Five Myths About Postpartum Depression
Did you know that the common misconception of crying all the time being the central symptom of postpartum depression (PPD) is NOT accurate?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that affects women who are pregnant or after giving birth, causing persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and a lack of joy.
Recognizing PPD symptoms is crucial because it allows women to seek support and treatment, breaks down misconceptions, and empowers them to care for themselves and their baby.
As someone who works with women every day, I consistently address the many myths surrounding PPD and perinatal mood disorders.
Here are some common statements I hear from women regarding their PPD symptoms:
"I didn't realize I was depressed because I wasn't crying all the time."
"I don't think I'm depressed because I don't want to hurt myself or my baby."
"I didn't know that feeling anxious was part of PPD."
"I didn't know that feeling angry, numb, overwhelmed, and stressed were symptoms."
"My sister's experience of depression looked completely different from mine, so I didn't recognize it for a long time."
To debunk these myths, let's address five common misconceptions about postpartum depression:
Myth #1: Moms with PPD are sad and cry constantly.
Fact: While crying can be a symptom of PPD, it is not the sole indicator. PPD encompasses a range of signs and symptoms that vary from woman to woman. Some common symptoms include:
Depressed mood or depression with anxiety
Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, including bonding with the baby (anhedonia)
Significant changes in weight or appetite
Sleep disturbance and fatigue
Feeling physically slowed down or restless
Excessive guilt or worthlessness
Feeling like a failure
Diminished concentration and clear thinking
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Myth #2: PPD occurs within the first few months of childbirth.
Fact: Postpartum depression symptoms can arise during pregnancy and persist up to 12 months after giving birth. Screening protocols may vary depending on the caregiver, but it's important to note that the screening doesn't necessarily capture the full range of experiences. Factors such as feeling safe with your caregiver, your current mood, and any shame or stigma you may feel can influence the outcome of screenings.
Myth #3: PPD will go away on its own.
Fact: Postpartum depression is highly treatable, but it requires support from a perinatal mental health professional. If left untreated, symptoms and feelings will persist and may even intensify over time. Seeking help is crucial to your well-being.
Myth #4: Women with PPD will hurt their children.
Fact: Having PPD does not mean you will harm your children. While there are rare cases of mothers with postpartum psychosis engaging in harmful behavior, the majority of women with PPD do not pose a risk to their children. It's important to understand that intrusive thoughts are a symptom of PPD, and having such thoughts doesn't make you more likely to act on them. Most mothers with PPD are horrified by these thoughts and want them to stop.
Myth #5: Having PPD is somehow your fault.
Fact: PPD doesn't discriminate, and it is never your fault. Women from all walks of life can experience perinatal mood disorders, regardless of their history or circumstances. It's essential to recognize that you didn't do anything to deserve this, and seeking help is a courageous step towards healing.
However, there are women who are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with a perinatal mood disorder include:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🥺 You have a history of mental health issues (depression, anxiety, bipolar, etc), either during pregnancy or at other times of life.
👶🏼 You had postpartum depression after a previous pregnancy
👨🏼🦳 You have family members who've had depression or other mood disorders⠀⠀⠀⠀
👎🏼 You've experienced stressful events in the last year, such as grief, pregnancy complications, illness, job loss or a global pandemic
😷 Your baby had/has health problems or other special needs⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
👯♀️ You have twins, triplets or other multiple births
🤱🏼 You had/have difficulty breast-feeding
😤 You're experiencing difficulties in your relationships, could be with your spouse or significant other, in-laws, parents, etc
🤷🏼♀️ You do not feel like you have a strong support system
💰 You’re struggling financially
🤰🏼 The pregnancy was unplanned or unwanted
Remember, you are not alone in your experience. Many well-known celebrity moms, including Kirsten Bell, Alanis Morissette, Drew Barrymore, and Adele, have openly shared their struggles with perinatal mood disorders.
HEAR ME SAY THIS: There is no shame in developing PPD. You haven't done anything wrong. You weren't a horrible person in another life to deserve this. Depression SUCKS, it's hard and it's even harder to admit.
Until next time, Kayla
P.S.Did you know I have a program called THE FOURTH, and it’s all about preventing postpartum depression and preparing you for life with a newborn? Check out the details here.
