Perinatal Depression

Depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period is common, affecting approximately 10-25% of birthing individuals. These rates are higher in minority groups, those with lower socioeconomic status, and in developing countries. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, perinatal depression rates have surged to 36-37% [1,2].

Risk Factors

Depression during the perinatal period does not discriminate. All new parents are susceptible. This includes parents who did not give birth. Risk factors include, but are not limited to,:

• Personal or family history of mental health concerns
• Mental health challenges during a previous perinatal period
• Prior diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
• Recent stressful life events (e.g., job loss, a move)
• Inadequate social supports
• Poor marital or partner relationships
• Low self-esteem or a sense of inadequacy
• Stress related to childcare responsibilities
• A baby with a sensitive or high-needs temperament
• Single parenting
• Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
• Low socioeconomic status
• Being part of a minority
• Those living in developing countries
• Obstetric complications during pregnancy or childbirth
• Parent of multiples (e.g., twins)
• Thyroid imbalances
• Teenage or younger parent [3,4,5,6]

It’s important to remember that having risk factors does not guarantee that you will experience perinatal depression. However, recognizing them can help you and your healthcare provider prepare and seek support early.

Symptoms

Perinatal depression is a mood disorder that present similar to the baby blues. However, perinatal depression is more disruptive and persistent. As such, it can be difficult to recognize and distinguish from “normal” postpartum adjustment.

It’s important to recognize that the symptoms of perinatal depression can vary significantly from person to person. Depression may not always appear as expected or match the typical portrayal in the media or diagnostic criteria, although it might in some cases.

Symptoms can begin any time during pregnancy or within the first year postpartum. They can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Changes in appetite
• Irritability or anger
• Persistent fatigue
• Physical complaints without an obvious cause
• Poor concentration or difficulty focusing
• Isolation or withdrawal from social interactions
• Sleep disturbances (too much or too little)
• Tearful or frequent crying
• Persistent sadness or low mood
• Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness
• Loss of interest or joy in activities that were previously enjoyable
• Scary or intrusive thoughts
• Difficulty bonding or connecting with your baby
• Suicidal thoughts or ideation
• Anxiety or excessive worry with scary and obsessive thoughts
• Feeling hopeless
• Feeling inadequate
• Difficulty functioning

When to Seek Help

If your symptoms:

• Persist beyond 2 weeks
• Intensify or significantly affect your daily life and ability to care for yourself or your baby
• Include thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
• Do not improve with self-care & adaptive coping strategies

Treatment

Perinatal depression is a very treatable condition. It’s not your fault, and you’re not alone. Treatment options will vary from person to person and may include:

Self-Care Measures:

• Eat nutritious meals or small snacks throughout the day to avoid getting too hungry.
• Prioritize rest and sleep when possible.
• Spend time outside to get fresh air and sunlight.
• Engage in gentle exercise, as recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Limit caffeine intake to help manage anxiety and sleep disturbances.
• Practice self-care and relaxation techniques (e.g., mindfulness, meditation, journaling).
• Connect with social or peer support networks to share your experiences.

Therapy:

There are various therapeutic modalities that are effective in treating perinatal depression. For example:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving personal relationships and communication skills.
• Supportive or Talk Therapy: Provides a safe space to discuss feelings and challenges with a therapist.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A structured therapy that helps you process traumatic memories or distressing experiences, which can be particularly helpful for those who have experienced birth trauma or unresolved emotional pain.
• Internal Family Systems (IFS): A therapeutic approach that helps explore and understand different parts of yourself, especially those that may be contributing to depression or anxiety. This can be useful for addressing inner conflicts and fostering self-compassion.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Focuses on accepting negative thoughts and emotions rather than trying to eliminate them. ACT helps people live in alignment with their values while managing difficult feelings, making it a helpful approach for dealing with perinatal depression.

Medications (Psychopharmacology):

• Some individuals may benefit from antidepressant medications. Always discuss options with your healthcare provider to ensure the safest treatment for you and your baby. Learn more about medications during the perinatal period here.

Overall, you may benefit from one or all of these measures. It’s important to find what works for you, make a plan of action, and do your best to stick with it. However, do not delay getting support. Reaching out to your health care provider, therapist, and/or local support group is a good place to start.

Emergency Resources

If you are in need of immediate assistance, please contact:

• Your health care provider
• Your local emergency department or health centre
• Dial 9-1-1 or your local emergency services number
• Call or text the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8

Local Resources

To learn more about local resources, please click below. Please note, this is not exhaustive list.

Downloads & Resources

• PMAD Discussion Tool
• Medication Cheat Sheet
• How To Talk To Your Health Care Provider About Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs).
• How To Help Someone Who Is Experiencing Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders

DISCLAIMER: The content of Postpartum Support Yukon’s website, posts, and blogs does not constitute medical advice, nor is it an emergency service. If you have concerns about any health or medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment, you should consult with a licensed healthcare provider. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call, or go to, your health care provider, local emergency department, 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Postpartum Support Yukon’s is intended for informational purposes only.