I’m sure we have all heard the term PPD but often times we don’t exactly understand what it is.

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a condition that women have dealt with for centuries, but it has received more attention due to Brooke Shield’s recent bout with this condition. Women all over believe it is about time that the “baby blues” are being discussed and dealt with in a serious manner. What exactly is PPD, what are the symptoms, and what is the best way to treat it?

Depression in any form can be a debilitating illness. It is often described as being blue, unhappy, or down in the dumps. Most people in the world will experience it to some degree. When a mother experiences depression during pregnancy it’s called perinatal depression. If a mother has depression after birth, it is called postpartum depression.

There are three degrees to depression affecting women after birth. “Baby blues” last from a few days up to a week or so. It may include:

• Mood swings
• crying
• Irritability
• Inability to concentrate

PPD is often considered at first to be the baby blues, but is more intense and lasts longer. There could be, in addition to the symptoms of baby blues, any of these symptoms:

• Loss of appetite
• Intense anger
• Lack of joy in life
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby

The most severe, and rare, form is postpartum psychosis. This is characterized by:

• Confusion and disorientation
• Paranoia
• Attempts to harm yourself or the baby

Experts haven’t determined an exact cause for PPD. Causes may include physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. Some experts think the changes in a woman’s body after birth causes the hormones to go haywire which leads to this condition. Lack of sleep, feeling overwhelmed, and being anxious could be emotional factors that contribute to PPD. A demanding baby, difficulty breastfeeding, financial difficulties, and having a non-supportive partner are lifestyle factors that may be part of the cause.

Don’t feel too embarrassed about your symptoms to tell someone about them. Having any of these conditions doesn’t make you a bad mom, but it does mean you’re human and you need help. Women have been having postpartum depression for years and many never knew what they were dealing with.

Talk to your doctor about your concerns, especially if you’re concerned you may hurt your child. Treatment options are to prescribe medication to help with your symptoms or they may suggest you seek professional mental help. In either case, don’t try to wait the depression out.

Postpartum Depression is nothing to be ashamed of. Try to get as much sleep as you can and accept help from friends and family when it is offered. Finding a PPD support group may also help you understand and deal with the condition of PPD in an effective way.

Here are a few books that have helped me understand Postpartum Depression a little better.

• This Isn’t What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression
• Beyond the Blues: A Guide to Understanding And Treating Prenatal And Postpartum Depression
• Conquering Postpartum Depression: AProven Plan For Recovery

I also invite you to join us in our community where you can find support through this difficult time.