What is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that affects mothers after childbirth. Dads and or partners can also experience PPD, with approximately 10% of new fathers developing this condition. It is characterised by feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that can interfere with the mental health of the entire family system. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, difficulty bonding with the baby, and, in severe cases, can include risk, thoughts and behaviours to self or others. Postpartum depression specifically refers to depression that occurs after childbirth. It typically arises within the first year after giving birth and is characterised by feelings of sadness, anxiety, and irritability that can interfere with daily functioning. On the other hand, postnatal depression is a broader term that can refer to depression occurring during pregnancy or after childbirth. It encompasses a wider timeframe and includes the prenatal period as well.
Prevalence of Postpartum Depression
PPD is more common than many people realise. Approximately 1 in 10 women will experience PPD after giving birth, with some studies reporting rates as high as 1 in 7 women. With approximately 15% of women experiencing mild to severe forms of clinically diagnosed PPD, the prevalence can vary based on factors such as socioeconomic status, with higher rates observed in low- and middle-income countries. Unfortunately, nearly 50% of mothers with PPD go undiagnosed, indicating that more needs to be done to raise awareness of PPD, with increased access and convenience to the knowledge, support and treatment options available.
Effects of Postpartum Depression
The impact of PPD is extensive. It can affect a mother's physical health, emotional well-being, and ability to bond with her baby. PPD can also have long-term effects on the child's development, including behavioural and emotional presentations. If left untreated, PPD can lead to chronic depression and other mental health issues.
Parents commonly face problems or relationship issues during the first year after welcoming a new child into the world. Stress, anxiety, new roles and routines, PPD, etc, can make this transition even more challenging. New parents often feel neglected, confused, unsupported, burdened or exhausted due to these changes. These feelings can lead to ongoing struggles that complicate being a new parent or parent to multiple children. Chronic sadness, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders combined with relationship tension can further compound these problems.
Some common challenges relationships can face include:
Feeling unloved, unwanted, or abandoned by family, partner or support network
Withdrawing from or experiencing isolation from your family, partner or support network
Not communicating your needs, feelings, or issues
Reduced satisfaction within your relationship/s
Increased symptoms of existing health issues or unhealthy coping strategies
Using or abusing alcohol or drugs
Thoughts of Life Not Worth Living, suicide or Self-harm
Experiencing barriers to getting the proper healthcare
Experiencing misdirected anger at or from your partner or towards the baby
Having a fear of rejection at or from your partner/baby/network
Effects of PPD on breastfeeding, bonding with the baby, or childcare
Treatment Options for Postpartum Depression
There are several effective treatments for PPD, including:
1. Medication: Antidepressants can be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of PPD.
3. Support Groups: Joining a support group can provide a sense of community and shared experience, which can be very comforting.
4. Self-Care: Encouraging new parents to care for themselves by getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in physical activity can help alleviate symptoms.
How Counselling Can Help
Counselling can be a powerful tool in the treatment of PPD. A trained counsellor can provide a safe space for mothers, parents, relationships, carers and families, helping them express their feelings and work through their needs and emotions. Counselling can help parents develop coping strategies, improve their self-esteem, and strengthen their bond with their babies. It can also provide education about PPD and help them understand that they are not alone.
Counselling can play an essential role in the treatment of Postpartum Depression (PPD), offering a supportive environment where individuals can explore their feelings, thoughts, and experiences. Here’s a closer look at how counselling can specifically benefit those experiencing PPD:
1. Safe Space for Expression: Counselling provides a confidential and non-judgmental space for parents to express their feelings, such as sadness, anxiety, guilt, or frustration. This shared freedom can be incredibly therapeutic, allowing individuals to process complex emotions surrounding their new roles and challenges.
2. Enhanced Understanding of PPD: A skilled counsellor can educate clients about PPD, helping them understand it is a common and treatable condition. This understanding can help reduce feelings of isolation and shame, demonstrating that they are not alone in their experiences.
3. Coping Strategies: Counsellors can teach effective coping strategies to manage symptoms of PPD. This may include mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, and stress management skills, which can help parents effectively handle overwhelming feelings.
4. Building a Support Network: Counselling can assist individuals in identifying and strengthening their support networks. Counsellors often encourage involvement in community resources and support groups, which can create a sense of belonging and connection with others who are going through similar experiences.
5. Improving Communication Skills: Many individuals with PPD struggle with communication, particularly with their partners or family members. Counselling can provide tools and techniques to improve communication skills, enabling clients to express their needs, feelings, and concerns more effectively. Better communication can alleviate misunderstandings and foster healthier relationships.
6. Strengthening Parent-Child Bond: Counsellors can guide parents in techniques to enhance bonding with their newborns. This could include activities that promote interaction, such as skin-to-skin contact, playful engagement, and responsive parenting practices. A strong bond can help mitigate feelings of anxiety and increase parental confidence.
7. Addressing Relationship Dynamics: PPD can strain relationships. Counselling can help couples or families navigate these challenges, addressing issues such as conflicts arising from stress or unmet needs. Couples or family counselling can enhance understanding and support within the family, helping partners navigate their new roles together.
