How To Help Someone Get Through Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is especially insidious, emerging just as families are adjusting to what is supposed to be a time of joy, excitement, and learning. These expectations not being met is hard enough, but when families are met with the exact opposite – depression, disconnection, and doubt – everything they’ve worked for can feel thrown into question. Many new parents are lucky enough to have the support of their friends and family. If you’re among those close to a couple dealing with postpartum depression, there are a few things you can do to help! 

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of clinical depression that can affect women after childbirth.

PPD is different from what is typically known as the “baby blues.” While they are common and affect many women, the baby blues are transitory and typically resolve within a week or two.

PPD, on the other hand, is a more serious condition that can last for several months if left untreated.

While some online sites or other mothers who have gone through PPD might say it just comes with being a new mom, that is not the case. PPD is not regular, and it  is not an expected part of becoming a mom. It is a serious health concern and can be treated with the proper care.

According to the CDC, one in every eight women who have recently given birth will experience PPD. PPD can happen anytime during the first year postpartum, but most cases are diagnosed within the first few weeks after childbirth.

PPD is theorized to be caused by many hormonal changes in a woman’s body. Because estrogen and progesterone are at extremely high levels during this time, it’s thought that their sudden drop after childbirth can contribute to PPD.

Sleep deprivation and the stress of caring for a newborn can also play a role in developing PPD. While any woman can develop PPD, certain factors may increase her risk.

These include:

The symptoms of PPD can vary from woman to woman and show up with varying degrees of severity. However, some of the most common symptoms include:

Becoming a new parent is supposed to be a happy time, but with PPD, it can quickly spiral into many negative thoughts. These negative thoughts can become all-consuming and make it hard to enjoy time with your new baby.

It’s not uncommon for new mothers to want to spend all their time with their babies and forgo other activities they enjoy.

What feeds into the PPD is the feeling like you will never go back to enjoying them and that since your body has changed from giving birth, you won’t be as good at these activities anymore.

Many women with PPD will experience anxiety. This can manifest itself in different ways, such as an increased heart rate, shortness of breath, or feeling like you’re in danger.

It can also cause panic attacks and sudden episodes of intense fear without warning.  These can be very scary and make it hard to function day to day.

It’s normal to feel frustrated when you’re sleep-deprived and trying to take care of a baby. However, for women with PPD, this frustration can quickly turn into anger.

You may find yourself snapping at your partner or other family members for no reason.

One of the most common symptoms of PPD is becoming excessively worried about your baby’s health. 

This can manifest itself in different ways, such as constantly checking on the baby to make sure they’re breathing or Googling every little thing. It can also make it hard to bond with your baby because you’re worried something will happen to them.

These are only a few of the many symptoms that come with PPD.

Crying a lot, feeling like you are not a good mother, and even not having any interest in your baby are all additional symptoms of PPD. You should tell your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

If you think your partner or a loved one is suffering from PPD, here are a few ways you can help them through this difficult time.

When people visit new parents, it’s very common that all the talk and focus will be specifically on the baby.  Asking how she is doing can quickly become an afterthought.

However, for a new mother suffering from PPD, this can be a very isolating experience. Make sure you take the time to ask how she is feeling, both physically and emotionally.

Let her know that you are there for her and want to help her in any way you can.

When someone is suffering from PPD, they often just need to vent and have someone to listen. Trying to fix the problems will only serve to frustrate both of you.

So instead of trying to come up with a solution, just be there for her. Acknowledge how she feels and let her know that it’s okay to feel that way.

One of the best things you can do for someone with PPD is to encourage them to get help from a professional.

This can be a scary step, so offer to go with her to the first few appointments. You can also look into different therapy options, such as group therapy or online resources. 

When you’re suffering from PPD, it can feel like you’re not accomplishing anything. This is why it’s important to celebrate the little wins.

For example, if she takes a shower and gets dressed for the day, that’s something to be excited about. It might not seem like much to you, but for someone with PPD, it’s a big accomplishment.

Ketamine has had tremendous success treating all types of depression. Ketamine has a very short half-life in the body. Ketamine leaves the body completely within about five hours, meaning It is also safe during breastfeeding periods, so mothers can still receive the treatment they need without worrying about the effects on their baby. Contact us today to learn more!

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