5 Things Every Woman Should Know About Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a mental health disorder that can develop about four weeks after you give birth. This condition is linked to all the physical, emotional, and psychological changes that happen when you have a new baby. It can cause symptoms such as extreme sadness, loneliness, unexplained crying spells, and severe mood swings.

Many women struggle with feelings of anxiety or sadness after giving birth, but if these feelings and other depression symptoms last for longer than a month, it could be postpartum depression.

Because it’s possible that postpartum depression will affect you after giving birth, it’s good to educate yourself about the condition beforehand. So, in this month’s blog, our team — led by Katherine Go, CRNA — at Rejuvenate IV Therapy has listed five things that are important to know about postpartum depression.

1. Postpartum depression is incredibly common

If you do develop postpartum depression, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Postpartum depression is very common, affecting 1 in 8 women after they give birth. Many women either feel ashamed of their symptoms or feel like they’re terrible mothers because of how they feel, though that’s just stigma talking. You can beat this. 

2. Postpartum depression differs from the “baby blues”

Many women experience the “baby blues” shortly after giving birth. The baby blues include symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, crying spells, insomnia, and loss of appetite. If you have the baby blues, your symptoms should diminish after a few days. 

However, if you have postpartum depression, the symptoms not only last longer, but they’re also much more severe. In addition, the baby blues don’t require any special treatment, while postpartum depression typically does. 

3. Certain factors can raise your risk of postpartum depression

While anyone who gives birth is at risk for postpartum depression, there are some factors that can significantly increase that risk. These factors include having:

• Depression before or during pregnancy
• A history of bipolar disorder
• A family member with a mental illness
• A traumatic experience during pregnancy
• No support from partner or loved ones
• Medical complications during birth

Having a history of mental illness or a poor relationship with your partner can also increase your chances of having long-term depression.

4. Postpartum depression can affect your whole family 

If your postpartum depression is severe and goes untreated, it can begin to affect your whole family. Studies show that if you have severe postpartum depression, your baby’s father can be at risk for depression as well.

In addition, untreated postpartum depression can affect your new baby, as your symptoms can prevent you from forming a strong bond with them. And according to the Office on Women’s Health, the child may encounter problems with learning and language development, as well as behavioral issues, as a result.

5. There are treatments available for postpartum depression

One of the most important things you can know about postpartum depression is that there is help available. At Rejuvenate IV Therapy, we offer ketamine infusions to address postpartum depression symptoms. 

Ketamine works by boosting the amount of glutamate in your brain — an essential neurotransmitter involved in brain communication and mood regulation. Getting ketamine infusions can quickly and effectively reduce depressive symptoms.

For more information on how ketamine can help with postpartum depression, schedule an appointment by calling our office or booking online today. We proudly serve the Spring, Texas, area.