Postpartum depression: definition and symptoms
Postpartum depression is a mood disorder of varying intensity that occurs during the first year after childbirth, most commonly in the first three months. Perinatal depression refers to depression that occurs during pregnancy. Symptoms and their timing vary from person to person.
Postpartum depression is characterised by emotional and psychological symptoms:
- deep sadness, irritability, frequent crying
- loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities
- feelings of worthlessness, guilt, dark thoughts, even suicidal thoughts
- cognitive disorders, difficulty concentrating and making decisions
In some cases, the following may also be observed:
- sleep disorders (insomnia or hypersomnia)
- loss or gain of appetite, leading to weight change (> 5%)
- lack of energy, chronic fatigue
- behavioural disorders (social isolation, self-neglect)
The diagnosis of postpartum depression is confirmed when, for at least two weeks, a parent feels persistently unwell, sad or drained of energy, and shows several signs of daily discomfort. These difficulties may be compounded by constant anxiety about the baby, conflicting feelings, or even a sense of distance or rejection, often accompanied by strong feelings of guilt. Lack of sleep and cognitive impairment, commonly referred to as ‘baby brain’, are common among new parents and can mask the symptoms of postpartum depression.
How long does postpartum depression last?
Postpartum depression can last for several weeks or even years. It affects both new parents and those who already have children. There is a real risk of recurrence if the depression was not detected or treated after the first birth. Sometimes it is the result of an identifiable event, but most of the time it occurs without any specific cause. In some cases, postpartum depression disappears spontaneously, but medical follow-up and appropriate care are necessary to prevent the risk of it becoming chronic.
Postpartum depression and baby blues: what is the difference?
Postpartum depression is often confused with baby blues, but the symptoms and consequences are very different. Baby blues is not an illness: it is a temporary low mood that occurs after childbirth and affects many women. It usually appears between the 2nd and 5th day after birth and is characterised by high emotionality, tearfulness and mood swings. The baby blues are short-lived, lasting from a few hours to a few days, and disappear spontaneously with rest and support from those around you. In contrast, postpartum depression is a medical condition and requires personalised support.
Treatment: the keys to getting better
In the case of mild postpartum depression, support from loved ones combined with assistance from healthcare professionals (midwives, home nurses and doctors) can effectively relieve symptoms. If symptoms persist over time and become more intense, psychological counselling may be recommended. This may take the form of brief therapies focused on parenting, more comprehensive psychotherapeutic support and, in some situations, medication. In most cases, postpartum depression can be treated with psychological support, without the need for medication.
During the postpartum period, adapting your daily routine to make time for yourself and take your mind off things – by going for walks, doing physical activity, eating a balanced diet, seeing friends, etc. – helps to improve your well-being and boost your self-esteem, enabling you to better cope with the upheavals associated with parenthood.
What are the consequences of postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression that is not detected and treated in time can have consequences for the whole family. The parent, whether mother or father, gradually loses confidence in their abilities, perceives themselves as a ‘bad parent’ and struggles to recognise their depressive state.
This weakens the couple's relationship and, in some cases, causes them to break up. Children are the most vulnerable victims of postpartum depression. Their development depends largely on the quality of their interactions with their parents and the dynamics of the relationship between them.
However, parental depression often alters these interactions, as the parent is less emotionally available to those around them. Mild or moderate depression that persists over time can therefore be just as harmful to the child as severe depression.
What are the risk factors for postpartum depression?
The causes of postpartum depression remain unknown to this day. However, certain risk factors are thought to increase its likelihood. The main ones include:
- a history of depression;
- increased sensitivity to hormonal changes, as in the case of premenstrual syndrome;
- relationship dissatisfaction or lack of support within the couple;
- unplanned or unwanted pregnancy;
- high levels of stress during pregnancy.
Key points
Postpartum depression is a condition whose causes remain unknown. Often confused with the baby blues, it requires specific treatment. If not identified early enough, it can have lasting repercussions on the affected parent and their family. Understanding the symptoms and confiding in those around you or a healthcare professional will enable you to receive appropriate care, with a view to improving your well-being and maintaining balance within the whole family.