Depression And Pregnancy: Mental Health Therapy For Depression Symptoms
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Depression during and after pregnancy is not uncommon. Though many new parents associate joy and excitement with pregnancy, it is estimated that 10% to 20% of gestational parents experience symptoms of perinatal depression, a form of depression that develops during pregnancy and can form into postpartum depression after birth.
Understanding depression after miscarriage and perinatal depression
After a miscarriage, approximately 10% of people experience a major depressive disorder.
Awareness of the signs of depression can help you identify when you might benefit from reaching out for support. Perinatal depression (which includes prenatal and postpartum depression) is a real mental health condition that can have severe impacts. Psychotherapy or pharmaceutical treatment has been proven to effectively reduce symptoms of prenatal and postpartum depression in many individuals.
Perinatal depression is a depressive disorder that occurs during pregnancy, before pregnancy (prenatal depression), or after birth (postpartum depression). This form of depression is also known as a mood disorder, since there is a disconnect between someone's actual life circumstances and their state of mental health. Though it is estimated that 10-15% of women experience perinatal depression in developed countries, rates are higher in developing countries. In the US, 10% to 20% of gestational parents may have this condition.
Risk of developing perinatal depression
Several factors can increase one’s risk of experiencing perinatal depression, including the following:
- Life stressors
- The physical toll of pregnancy and childbirth
- A lack of sleep
- Fluctuations in hormone levels
- Young age at the time of pregnancy
- An unwanted pregnancy
- Low socioeconomic status or education level
- Domestic violence
- Substance use during pregnancy
- A history of depression and/or trauma
- A personal or family history of mental illness
- Premature birth
- Difficulty breastfeeding or pressure to breastfeed
- A lack of adequate social support from a partner, family, or friends
Fathers can also experience anxiety and depression symptoms
Women and gestational parents are not the only individuals who face perinatal depression. Studies show that over 10% of fathers experience symptoms of anxiety and depression during the perinatal period, which may be underreported due to stigma and lack of awareness. Same-sex partners may also experience perinatal depression if their partner is pregnant. However, more studies on same-sex couples are needed in mental health.
Common signs of perinatal depression
Depression can look different for different people. The duration, intensity, and frequency of symptoms may vary, and the treatments that work for each person can also vary.
Perinatal depression symptoms
However, it is common for people with perinatal depression to experience some or all the following symptoms:
- Intense mood swings and irritability
- Frequent crying
- Prolonged sadness or a sense of emptiness
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt
- Difficulty bonding or connecting with your new baby
- Social withdrawal from friends and family
- Weight or appetite changes
- Unexplained physical pains, like headaches or digestive issues
- Worries that you are not enough as a parent
- A lack of interest or joy in previously enjoyable activities
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Intense fatigue and a lack of energy
- Restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Anxiety or frequent worrying
- Thoughts of self-harm, harming someone else, or suicide
Prenatal or postpartum depression is common
Experiencing prenatal or postpartum depression is common and not an indicator that you are or will be a “bad parent.” Perinatal depression can be serious and sometimes develops months or years after childbirth. However, you’re not alone, and effective treatment is available. If you are thinking of harming your child, reach out for professional support immediately.
How to receive a diagnosis and find treatment for depression symptoms
Doctors often utilize routine screening to assess whether clients are experiencing symptoms of depression. If they believe you might be experiencing perinatal depression, they can conduct a more thorough evaluation and connect you with the appropriate resources.
Contact OB-GYN or mental health professional if you feel depressed
You can also contact your OB-GYN, primary care physician, psychiatrist, or an in-person mental health professional if you are concerned that you might be depressed. If you’ve been recording your symptoms in a journal, bringing it with you for your reference during the evaluation may be helpful.
They may determine that you have one of the following:
Perinatal depression (prenatal and postpartum depression)
Perinatal depression is a term to describe depression before, during, and after birth. This diagnosable psychiatric disorder is often addressed with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two.
Postpartum psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is a serious but rare short-term psychotic disorder. People with postpartum psychosis are often treated in an inpatient hospital with medications, therapy, and supervision.