8. Developing Self-Compassion: Individuals with PPD often experience self-criticism and shame. Counsellors can guide clients in practising self-compassion—acknowledging their feelings and experiences without judgment. Learning to treat oneself with kindness can contribute to improved emotional well-being.
9. Setting Realistic Goals: Counselling can help clients set achievable goals regarding their recovery and adjustments, including parenthood, planning, child-care, and providing new roles and responsibilities. This may include small, manageable steps towards self-care, parenting practices, division of labour, or re-engagement in activities they once enjoyed.
10. Monitoring Progress: Your Counsellor can help track your progress throughout your treatment journey. Regular sessions provide opportunities to reflect on improvements or setbacks, ensuring that treatment can be adjusted for optimal results.
How partners or carers can support:
Supporting a partner or loved one who is experiencing postpartum depression (PPD) is crucial for both their well-being and the overall health of the family. Here are detailed examples of how partners/carers can provide meaningful support:
1. Open Communication: - Regular Check-Ins: Make it a habit to check in with your partner about their feelings. Ask open-ended questions like, “How has your day been?” or “Is there anything on your mind that you’d like to talk about or that I can assist with?” This can help create a supportive dialogue and show that you care. - Active Listening: Engage in active listening when your partner shares their feelings. Repeat what they've said to ensure they feel heard: “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed with ……. right now.”
2. Encouraging Professional Help: - Suggesting Therapy: Encourage your partner to seek therapy by saying, “It might help to talk to someone who understands what you're going through. I can help you find a support group or a Counsellor.” - Accompanying Them: Offer to accompany them to appointments as a gesture of support, letting them know they’re not alone in this process.
3. Practicing Self-Care Together: - Organise Breaks: Help create opportunities for your partner to take self-care breaks. This could involve taking over baby duties for a couple of hours so they can rest, read, or engage in a hobby. - Physical Activities: Engage in light physical activities together, such as walking in the park. This can be both a form of exercise and an opportunity to connect.
4. Assisting with Daily Tasks: - Household Chores: Take the initiative to handle household chores, such as cooking, cleaning, or grocery shopping. This alleviates some of the burdens your partner may feel. - Baby Care: Offer to take care of the baby during specific times, such as nighttime feedings or diaper changes, to give your partner the time they need to rest.
5. Building a Support Network: - Family and Friends: Encourage and facilitate visits from trusted friends and family members who can offer support. This can help your partner feel less isolated. - Support Groups: Help them find local or online support groups where they can connect with other parents who understand what they’re experiencing.
6. Fostering a Positive Environment: - Affirmation: Regularly express love and appreciation. Simple affirmations like, “I appreciate all that you do, and I’m here for you” can help your partner feel valued during tough times. - Limit Stressors: Be mindful of external stressors and mitigate them wherever possible. This may include managing visitors, limiting loud noises, or creating a calm atmosphere at home.
7. Offering Flexibility and Patience: - Understanding Fluctuations: Remain patient and understanding when your partner has good and bad days. Recognise that PPD can come with unpredictability and be adaptable to their changing needs. - Adjusting Expectations: Be flexible with plans and adjustments in daily routines to accommodate what your partner feels up for or comfortable with.
8. Promoting Positive Interactions with the Baby: - Encouragement without Pressure: Encourage moments of bonding with the baby, but do so without pressure. For example, you might say, “Would you like some quiet time with the baby? I can help set that up.” - Participate Together: Engage in activities with the baby together as a family. This could be reading books, singing, or playing, which can create shared positive experiences. By embracing these strategies, partners can create a supportive and understanding environment that empowers their loved ones to navigate the challenges of postpartum depression more effectively. The key is to remain patient, compassionate, and engaged throughout the process.
A Systemic/Family Counselling approach:
At Time2Talk, we use a Systemic/Family Counselling approach that supports evidence-based practice to support the effectiveness of systemic counselling for Postpartum Depression (PPD). The research shows that systemic family and relationship counselling can be as effective, and sometimes even more effective, than alternative interventions. Systemic/Family counselling helps address the relationships and dynamics within a family and support network, which can be crucial in supporting those experiencing PPD. Your Time2Talk Counsellor is a qualified and experienced Systemic Practitioner, Relationship/Family Counsellor, Clinical Supervisor, Adult Counsellor and Child Therapist, who offers a wide range of interventions and modalities to cater for your needs and circumstances.
Summary:
Counselling offers a multifaceted approach to supporting those experiencing Postpartum Depression. It empowers individuals to understand their feelings, develop coping mechanisms, and strengthen relationships while promoting a healthier parent-child bond. By addressing both emotional and relational aspects of PPD, counselling can lead to profound and lasting positive changes, helping individuals navigate the challenges of parenthood and improving overall family well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with PPD, reaching out to a qualified counsellor can be a critical step toward recovery.
Conclusion:
Postpartum Depression is a serious but treatable condition. By raising awareness, providing support, and offering effective treatments, we can help parents navigate the challenges and promote the well-being of the entire family system. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of PPD, we invite you to seek help and support from a healthcare professional such as Time2Talk.
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