Peripartum depression: what it is, how to detect it and when to ask for help
The peripartum depression is a condition that can occur during pregnancy or in the weeks after birth. Many mothers begin to feel symptoms between the 4th and 8th week postpartum. This emotional difficulty affects mood, energy and the ability to care for themselves and their baby. Recognising the peripartum depression Early diagnosis is essential to prevent discomfort from progressing and to promote bonding with the newborn.
Postpartum depression vs. transient sadness (“baby blues”)
In the first few days after birth, it is common to experience mild sadness, irritability or easy crying. This is the “baby blues”, a temporary condition that disappears in less than two weeks.
The peripartum depression, However, it involves symptoms more intense, persistent and interfering with daily life. It is not a lack of love for the baby or a sign of weakness. It is a health problem that requires specialised care.
When to seek professional help
Consult a professional when:
- Symptoms last for more than two weeks.
- Sadness, anxiety or irritability interfere with daily life.
- There are difficulties in caring for the baby or bonding.
- The mother feels overwhelmed most of the time.
- There were emotional problems in previous pregnancies.
- There are thoughts of harming oneself or the baby (immediate attention).
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Asking for help enables effective treatment to be initiated and prevents the peripartum depression worsens.
Causes of perinatal depression
There is no single cause. They often have an influence:
- Intense hormonal changes.
- Stress from pregnancy, childbirth or baby care.
- Previous traumatic experiences.
- Family history of depression or anxiety.
- Having experienced perinatal depression in another pregnancy.
These conditions are risk factors, not a sentence.
The importance of psychological care
The peripartum depression affects both the mother and her environment. Psychological therapy helps:
- Identify thoughts that maintain depression.
- Regulating emotions and reducing anxiety.
- Managing maternal role overload.
- Strengthening self-esteem and coping skills.
- Improving supportive relationships.
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In severe cases, it may be combined with medication.
How family and friends can help
- Validating the mother's emotions.
- Facilitating psychological counselling.
- Helping with daily chores or baby care.
- Being alert to significant changes in emotional state.
Close emotional support is key to faster recovery.
Conclusion
The peripartum depression is common, serious and completely treatable. Detecting it early and seeking professional help improves the mother's emotional health, strengthens the bond with the baby and reduces family stress. Talking about it without taboos and seeking support is an act of courage and self-care.
Recognising symptoms early and seeking professional support can make all the difference to the mother's wellbeing, the baby's development and the family's stability. Having a support network, expressing how you feel and receiving specialised psychological care not only facilitates recovery, but also strengthens the mother's ability to live this stage in a calmer, more connected and accompanied way.
References
- Dennis, C. L., & Hodnett, E. (2007). Psychosocial and psychological interventions for treating postpartum depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4).
- O'Hara, M. W., & McCabe, J. E. (2013). Postpartum depression: current status and future directions. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 9, 379-407.
- Howard, L. M., Molyneaux, E., Dennis, C. L., Rochat, T., Stein, A., & Milgrom, J. (2014). Non-psychotic mental disorders in the perinatal period. The Lancet, 384(9956), 1775-1788.
- Stewart, D. E., & Vigod, S. N. (2016). Postpartum Depression: Pathophysiology, Treatment, and Emerging Therapeutics. Annual Review of Medicine, 67, 231-243.
Post written by Samara Valenzuela psychologist at CALMA Psicógolos Fuengirola
Post written by Samara Valenzuela
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