Postpartum Depression Is A Killer, Page 3

Who is at risk?

While it is impossible to exactly predict who will experience PPD, there are several characteristics that may place one at greater risk for its occurrence.

The following are factors that should be considered warning signs by women and their loved ones prior to a crisis situation.

  • Previous personal history of depression, panic and/or anxiety disorders, other mental illness or traumatic stressors
  • Family history of any of the above
  • Acute or chronic sleep deprivation
  • Medical complications in mother or baby, either before, during, or after birth
  • Previous or current hormonal dysfunction
  • Unusually high expectations of the birth or parenting experience
  • Inadequate support system, for example, isolation from helpful family, friends, neighbors, or professionals

While some experts say that no direct connection has yet been drawn between postpartum depression and infertility, a psychologist whose specialty is all conception and pregnancy related areas says the connection just makes sense.

Deborah Issokson, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist specializing in reproductive mental health issues. She sees women and their partners from preconception through the postpartum period and beyond in her private pratice, Counseling for Reproductive Health & Healing in the Boston area.

According to Issokson, "Women being treated for infertility and who bear a child are at greater risk for developing postpartum difficulties."

"We already know from research that women dealing with infertility have a higher rate of depression during the course of treatment. A successful pregnancy in and of itself does not dissolve the depression. In fact, bearing a child after infertility brings with it a lot of pressure for the woman to never complain about the stress of new motherhood. Afterall, shouldn't she just be grateful she finally has a baby? Doesn't the stress of new parenthood pale in comparison to the stress and angst of infertility?"

"This puts the woman at greater risk for not letting others know of her struggles, depression symptoms, etc."

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