among women. For women who have experienced depression in the past, it may take several months before they begin feeling better. Postpartum psychosis, which is rare, affects about one out of every thousand women who give birth. Despite what one might think, worsening postpartum depression does not cause the condition. While symptoms of psychosis may include hallucinations, delirium, extreme agitation, or thoughts of suicide or of hurting the baby, in most cases, the condition can be treated successfully. Women who are more at risk for developing postpartum psychosis are those who have bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

Loneliness

• A sense of loneliness caused by problems in the marriage, or a recent death in the family may bring about depression in some women. It is not uncommon for a woman to feel isolated and lonely, especially during those first weeks after giving birth. Although a lot of women experience some degree of postpartum depression, it becomes a problem when those feelings intensify or fail to go away. It may be necessary for a physician to prescribe antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications to treat postnatal depression. A woman can also seek emotional support whether through counseling or by joining a support group (see Resources below). Talking to other women who feel the same way often helps.

Loss of Control

• Having a baby requires making major adjustments; therefore, loss of control over their lives contributes to depression in some women. Women who tend to be perfectionists frequently feel overwhelmed once they realize that having a baby in the household means they may not be able to keep their lives as orderly. Loss of freedom or of self can also trigger depression.

Inability to Cope

• Becoming a new parent can be a frightening challenge. One of the most practical things you can do to cope is to keep things in perspective. If you have to, ask your spouse, family, and friends for help with childcare and household tasks. Find someone to whom you can talk openly whenever you feel overwhelmed. Keep in mind that motherhood takes practice. Both you and your baby will be much less anxious and a lot happier once you accept that your baby isn't perfect and neither are you.