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Postpartum Depression: What’s the difference from classical depression?

A cover image for a blog about postpartum depression using a pastel pink and blue color pallet, featuring a drawing of a woman's silhouette as she holds a baby.

As we know it today, there is no clinical difference between the symptomatology, presentation, and severity of postpartum depression when compared to the image of classical depression, however, the theological distinction in research and treatment is critical in providing appropriate care and advancing our knowledge about the condition. This important separation of the disorders encourages clinicians and researchers to address significant biological, cognitive, social, and cultural nuances that influence the experience of the disorder. More importantly, the distinction reminds society to treat medical and psychological issues specific to women with a validating and equitable level of concern as men’s issues. In general, women's medical and psychological problems are less researched and properly addressed. 

Postpartum depression is a mental health condition characterized by a severely distressing shift in mood and cognition following the ending of a woman’s pregnancy. It is important to acknowledge that the pressure of transitions into motherhood for women can be a possible activator for trauma. Women go through intense emotional and physiological changes after giving birth, and this experience is not necessarily situational to the context surrounding this experience. These internal and all-encompassing transformations occur regardless of the health of themselves and their baby, and regardless of any interpersonal and environmental changes. Put simply, giving birth can feel like trauma even when it seems like there is “no identifiable reason” for it. Because giving birth is such a “normal,” routine part of life, society can seem desensitized to the women’s experience, often overlooked by a family’s potential excitement about the arrival of a newborn. 

As with major depressive disorder, postpartum depression is primarily characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, difficulty engaging, and changes in sleep and appetite. It can also encompass cognitive changes such as confusion, dissociation, and mood lability. The timeline to make an official diagnosis based on these symptoms is typically 30 days. In severe cases, there are advancements from postpartum depression, such as postpartum psychosis. A postpartum psychosis diagnosis will replace postpartum depression if there are delusions, hallucinations, or other severe distortions of perception. 

There are certain strategies that may help reduce the risk of postpartum depression (PPD) if you have a loved one expecting to give birth soon. Here are three key approaches:

  1. Build a Support Network: Social support is one of the strongest protective factors against postpartum depression. Having a network of family, friends, or support groups can help provide emotional and practical support after the baby arrives. Reaching out to others to discuss your feelings and experiences can ease stress, alleviate loneliness, and create a sense of shared experience.
  2. Prioritize Self-Care: Taking care of basic needs, like getting adequate sleep, eating balanced meals, and finding time to relax, can significantly affect mental health. If possible, ask for help with the baby to ensure you're getting enough rest and time to recharge, as sleep deprivation is a common factor in postpartum mood disorders.
  3. Seek Professional Support Early: Women with a history of depression, anxiety, or trauma are at higher risk for PPD, so consulting with a healthcare provider during pregnancy can be helpful. Regular therapy sessions, counseling, or joining a perinatal support group can offer a safe space to express feelings and develop coping strategies. For those at higher risk, a provider might suggest a treatment plan that includes counseling or medication right after birth.

It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider about any concerns, as early intervention can greatly improve outcomes for new mothers facing PPD.