Treating Post Partum Depression with CBT

Analysis of Post-Partum Depression

After having a baby, many women experience what is commonly known as the “baby blues.” This includes feelings of sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that typically last for a few weeks. However, some women experience more severe symptoms that can last for months or even years. This is known as post-partum depression (PPD). Symptoms of PPD can include persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable, problems sleeping, difficulty bonding with the baby, and thoughts of harming oneself or the baby. PPD can be a very difficult and confusing condition to deal with, and evidence suggests that it may be caused to hormonal changes in the woman’s body as well as other factors that might alter the psychology of the new other, such as whether or not the mother breastfeeds or whether she delivered naturally or had a Cesarean section (Borra et al., 2015; Carter et al., 2006; Guintivano et al., 2018; Hendrick et al., 1998).

Yet, while post-partum depression is often thought of as something that only affects new mothers, the truth is that it can impact anyone who has recently given birth, including fathers, adoptive parents, and even those who have had a baby through surrogacy. The stress of becoming a parent can be overwhelming for anyone, and it can be difficult to adjust to the major life changes that come with it. For some people, this can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and isolation. Post-partum depression can make it hard to bond with your baby and enjoy the early days of parenthood. If one is struggling with post-partum depression, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. With the right treatment, one can learn to cope with symptoms and start to feel like oneself again (Daley et al., 2007).

The exact root causes of post-partum depression are unknown, but there are different takes on the problem and various researchers have put forth theories as to why it develops in some women and not in others. Some speculate that it may have to do with forgoing the natural process of giving birth, laboring, and nursing the new baby (Borra et al., 2015; Carter et al., 2006). Others have speculated that the root causes are due to hormonal imbalance (Hendrick et al., 1998). Still others have suggested that lack of exercise and general movement can cause the depression (Daley et al., 2007). Stress, lack of psychosocial support, and other factors could also be causes (Guintavano et al., 2018).

The persistence of PPD is also a problem. For many women, the symptoms of PPD are mild and resolve within a few weeks. However, for some women, the symptoms of PPD can be more severe and can last for months or even years (Guintavano et al., 2018). There are a number of possible explanations for why PPD persists in some women. One theory is that it may be caused by hormonal changes that occur after childbirth. During pregnancy, levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone increase dramatically. After childbirth, these hormone levels drop sharply, which can trigger feelings of sadness and anxiety (Hendrick et al., 1998). Another possibility is that PPD may be caused by changes in brain chemistry. It is known that the brain neurotransmitter serotonin plays a role in regulating mood. After childbirth, there may be a temporary drop in serotonin levels, which can lead to feelings of depression (Guinitavano et al., 2018). There is also evidence that PPD may be hereditary. If one’s mother or sister suffered from PPD, one may be more likely to experience it oneself—but this could also point to environmental factors that affect one’s family, generation after generation as well (Guintavano et al., 2018).

Postpartum depression can have a profound effect on both mother and child. For mothers, it can interfere with bonding and attachment, and may lead to difficulty caring for the child. For children, it can lead to developmental delays, behavioral problems, and problems in school. If left untreated, postpartum depression can have lasting consequences for both mother and child. Therefore, it is essential that the problem of post-partum depression be solved.

There are several effective treatments for postpartum depression, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), antidepressant medication, and support groups. It all depends on the woman, the situation, and what is likely to be of most help. Not all women experience PPD for the same reasons, so a one-size-fits-all solution is not the best approach to this problem. Identifying the possible causes of PPD in the patient and going from there is an approach that is best left for the patient and a counselor or mental health therapist.

Nonetheless, CBT offers a unique approach that would likely be helpful with most mothers experiencing PPD. CBT focuses on changing negative thinking patterns and behaviors, and has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression. CBT can help you to identify and change the negative thoughts and beliefs that are contributing to your depression, and can also help you to develop healthy coping skills. If one is struggling with post-partum depression, CBT may be an effective treatment option.