A physician may not divulge a diagnosis; instead, they may determine that you or your partner are experiencing normal responses to transitioning to parenthood. Many parents experience stress, physical and emotional exhaustion, and sleep deprivation that can cause feelings like sadness and anger. This doesn’t necessarily mean you are experiencing depression during pregnancy or after the birth of your child. Oftentimes, these feelings are resolved within a few days or weeks of childbirth.
CBT for depression, pregnancy, and other mental health conditions
Some people experience a reduction in perinatal depression symptoms when they attend psychotherapy sessions with a licensed professional. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on re-evaluating thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to address symptoms. CBT for perinatal depression has been proven effective at reducing symptoms.
Online CBT for depression, pregnancy, and other mental health conditions
For people who find that commuting to therapy is a barrier to receiving appropriate care, online CBT through a platform like BetterHelp may be valuable. A study from 2018 found that online CBT could effectively address depression and common mental health conditions.
Online therapy platforms can enable you to use in-app messaging to connect with your therapist anytime if you experience distressing symptoms outside of sessions. In addition, you can choose between phone, video, or chat sessions and connect with a therapist on your own schedule, which can be beneficial for busy new parents or pregnant individuals.
Takeaway
Can depression affect a baby during pregnancy?
Untreated depression during pregnancy can impact both the mother and the child. Infants born to mothers with depression are more likely to experience developmental delays and may be at a higher risk for behavioral and emotional challenges later in life. Seeking treatment and support can help reduce these risks and promote a healthier pregnancy.
How to fight depression during pregnancy?
You can fight depression during pregnancy with appropriate treatment and support from a professional. They may recommend a combination of therapy, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, medication that is safe during pregnancy. Self-care strategies such as relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and engaging in light physical activity can also help improve mood and overall well-being. Connecting with a strong support system—whether through family, friends, or support groups—can provide emotional reassurance and encouragement during this time.
Does getting angry during pregnancy affect the baby?
Feeling angry occasionally during pregnancy is considered a normal experience due to hormonal fluctuations and pregnancy-related changes that pregnant women experience. However, persistent and chronic anger can potentially affect the baby during pregnancy. Research suggests that fetuses from high-anger women tend to be more active and may experience growth delays. If the anger is severe and already interfering with your daily life, it’s essential to seek professional help and receive proper treatment.
What are the signs you're depressed?
Signs of depression during pregnancy may include extreme sadness or hopelessness, low energy, feeling tired, mood changes, an increase in anxiety, and changes in eating and sleeping habits. Most women who are experiencing depression during pregnancy also show symptoms such as social withdrawal and a lack of interest in activities they usually enjoy. Seeking professional help to address these symptoms is crucial to prevent serious effects when giving birth, such as the increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight in babies.
Can crying and sadness affect pregnancy?
Crying and sadness during pregnancy are common for many women due to the normal emotional fluctuations during this time. However, persistent sadness can be a sign of prenatal depression, which can have negative impacts on women’s health. Depression can be treated through various treatment options, such as talk therapy and by taking antidepressants prescribed by a licensed professional. Some evidence-based therapies that can help with prenatal depression include interpersonal therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Women must also be watched closely when taking antidepressants during pregnancy.
In addition to BetterHelp, individuals can also refer to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for mental health services in their area. They may also consult disease control centers or an independent panel of experts, such as the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, for additional recommendations on clinical preventive services.
Can depression cause miscarriage?
Depression doesn’t directly cause miscarriage. However, studies suggest a slightly higher risk of miscarriage for women with an underlying psychiatric medical condition. Further research is still needed to establish the potential risk factors of depression for many women during pregnancy.
What happens to a fetus when the mother is stressed?
Maternal stress can have a significant impact on human development, especially in babies. Studies suggest that the adverse health effects of life stress may increase the risk of certain birth defects. Life stress may come from financial issues, trouble at work, and other health problems. New mothers may seek practical and emotional support from family members and loved ones. Mothers can also seek professional help to address feelings of stress and the baby blues, which can make women feel worried, unhappy, and exhausted temporarily. A mental health provider, such as a psychologist, social worker, therapist, or counselor, can offer a safe space for mothers to discuss their feelings and life concerns through talk therapy.
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