Postpartum Depression is Real

Postpartum Depression is real. 80% of women will develop postpartum blues, and 10% will develop more severe symptoms known as Postpartum Depression. It affects moms’ ability to care for themselves, their family, and their new baby. It can be particularly disruptive to the mother-child bond/relationship. This week on Fox 17, Dr. Bitner discusses postpartum depression risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options, including the newly approved oral medication, Zurzuvae. 

“Postpartum depression is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in which women experience sadness, guilt, worthlessness—even, in severe cases, thoughts of harming themselves or their child. And, because postpartum depression can disrupt the maternal-infant bond, it can also have consequences for the child’s physical and emotional development.” 

– Tiffany R. Farchione, M.D., director of the Division of Psychiatry at the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research 

Fact #1: 

Postpartum depression is not rare, and we need everyone to support new moms in detection, treatment, and prevention. Families, friends, and their healthcare team should also know how to manage symptoms. Symptoms to watch for include sadness, crying spells, feelings of guilt and hopelessness, difficulty bonding with the baby, withdrawal from family and friends, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Fact #2:

Risk factors for Postpartum depression include prior experience with depression, a history of PMDD (severe PMS mood symptoms), a family history of the condition, having many life stressors, and lacking social support.  

Fact #3:

Postpartum depression is a combination of hormonal and brain-chemical changes after the delivery of a baby that ranges from mild to severe. In severe cases, it can lead to psychosis which can have tragic consequences such as suicide and homicide. New drugs such as Zurzuvae, an oral pill taken for 14 days, can be life-saving.

Patient Story: 

Jane knew she was at risk for postpartum depression, even before delivery. In the past, she had successfully treated PMDD (depression in the week around her period), she had family history of the condition, was working in a high-stress job, and did not like to ask for help. After delivery, Jane was amazed by how bad postpartum depression had become. She couldn’t sleep, experienced irrational thoughts, and did not want to see her baby. Jane could not recognize herself.   

Luckily, she and her family had a plan in case depression symptoms developed. They activated a care system to help Jane provide good care for her baby even when she could not. Jane also got an IV form of Zulresso, another FDA-approved treatment for postpartum depression. With the aid of family, friends, and her healthcare team, Jane was able to bond with her baby and get back to feeling like herself. 

Health Tip of the Week: 

New moms and their babies need the whole community’s support to avoid tragedies linked to postpartum depression. For moms, if you are at risk, have all the support ready to go before delivery, and family and friends, be on the lookout for signs such as mom avoiding contact with others, changes in behavior, excessive crying, not sleeping or eating, etc. If you have these symptoms now, call your doctor, the Pine Rest Postpartum Mother-Baby program at 616- 455-9200, or National Suicide Hotline: 988. 

Watch the full segment.