Postpartum Depression and other Perinatal Mood Disorders Explained

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AND OTHER PERINATAL MOOD DISORDERS

We want to believe that it won’t happen to us. I’m different. The baby will fit into my lifestyle. I’ve never experienced depression before. I’ll be fine.

Expectant mothers create birth plans, decorate the nursery and debate between cloth or disposable diapers. They don’t often prepare for the possibility of experiencing a perinatal mood disorder.

There is a rise in education and awareness regarding: postpartum depression/ anxiety/panic, postpartum obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and, in extreme cases, postpartum psychosis, which is amazing.

It’s time to take this awareness and create something useful that allows us to prepare without attaching a negative stigma to it. It’s time to acknowledge that it could happen to anyone regardless of who you are, where you come from, and what you’ve experienced. Applied knowledge is power and the best way to apply this knowledge is to be prepared.

To start with, it’s important to understand that there are different types of depression. Generally, when we look at depression in the post-partum period it is considered to be triggered by things like hormonal changes, lifestyle changes and lack of sleep. I’ve come to realize that this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many factors involved in a woman’s predisposition to perinatal mood disorders.

Recognizing the potential for experiencing a perinatal mood disorder takes courage. I get it. I fell into the category of, “the baby will fit into my lifestyle” and when I had twins my world came crashing down. Knowing what I know now, I was headed straight into postpartum depression and anxiety and it had to do with a lot more than the change in my lifestyle.

Once the clouds lifted and I started feeling more like myself again, I dove head first into learning everything I could about why I, a seemingly healthy person both mentally and physically, ended up with postpartum depression and anxiety. The most alarming thing that I discovered was the lack of pre-screening for this potentially very dangerous post-partum experience.

During my research, I came to fully understand the gravity of this missing link. I had been an active person with a zest for life, but there were days that I wanted to end it. During those darker days, I would often imagine driving off the side of a bridge whenever I left the house. Even now, almost 3 years later, typing those words creates a lump in my throat.

This has to change, starting now. And because pre-screening isn’t regulated into our healthcare system during the prenatal period, it’s up to us to gain understanding and spread awareness. So let’s get into it!

PRE-SCREENING/RISK FACTORS FOR EXPERIENCING A PERINATAL MOOD DISORDER

• A previous history of perinatal mood or anxiety disorder such as post-partum depression (PPD), anxiety or psychosis

• Depression or anxiety during a current pregnancy

• A previous history of depression or bipolar disorder

• Family history of mental illness including depression or bipolar disorder

• History of pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

• Previous miscarriage or stillbirth

• Difficulty conceiving, difficult pregnancy and/or delivery

• Previous traumatic birth experience (PTSD)

• New baby has reflux such as colic or reflux

• Poor support from partner, family and friends

• Difficulty managing existing children’s needs

• Mom of multiples

• Being a single mom

• Experiencing a recent trauma or stressful event such as: domestic violence, verbal abuse, poverty, loss of a loved one, divorce or financial difficulties

This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but it’s a great start and I would venture to say that if you (or a loved one who is expecting) can circle even one of the above, it’s a good idea to prepare for the possibility of experiencing a perinatal mood disorder.

Discover how you can create a Maternal Mental Health Wellness Plan by accessing the full article.

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