Why Postpartum Depression happens?

Majority of people have at least heard of postpartum depression, but don't necessarily know what it means, or what it looks like, or why it even happens. Many moms think, "Oh yeah, I know about that, but THAT won't happen to ME." Just liked I explained above, the symptoms of "postpartum depression" can actually start BEFORE the postpartum period and actually start showing up during your pregnancy. This is the same for "postpartum anxiety" as well. Those worry thoughts and anxious feelings, or even panic attacks can also begin during pregnancy. But what does it look like? And why does it happen? While there are risk factors that put you at higher chance of developing, what we now call, a PMAD (perinatal mood and anxiety distress), there is no single cause or reason. Actually, it is more of a combination of biological, environmental, hormonal, and psychological factors; anyone can develop a PMAD, and it's NOT your fault if it does happen.

 

Here are some common risk factors:

• History of a mood or anxiety disorder (depression, anxiety, OCD)

• Thyroid imbalance, diabetes, or other endocrine disorders

• Lack of support from family or friends

• Financial stress or poverty

• Severe Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) 

• Pregnancy or birth complications, past miscarriages or pregnancy loss

• History of abuse/childhood trauma

• An unwanted or even unplanned pregnancy

• Abrupt discontinuation of breastfeeding

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Here are a few signs/symptoms:

• Change in mood occurring daily, intensely, and getting in the way of your basic needs

• Disturbance to sleep and appetite

• Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness

• Crying and sadness, constant worry, or racing thoughts

• Loss of interest or finding pleasure in things that you used to enjoy

• Feelings of anger, rage, irritability, or scary and unwanted thoughts

• Intrusive thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

• Physical symptoms like dizziness, tightness in your chest, nausea, or hot flashes