Postpartum depression is the #1 complication of pregnancy. According to experts, 1 in 10 women can experience postpartum depression, and it can strike any woman, no matter their age or race. As a nurse, you must be able to identify the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression, so that mothers can be properly diagnosed and treated.

Postpartum depression, though common, is a topic that no one really wants to talk about. It’s a lot easier to believe that it doesn’t exist in women. But, it’s a very real issue. Here is what nurses should know about this form of depression, and how they could help.

How can you identify postpartum depression?

First off, postpartum depression is a form of depression. So, just like other forms of depression, postpartum depression will also include various symptoms like:

• Feeling down for the most part of the day
• Feeling withdrawn from family/friends
• Feeling disinterested in activities, which includes sex
• Changes in eating and/or sleeping habits
• Feeling tired all the time
• Feeling angry
• Encountering feelings of anxiety, fear, panic, and racing thoughts

Remember, postpartum depression can occur at any time during the first year after delivery. However, in most of the cases, it will be seen within 4 to 6 weeks of childbirth.

What are the causes of postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression can be caused due to a number of factors. One of the main factors, however, is if a woman has had a history of depression. If a woman has a history of depression before their pregnancy, they have a high risk of developing postpartum depression. The other factors that contribute to the condition are:

• Hormonal changes following delivery
• Emotional stressors
• Changes in social relationships
• Lack of support
• A child with special needs
• Familial history of mental illness
• Single marital status
• Unplanned/unwanted pregnancy
• Being young
• Low self-esteem

While some mothers are predisposed to the condition, postpartum depression can affect anyone. But, those with a past of anxiety or depression, should be focused on more so than others.

What can nurses do about postpartum depression?

Nurses who are specializing in maternal care are expected to play a critical role in the early identification, as well as immediate treatment of postpartum depression. So, how can you do that? Find below:

Carrying out Postpartum Depression Screenings:

Professionals who work in gynecology and pediatrics come across postpartum depression more often than than other specialties. But, hospitals have also been screening for postpartum depression.

After birth, women go to their healthcare facilities a lot more often (as you know). As a nurse already treating them or their child, take that extra step to converse with the mother to determine if they are affected by postpartum depression. The conversation will not be easy. But, it’ll be worth it. Ask the questions you deem as necessary. Or, if you do not have time, you can ask these two questions recommended by the “U.S. Preventive Services Task Force”, which are as follows:

• Have you felt depressed or down during the past two weeks?
• Have you had little interest/pleasure in doing things during the past two weeks?

If your patient answers “YES” to these, you need to explore further. You can even use the screening tool called “Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale”, which can be completed by the patients in about five minutes.

Note that the screening tools like these can be helpful in just indicating if a patient is dealing with the symptoms of postpartum depression. They are not diagnostic. Further clinical assessments will be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Giving a Referral:

So, what if you suspect postpartum depression in a patient? Well, the next meaningful step will be to offer help by urging her to consult with her primary care provider. You can even help her by giving referrals like:

• Psychiatrist
• Psychologist
• Psychiatric nurse
• Family therapist
• Licensed clinical social worker

Remember, not all the women will be ready to make an appointment with these people without help. So, you must be prepared to help them by making the first appointment if needed.

Bottom Line:

According to the current estimates, up to 20% of new mothers are found to be experiencing the symptoms of postpartum depression. This issue should not be ignored by the medical world and the public. A greater amount of clinical, as well as public awareness is required and postpartum depression screening should become mandatory in postpartum women care.

As a nurse, you have all the privilege to provide a safer place for women to share their feelings and enable them to receive the treatment they need.