What is Postpartum Depression (PPD)?

So what is postpartum depression? I thought I'd better talk briefly about what it is. Bear in mind that I am not a medical professional. I'm just someone who has been through it and subsequently learned a lot about it.

According to the American Psychological Association 1 in 10 new mothers experience some form of postpartum mood disorder. According to the National Mental Health Association 10-15% of all new mothers get postpartum depression.

Postpartum mood disorders can be classified in 3 categories:

Baby Blues - Baby blues generally don't impair functioning. Symptoms are sadness, crying, guilt, exhaustion, anger, and/or feelings of isolation. Many women will experience these symptoms after birth. If they don't go away in a couple of weeks or are severe it may be postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression - note that it may begin shortly after birth or up to a year later.
Symptoms:

• crying for no apparent reason
• helplessness
• hopelessness/despair
• anxiety/panic attacks
• numbness
• heart palpitations
• frightening feelings/thoughts
• over concern for baby
• no feelings for baby
• anger
• lack of interest in sex (as if a new mom has time or energy for it anyway)
• dramatic changes in sleep
• dramatic changes in eating habits
• inability to concentrate
• impaired memory
• exaggerated highs & lows
• sadness or thoughts of suicide
• thoughts of hurting baby
• unable to cope

Postpartum psychosis - This is much rarer that postpartum depression, but is much more incapacitating often requiring institutionalization. Symptoms are any of the above in addition to; refusing to eat, frantic energy, sleep disturbances, irrational thoughts, paranoia, extreme disorientation, hallucinations, and thoughts of hurting yourself or baby.

I will close with this final thought from 1 Thess. 5 16&17 "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing."