Postpartum depression: demystifying the struggle some mums face after giving birth

This video is meant to expand your general knowledge about living a healthy life and is NOT a substitute for seeking medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before making changes in your health practices, diet and self-care.

In this video, psychiatrist Dr. Tracey Marks demystifies postpartum depression (PPD), also called postnatal depression, a type of mood disorder associated with childbirth.

As she explains, perinatal depression refers to depression that occurs before, during and after pregnancy. During pregnancy it is called antenatal depression and anytime within four to six weeks after giving birth, it’s called postpartum depression.

Many more women develop ‘baby blues’, which features sadness, irritability and sleeping problems, but this resolves within the first 10 days. By contrast, postpartum depression has a deeper level of sadness, hopelessness or worthlessness, as well as trouble functioning that lasts much longer. In fact, the symptoms can last weeks to months. For some women this can be the start of a recurring illness that comes back in the future and lasts for months or years.

Such depression can show up in the first 72 hours after birth, with symptoms like depressed mood, poor appetite and poor sleep (i.e. trouble sleeping when the newborn is sleeping). There may also be irritability, decreased appetite and suicidality.

Postpartum depression is a common problem, affecting more than one in every 10 women within a year of giving birth. It can also affect fathers and partners. However, with the right support, which can include self-help strategies and therapy, most women make a full recovery.

Learn more about postpartum depression here.

View the original video here.

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