I remember it like it was yesterday, only it wasn’t. It was thirteen years ago. Until this day my husband says he doesn’t know which was worse: hearing our newborn infant son cry or watching me rock back and forth from the noise of the crying.

I hadn’t showered in days, maybe even weeks and I looked like a homeless victim. There was no doubt that I belonged in a psychiatric hospital but at the time my husband and I had no idea. I was completely incapacitated, riddled with anxiety and hopelessly depressed. I had no clue as to how I was going to take care of my newborn child in this state of mind and I was completely panicked. However, the panic only lasted until the depression became even more severe, at which point I didn’t even care enough to feel panicked. All I cared about was escaping. I simply wanted to die.

In any given year, 25% of women struggle with postpartum depression (PPD). What is even more astounding—and tragic—is that most women never seek treatment and suffer in silence. Clearly, mothers need to get the message that help is available. This serious and dangerous condition can be treated effectively and can be avoided if everyone concerned is alert to the warning signs and the right treatment program is implemented.

I am very passionate about this subject because of how I have suffered. I was diagnosed with atypical, treatment-resistant/refractory depression and Bipolar II disorder which became much more severe after the birth of my son 13 years ago. I wish some of the treatments available now had been available to me back then.

Postpartum Depression, or “The Baby Blues”

About 50 to 60% of women who give birth suffer from postpartum blues (“baby blues”), which is less severe than postpartum depression. Postpartum blues is usually characterized by an emotional letdown due to persistent pain and fatigue, overwhelming fears and concerns about the new responsibilities of motherhood, and about self and body-image after the pregnancy. It typically begins right after birth to 2-3 weeks after and lasts anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The woman usually recovers once a proper schedule and supportive environment are in place. Postpartum depression, on the other hand, has seven warning signs that all health care professionals—as well as anyone close to the woman—should be looking out for after a woman gives birth and several weeks to months afterwards:

• Depressed mood and loss of interest in most activities
• A significant change in appetite or weight
• Excessive sleep or insomnia
• Agitated or excessively withdrawn behavior
• Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
• Difficulty concentrating
• Recurrent thoughts of death and suicide

If you have been experiencing these symptoms for two weeks or more, get in touch with your OB-GYN doctor to talk about them. He or she will be able to refer you to a mental health professional or center where you will get the treatment you require.

Are You at High Risk for Postpartum Depression?

These are the factors that expectant mothers should be aware of:

• A history of depression or any other mental illness
• A history of depression or any other mental illness among family members: parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles
• Marital or relationship problems
• An unwanted pregnancy
• Isolation and an unhealthy sense of self-sufficiency can exacerbate
postpartum depression.
If you think you might be at risk, discuss this with your OB-GYN before or at the onset of your pregnancy.

Leaving the Shame Behind

Postpartum depression can be completely debilitating, and taking care of a newborn in that state can be terrifying. If left untreated, this illness has the potential to lead to tragedy. Yet women with postpartum depression are often hesitant to talk about how they feel and often do not ask for help. They may feel they are expected to be happy at this time in their lives, and may be ashamed that they are unhappy and unable to cope. Mental illness is as physical as any other illness, such as cancer and diabetes. It is especially important to be unashamed of postpartum depression and to ask for help, knowing it is a widespread condition that can be treated.

Treatment Options

Depending on the severity, there are different treatment options. If it is a very severe case, it is recommended that you get in touch with a psychiatrist from a nearby mental health clinic or someone privately. I am sure your OB-GYN doctor could also recommend someone and at the end of this article a list of resources is provided as well. A severe case of PPD may warrant medication in conjunction with some type of psychotherapy. The two types of psychotherapy that I chose to use are interpersonal (talk) therapy and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which is about changing your thought patterns. Support groups are also very helpful.

Resources

• This Isn’t What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression by Karen Kleiman and Valerie Raskin.
• Down Came the Rain: My Journey through Postpartum Depression by Brooke Shields
• Postpartum Support International- 805-967-7636; U.S: 800-944-4PPD
• Postpartum Resource Center of New York: 631- 422-2255
• For additional resources, contact Dr. Rebecca Abramson, Clinical Psychologist specializing in Womens’ Issues at 914-997-6490 / 914-421-1500 x331.

Michelle Longo-Bloom is a school psychologist who advocates for victims of mental disease, while writing on depression and mental health related topics. Her book Over the Rainbow: A Story of Life, Love, and Family with Bipolar Disorder is being considered for publication.