Postpartum Depression (PPD)

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Types of postpartum mood disorders
Postpartum mood disorders encompass a wide range of conditions which differ in scope, symptoms, duration, and severity ranging from the well-known "baby or maternity blues" which affects an estimated 85% of women to the most severe form of PPD postpartum psychosis which affects an estimated 0.1% of women.

The "baby or maternity blues"
Typically begins the third or fourth day after delivery and may include such symptoms as tearfulness, anxiety irritability, insomnia, poor concentration, fearfulness, and emotional "lability". This condition is often transient and disappears by about one to two weeks. For a few women, however the condition may last longer and "merge" into a more serious mood or anxiety disorder.

Postpartum depression (Major Depressive Disorder with postpartum onset)
This condition is estimated to affect approximately 10-15% of women and often begins within 2-26 weeks after delivery. In addition to some of the classic symptoms of depression or anxiety, the women might also exhibit extreme irritability, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and intrusive thoughts about harming the baby. This condition is more common in women who have previously experienced depression but many women experience first episodes after pregnancy. It responds well to treatment.

Postpartum psychosis
The most serious of the postpartum disorders, this illness affects only about 1-2 in 1000 new mothers. Onset is rapid, sudden, and very dramatic often within days to weeks of delivery. It can be characterized by psychotic depression, mania, hallucinations, delusions, extreme confusion and suicidal thoughts. It is a serious condition that demands rapid treatment for the safety of the mother and her baby. It is more common in women with bipolar disorder.

Symptoms

• Feeling sad most of the day
• Loss of interest or pleasure in all or most things
• Chronic exhaustion which does not go away even with a good night's sleep
• Extreme irritability, frustration, or anger
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Trouble sleeping even when the baby is sleeping
• Loss of appetite or eating too much
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
• Crying for no reason
• No interest or pleasure in your baby
• Overwhelming feelings of guilt, worthlessness or inadequacy
• Scary thoughts about harming your baby
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• No desire to be with friends or family
• Over worrying about your baby's health
• Suicidal thoughts or frequent thoughts of death
• Feeling restless or slowed down

If you are having some of the following symptoms which have lasted for more than two weeks you may be suffering from a postpartum mood disorder and should seek prompt professional assessment.

Treatment Options
There are a variety of very effective treatments for PPD including but not limited to the following:

• Psychotherapy (individual or family)
• Participation in postpartum support groups i.e. OUR SISTERS' PLACE
• Antidepressant medications

The most important step to take is to become more knowledgeable about PPD and seek help. REMEMBER . YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Support Groups for Postpartum Depression

Best Start
Ontario's Maternal Newborn and Early Child Development Resource Centre
http://www.beststart.org

Our Sisters' Place
36 Eglinton Avenue West, Suite 602
Toronto, Ontario M4R 1A1
Tel: (416) 486-7432
Toll free 1-866-363-MOOD (6663)

Mothers Offering Mothers Support, Ottawa
c/o Family Service Centre of Ottawa.
(613) 725-3601 ext 117 for information about entry into the program
http://www.familyservicesottawa.org/english/postpartum.html

Maternal Support Programs, Women's Health Centre
St. Joseph's Health Centre, Toronto, ON
(416) 530-6850

Recommended Websites

Our Sisters' Place, Mood Disorders Association of Ontario
www.oursistersplace.ca

Postpartum Support International
(information for moms, their partners and link to chat room)
www.postpartum.net

Online Postpartum Depression Support Group
www.ppdsupportpage.com

Pacific Postpartum Support Society
www.postpartum.org

Postpartum Depression
www.psycom.net/depression.central.post-partum.html

For partners
Your Medical Source, Depression After Pregnancy
www.yourmedicalsource.com/library/depressionpregnancy/DPR_how.html

CMHA: Postpartum Depression
http://www.cmha.ca/bins/content_page.asp?cid=3-86-87-88

Mother’s Reach: Postpartum Mood Disorder
http://www.helpformom.ca/

For Support Groups nearest you:
http://www.oursistersplace.ca/pdf/PPD-Directory.pdf