Postpartum Depression

Helping Women Live Longer, Healthier, Happier Lives!

As far as I know, Tom Cruise does not have a medical degree -- or a uterus.

So, I (like many women) found it really offensive that he felt the need to weigh in on the "myth" of postpartum depression with a tirade directed at Brooke Shields when she wrote a book about her struggle with postpartum depression. Tom's impressive credentials not withstanding, The Centers For Disease Control, The Mayo Clinic and The National Institutes of Health would all respectfully disagree.

The fact is postpartum depression is one of the most common complications following delivery -- a very real phenomenon which affects fully 12-15% of all pregnant women.

Normal hormal fluctuations which influence mood are a natural part of the birth process -- and to be expected. However, postpartum depression (aka "peripartum depression") continues well beyond the "normal" 2-weeks of typical "baby blues" -- and can actually start any time with in the first year after delivery. Symptoms of the condition include:

Feeling restless or irritable
Feelings of sadness, overwhelm and/or hopelessness
Crying a lot
Low energy/motivation
Eating too little or too much
Sleeping too little or too much
Feeling worthless or guilty
Withdrawal from family or friends
Loss of interest in activities once found pleasurable
Trouble focusing, remembering or making decisions
Difficulty functioning in daily life

There is no single cause for postpartum depression, but here are some contributing factors:

Hormonal Changes - a drop in progesterone and estrogen and/or a decrease in thyroid hormones
Sleep deprivation
Emotional Issues - Being overwhelmed by the demands of new motherhood, anxiety about caring for/or the well-being of the baby, loss of control of one's life
Lifestyle Issues - Financial problems, lack of support from one's spouse or family, having a "difficult" baby, caring for older children, etc.
Predisposition - Family history of PPD or extreme PMS

One of the challenges with PPD is that women are often not diagnosed with the condition either early (or at all) because they are :

too embarrassed to share what they are experiencing with their doctor
they believe what they are experiencing is a "normal" part of being the mother of a newborn

The primary treatment methods for PPD can include any or all of the following:

psychotherapy (talk therapy with a psychologist or psychiatrist and/or support groups)
anti-depressant medications
hormone therapy.

Light therapies (like those used to treat seasonal affective disorder) and nutritional therapies (such as increasing Omega-3s) are also under investigation as possible treatments. Getting increased rest and family support are also critical for moms dealing with PPD.

If you (or a woman you care about) are experiencing any of these symptoms on following the birth of a child (or at any point in time for that matter), PLEASE see your doctor as soon as possible. You don't need to suffer. Treatment is available to help you get your life back -- and enjoy your newborn.

Geralyn Coopersmith, MA, CSCS is the author of Fit and Female: The Perfect Fitness and Nutrition Game Plan for Your Unique Body Type and the creator of The Best Me Ever -- A Complete Weight Loss, Fat-Burning and Muscle Sculpting System