Motherhood is extremely rewarding and something many women envision as an important season in their lives. However, it does not come without its challenges, especially unique mental health struggles. Mental illnesses arise due to physical, emotional, and social changes that come along with pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. Understanding what to look for is important for early intervention and seeking out the proper treatment with your medical professionals. In this article, we explore the common mental health conditions experienced by mothers and their treatment so you can stay alert in a busy, yet very good, season of life.
What are the most common psychological disorders in mothers?
There are numerous possible mental health conditions during and after pregnancy, the most common being:
- Postpartum depression (PPD)
- Postpartum psychosis
- Anxiety disorders
- Major depressive disorders
Though this can affect any mother, certain factors might increase the risk of developing them. For example, an increased risk might be incited from a family history of mental illnesses, hormonal changes, and the general stress of adjusting to motherhood.
It is important for the spouse to seek to provide the most support possible for the betterment of the mother and their children.
What is postpartum depression, and how does it affect mothers?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most recognized disorders in mothers. Typically occurring after childbirth, within the first two weeks or months, this condition includes depressive symptoms that can be a detriment to the mother for a long time. Women with postpartum depression may experience extreme sadness, fatigue, and loss of interest in things they once enjoyed–particularly because much of their time is no longer their own but the child’s as they seek to raise and nurture them.
The postpartum period can be overwhelming for mothers adjusting to these new responsibilities. At times, mothers may struggle to form a connection and bond with their baby, feeling isolated or hopeless.
What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?
The symptoms of postpartum depression are:
- Intense sadness
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Difficulty connecting with her spouse
- Difficulty connecting with the baby
- Loss of appetite
- Overeating
- Trouble sleeping
- Sleeping too much
- Feeling worthless
- Feeling guilty
- Thoughts of harming themselves (suicidal thoughts)
- Thoughts of harming the baby
These signs must not be ignored for the well-being of the mother and the family. Seek help from a mental health professional if you notice a friend, family member, or yourself experiencing the symptoms above.
How is postpartum depression treated?
Treatment options for postpartum depression vary. Therapy and counseling are common. They could provide emotional support and unique coping strategies. If you go to a doctor, medication like mood stabilizers may be prescribed to manage symptoms, ultimately assessing the severity of the depression and recommending the best course of action. Support from family and friends must be the first line of support. However, support groups like Postpartum Support International can also be beneficial.
What is postpartum psychosis, and how does it differ from postpartum depression?
Postpartum psychosis is rare. However, it is a serious mental health condition that may occur after childbirth. Unlike PPD, which primarily involves depressive symptoms, postpartum psychosis includes more severe symptoms like delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia. If this is seen, it often requires immediate medical attention as it can lead to more dangerous behavior not only for the mother but for her child and the rest of her family and friends.
What are the signs and symptoms of postpartum psychosis?
The signs of postpartum psychosis can be dramatic. They include:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Irrational beliefs and actions
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Paranoia or extreme suspicion
- Thoughts of harm (suicidal thoughts)
Seek immediate help from a health provider or, if more serious, the mental health emergency services. Though this seems hard to do, it is essential to stabilize a mother experiencing these symptoms so that no one is negatively affected.
How is postpartum psychosis treated?
Treating postpartum psychosis requires both medication and therapy. Hospitalization might be necessary in certain cases to keep the mother and baby safe. A doctor may administer antipsychotic medications, mood stabilizers, and intensive therapy when appropriate to do so.
What is the prevalence of postpartum depression and psychosis in new mothers?
Approximately one in seven women experience postpartum depression, making it a relatively common mental health issue. This number may be higher if women are not reporting their symptoms. It is important that their support system encourages them to be honest and candid when discussing their feeling and attitudes through pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond.
Postpartum psychosis, on the other hand, is much rarer. This affects about one in one thousand new mothers. Both conditions can have serious effects if left untreated.
What are the risk factors for developing postpartum depression?
This is a list of factors that increase the risk of developing postpartum depression:
- A personal or family history of mental illnesses
- Stressful life events
- Lack of social support
- Hormonal changes before and after childbirth
- Prior episodes of depression or anxiety
What are the risk factors for developing postpartum psychosis?
The risk factors for postpartum psychosis include:
- History of bipolar disorder
- History of schizophrenia
- Previous episodes of postpartum psychosis
- Severe sleep deprivation after childbirth
This is why it is important for women, especially after giving birth, to entrust themselves to their healthcare provider to monitor for symptoms during the postpartum period.
How can family and friends support a mother experiencing postpartum depression or psychosis?
The support of family and friends plays an indispensable role for a mother dealing with postpartum depression or psychosis. Here are a few ways to help:
- Offer emotional support
- Listen
- Help with childcare
- Help with household responsibilities
- Encourage the mother to seek professional help
- Encourage the mother to be honest about her feelings
- Recommend support groups
- Recommend therapy sessions
Family and friends who support a new mother should focus on providing a safe, understanding environment. This will make a huge difference as the mother adjusts and recovers.
What are the long-term effects of postpartum depression on mothers and their children?
Untreated postpartum depression has unwanted lasting effects. Mothers might suffer from long-term depression, anxiety, or difficulty forming strong bonds with their children when symptoms are left unchecked. This can affect the child’s emotional development and create stress within the family.
What are the long-term effects of postpartum psychosis on mothers and their children?
If not treated properly, the long-term effects of postpartum psychosis can be severe. If treatment is delayed, for example, it can lead to ongoing mental health challenges and potential harm to both mother and child. Long-term effects can be avoided when the proper care is given, leading women to recovery and maintaining a strong relationship with their children.
How can healthcare providers help prevent and manage postpartum depression and psychosis?
Mental health providers play a central role in preventing and managing PPD and Postpartum Psychosis. They must integrate assessing potential risks and help manage symptoms early, regularly checking in during the postpartum period with the mother to ensure any emerging issues are quickly addressed.
What resources are available for mothers experiencing postpartum depression or psychosis?
Mothers who are experiencing postpartum depression or psychosis have a plethora of resources available. Postpartum Support International is a great resource. They offer support groups and resources for women dealing with these issues. Seeking help from a mental health professional should not be relegated to a final option. It must be the first step in treating the symptoms listed throughout this article so that our mothers and their children and families can be safe.
Mental Health Treatment at Fifth Avenue Psychiatry
At Fifth Ave Psychiatry, we offer mental health treatment for mothers who are experiencing the symptoms of postpartum depression and psychosis. If you know a new mother who might be struggling with these issues, recommend they get help from our expert psychiatrists and psychologists. We know everyone’s experiences are unique. This is the reason every treatment plan is personally adjusted to each person so that their well-being might be prioritized.
Reach out to us today to begin your recovery journey.
Inquire at (212) 734-0506.
