Shedding light on post-partum depression

One in three women in South Africa suffers from common mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety during and after pregnancy. According to the Perinatal Mental Health Project, 20% of mothers in the country suffer from maternal mental illness.

Postpartum depression is a common mental healthcare problem that develops because of the complex interaction of biological, psychological and social factors. Doctor Liezel Ferreira, a clinical psychologist in Constantia Kloof, said the highest risk for the development of post-partum depression (PPD) is a month after childbirth. “However, symptoms can develop up to a year after giving birth.” She explained that it is a state of enduring sadness or anxiety that persists longer than two weeks. It is also marked by acute emotional and psychological distress. These symptoms are often debilitating and differ from ‘baby blues’ because PPD does not resolve without intervention, and often interferes significantly with daily functions.

In recent years, we have seen mothers open up on public platforms about their struggles with post-partum depression. What used to be something parents kept to themselves in shame, the realities of childbirth and motherhood have very slowly become a topic women speak about openly and candidly. This does not only affect women who have given birth, but also mothers who adopt or make use of surrogacy. Liezel said men also suffer from PPD. A parent that suffered from PPD before is at a higher risk of experiencing it again.

“A big problem is that post-partum depression is significantly under-diagnosed. Given the anticipated adjustment difficulties parents encounter, less pronounced symptoms of post-partum depression could often be overlooked. New parents might regard their symptoms of depression and anxiety as normal or fear judgement should they seek help; and the stigma attached to mental illness could contribute to under identifying and diagnosing PPD. It is important to reach out for help from a professional because untreated symptoms could worsen over time.”

She said psychiatrists are trained to prescribe medication that can alleviate symptoms of PPD whilst considering the safety if the parent is breastfeeding. “Some parents might have to start with medication in the peri-partum (shortly before, during or after birth) period, if they are experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety whilst pregnant, or have a history of depression,” the psychologist advised.

Signs of post-partum depression include anxiety, panic attacks, being constantly fearful, tearful, temper tantrums, agitation, feeling out of control, lacking self-esteem, being terrified of being alone, low libido, feeling overwhelmed, lack of energy and poor functioning overall.