One major misconception is that postpartum depression is simply the “baby blues” and is normal for all new mothers. The baby blues is experienced by up to 80% of women and involves short periods of mild mood changes, irritability, weepiness or crying that typically start a few days after delivery and only last around 10-14 days. Postpartum depression is a serious mood disorder that involves more intense and long-lasting symptoms. It affects around 15% of new mothers and can occur anytime within the first year after having a baby. Symptoms also persist for a longer period than the baby blues.
Another misconception is that postpartum depression only occurs after a new birth. Postpartum depression is an illness that can occur after any type of childbirth experience, including miscarriage, abortion, stillbirth or adoption. The period of hormonal changes and life adjustments that typically triggers postpartum depression still occurs in these situations.
Some believe that only those with a prior history of depression or other mental illness can experience postpartum depression. Many new mothers will experience it with no history at all. While a history does raise the risk, postpartum depression can affect any woman. Genetics, stress levels, medical issues and the baby’s temperament are also risk factors independent of history. Having additional children or an easy pregnancy also does not eliminate the risk.
It’s commonly thought that women suffering from postpartum depression must have done something wrong or be somehow inadequate as a mother. But postpartum depression is a serious medical illness caused by hormonal and biological changes along with life adjustment stress, not a personal or parenting failure. It affects women from all backgrounds equally. Loving and competent mothers can still experience this serious mood disorder.
Another misconception is that only those who are unemployed or stay home full time with the baby are at risk. Working outside the home does not provide immunity – women working professionally or students can be impacted as well. Juggling work/school with new motherhood brings its own challenges that can still trigger postpartum depression.
Some believe the myths that postpartum depression cannot occur in fathers or other caregivers. But almost 10-15% of new fathers also go through a type of postpartum depression termed paternal postpartum depression. It involves similar symptoms like loss of interest, fatigue, changes in appetite, insomnia, mood changes, anxiety, and difficulty bonding with the baby. Any primary caregiver can potentially experience a form of postpartum mood disorder.
One common myth is that women suffering from postpartum depression should just snap out of it or try harder to feel happy. Postpartum depression is a serious mental illness caused by biological and hormonal changes that a woman has little control over. Telling someone to just feel happier will not make the illness disappear and may make them feel worse. Seeking medical help is needed. Therapy and treatment options like talk therapy and antidepressants when needed can effectively treat postpartum depression and help new mothers to recover.
In reality, postpartum depression is a complex disorder that involves changes in brain chemistry and hormones along with life adjustment factors. While certain situations may raise risk levels, any woman regardless of background, relationship status or competence as a mother can develop this illness. It requires compassionate medical care, not accusations or assumptions about parenting failures. Dispelling myths and raising awareness is important so that new parents know the signs and feel comfortable seeking help when needed without fear of stigma or judgment. With support and treatment, the vast majority of those affected by postpartum depression can fully recover within a few months.
Andrew Stroud