Delayed postpartum depression may not have been something you’ve heard of, but it can have a massive impact on someone’s life. You’ve probably heard of postpartum, or postnatal depression. You’ve almost certainly heard the term ‘the baby blues’, but some of us assume that this can only occur shortly after giving birth. This is not the case. Postpartum depression can occur at 18 months, or even longer for some women after birth. In these cases, it’s known as delayed postpartum depression, or late-onset postpartum depression.
How Long Does It Take For Postpartum Depression To Appear?
In many cases, postpartum depression appears around four to six weeks after birth. However, it can appear at any time from four weeks, to eighteen months after birth, or even longer. However, delayed postpartum depression can be more difficult to diagnose.
Many doctors believe that delayed postpartum depression is linked to decreased support in a new mother’s life. In the first few weeks or months of your little one’s life, you will be surrounded by people, and there will be many appointments with your GP, health visitor, or practice nurse. However, this diminishes with time, partners go back to work, and for some women, there just isn’t as much support as there had been. This may trigger late-onset postpartum depression.
Another issue is that as appointments for the baby become less frequent, a new mother isn’t likely to seek medical attention for herself, or have interaction with a medical professional. This can make it difficult for a diagnosis, and treatment.
What Are The Symptoms Of Delayed Postpartum Depression?
Delayed symptoms and regular postpartum depression are more or less the same. Some women experience feelings of extreme worry, guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness, loss of interest in life, changes to sleeping pattern, unexplained crying, fatigue, and in some cases, suicidal thoughts.
PPD or postpartum depression is different from ‘the baby blues’ in that while the baby blues tend to resolve by themselves. PPD, and delayed postpartum depression lasts much longer, and often needs medical treatment to resolve.
Risk Factors For Delayed Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression can affect any mum, but some women may be at higher risk of it. Risk factors include:
- Previous mental health issues
- Traumatic birth
- Premature birth
- NICU stays for baby
- Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
- Health complications for baby
- Difficulty breastfeeding
- Stressful life events during pregnancy or after birth
- Addiction recovery
These risk factors do not mean that every woman with these problems will have PPD. Women without these risk factors can develop PPD.
Treatment
There are treatments available for postpartum depression. The exact treatment that’s right for you can depend on the severity of your symptoms. The first step is to tell someone how you’re feeling. If you feel that your symptoms are more severe, make an appointment with your doctor, or ask your health visitor for support in doing this. Many new mothers delay seeking help as they are experiencing feelings of shame or guilt, but some studies report that approximately 20% of mothers will experience PPD, or delayed PPD.
One of the first treatments for delayed PPD is psychotherapy. This may be CBT, cognitive behavioural therapy, or IPT, interpersonal psychotherapy. These therapies can help patients regain control over their emotions.
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant. There are several types of antidepressant, and some are widely considered to be suitable even if you’re breastfeeding. Discuss your options with your doctor, and if you are breastfeeding, make your doctor aware.
Most doctors will also advise patients with delayed postpartum depression to try some lifestyle changes, as they may help improve or relieve the symptoms. Things like eating a healthy and balanced diet, exercising, and getting a good night’s sleep can all help. Having a strong support network may also help to alleviate some of the symptoms.
It’s really important for women to understand that there is no shame in experiencing delayed postpartum depression. It doesn’t mean that you’ve done something wrong. It simply means that your body is struggling with the hormonal changes, and all the other changes that comes after having a baby. Seeking help as soon as possible is key in allowing you to get back to feeling like yourself and enjoying your time with your little one!
