Postpartum Depression's Effect on the Family

by Hilary Planden

The arrival of your baby can be a time of great joy. It can also be stressful as you adjust to your new role as a parent. Some people feel a sense of loss for their carefree life, which can lead to feelings of guilt and doubt that they can be good parents. The new lifestyle that comes with a baby can also be isolating; parents are often exhausted from the demands of the baby and they may lose touch with friends and co-workers. It’s important to know these are all normal feelings that pass with time.

If these feelings do not pass or if either parent is struggling with feelings of sadness, it may be a sign of postpartum depression. If so, parents with postpartum depression do not need to face it alone.

Who does postpartum depression affect?
Postpartum depression affects about one in four women, and it can also appear in men. Research has shown that about half the partners of depressed women are at increased risk of becoming depressed themselves. More recent research also tells us that about one out of every 10 partners of non-depressed mothers may suffer from depression.

What causes postpartum depression?
The answer is both physical and social. Examples of physical causes are hormone imbalance, anemia, and thyroid dysfunction. Social causes include stress, unmet expectations about life with baby, isolation, relationship difficulties, childcare stress, a history of stressful life events, and anxiety.

What exactly is postpartum depression?
Symptoms of postpartum depression for women and men begin in the first year after the baby’s birth. A medical diagnosis of postpartum depression is made when the following symptoms are present for at least two weeks:
• difficulty sleeping or extreme sleepiness
• restlessness or lack of energy; fatigue
• changes in eating habits
• feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• decreased ability to concentrate
• thoughts of harming one’s self or baby
• depressed mood and/or loss of interest or pleasure

Men suffering from depression may also engage in destructive behaviours such as an increased use of alcohol or drugs, activities that involve risk-taking, and increased anger.

Parents with postpartum depression may also have difficulty teaching their babies about the world by playing with them, caring for them, and responding to their needs. As a result, babies may become confused and unsure of how to respond. Some infants of depressed parents may have difficulty sleeping, have temper tantrums or become overly dependent on their parents. As they grow to be children, boys of depressed parents may have difficulty concentrating on tasks while girls may be more withdrawn and anxious.

Is there hope?

Yes. While postpartum depression may seem harmful to families, there are many ways to lessen or treat it, and therefore prevent negative impacts.

First, if you think you might have depression, it is important to seek help. Talk to your family doctor about your concerns. Doctors can make a referral to a counselor or therapist and may also suggest anti-depressant medication. This is as important for men as it is for women.

If both partners are struggling with depression, it is important that they both seek help and treatment. Many men are reluctant to seek treatment as this health issue is often seen as a “woman’s problem.” Also, they may not want to admit they are having challenges. However, treatment can benefit the whole family and should not be delayed.

Second, both men and women should talk to their partners about their feelings. Ask how your partner is feeling about becoming a parent. Sometimes, a marital relationship temporarily suffers when a baby joins the family because the focus moves from each other to the baby. It is important to support each other and take time to enjoy one another, both for your benefit and the baby’s.

Third, you can contact a public health nurse at your local public health unit. Public health nurses can offer support to families by listening to concerns and providing information about postpartum depression.

Public health nurses are also facilitating postpartum depression support groups for mothers in early 2010 at the Sooke Health Unit, West Shore Health Unit, Victoria Health Unit and Saanich Health Unit. For more information or to talk to a nurse about attending a group, refer to the contact information in the Child, Youth & Family Community Health ad in Island Parent magazine.

It may also help you to know that research shows that the presence of a non-depressed caregiver in a baby’s life will reduce the impact of postpartum depression significantly. If a parent’s depression interferes with his or her ability to take care of the baby, care given by a non-depressed partner or family member will be of great benefit.

The arrival of a baby is full of ups and downs for many parents, and you will also need to take care of yourself along the way. Asking for help when you need it will make a world of difference in your family’s new life together.

Hilary Planden, B.S.N., M.N., is a clinical coordinator in the Victoria and Esquimalt Health Units.