Many people are familiar with postpartum depression (PPD). This is a situation where a new mother feels very sad, tired, or even not attached to her baby. Still, there is another condition that is unknown to many. This condition is known as “bipolar postpartum depression”.
Bipolar postpartum depression is different from standard PPD as it is characterized by two extreme moods (i.e, low mood and mania or hypomania). Researchers have reported that 1 in every 5 women has postpartum depression. Out of the 21% to 54% of these women have, in fact, a bipolar disorder, not only depression. It is very difficult for them to figure out which is which sometimes, because they can be feeling very sad in the morning and perfectly better later. Keep reading to understand more in-depth about it.
Bipolar postpartum depression
PPD is a psychological disorder caused by biological changes that occur after childbirth. Also, it can be a primary or even a secondary depression. Postpartum bipolar depression has a significant component of either. Typically, postpartum bipolar depression is the most challenging issue, especially as it is involved in the two sides:
- Depression periods where women feel very sad, hopeless, and tired
- Manic or hypomanic periods, where women feel extremely happy, energetic, or restless
Many people, including new mothers, spouses, relatives, caregivers, or even physicians, mistake the high periods for the normal happiness that comes from having a new baby, and that is why a majority of the women affected do not get the professional help they require.
Due to suffering from bipolar postpartum depression, most mothers often experience a feeling of guilt for not being joyful all the time. They become troubled thinking that they may not have a close relationship with their newborn baby if they are having strong feelings and thoughts. They may feel ashamed or even shy about their condition.
Nevertheless, the truth is that bipolar postpartum depression is an outright medical condition. It is not about being weak or being an improper parent. It is a condition that is not amenable to ‘trying harder’ or adopting the ‘positive thoughts’ approach. It is a disorder that needs thorough treatment.
Sign of bipolar postpartum depression
During low periods, women might experience:
- Deep sadness
- Feeling hopeless or worthless
- No interest in the baby or daily activities
- Extreme tiredness
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Thoughts of hurting themselves or the baby
During high periods, women might experience:
- Unusual happiness or excitement
- Talking very fast or a lot (e.g., talk about sex, money, the right place to live in, etc.)
- Racing thoughts
- Needing very little sleep but still feeling energetic
- Making poor decisions
- Feeling like they can do anything
- Writing or doing activities excessively
- Massive plans, very self-confident
Mixed signs:
- Feeling very sad, but also being restless at the same time
- Having high energy and feeling hopeless at the same time
- Racing through several themes, including negative things.
What causes this condition?
Several factors can increase the risk of contracting bipolar postpartum depression:
- Family history of bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions
- Being younger when having a baby
- Having an unplanned pregnancy
- Having bipolar symptoms during pregnancy
- Depression started right after delivery
- Lack of sleep after having the baby
- Hormone changes after childbirth
- Stress from becoming a new parent
Bipolar women have almost 37% of the risk of recurrence of the disease after childbirth. The sleepless nights, which come with newborns, tend to be the cause for those who are predisposed.
Treatment options
The right treatment can simulate both the mother and the baby, so it is necessary to get good and proper treatment for bipolar postpartum depression, which is not the same as regular postpartum depression.
A mental health professional, such as a board-certified psychiatrist, usually recommends:
- Mood stabilizing medications like lithium, quetiapine, or lamotrigine
- Therapy to learn coping skills
- Support groups with other mothers who understand
For breastfeeding mothers, psychiatrists always carefully choose medications that are safer for babies.
Self-care tips:
Aside from professional assistance, mothers can work toward helping themselves with the following practices:
- Try to sleep when the baby sleeps, even if just for short periods
- Ask family and friends for help with daily tasks
- Eat regular, healthy meals
- Take short walks outside when possible
- Talk to trusted people about feelings
- Keep taking prescribed medications as directed
- Avoid alcohol and drugs
- Join online support groups for mothers with similar experiences
- Be patient with recovery as healing takes time
Getting help online
Many times, new moms with bipolar postpartum depression experience difficulties leaving their homes for doctor visits. This is because they have a baby who needs feeding every few hours, lack enough good sleep, don’t feel comfortable driving, and there is no one to look after the baby.
That’s where online treatment is becoming crucial. The online psychiatry care platform, like GABA Telepsychiatry, empowers mothers to get mental health care from their own safe places, their homes. They don’t have to think about finding someone to be with a baby or manage the inconvenient trip to the doctor’s office.
Online treatment for postpartum bipolar disorder, including PPD and bipolar disorder treatment, presents not only the convenience factor, but also the following helpful features:
- The baby does not have to be disrupted from its schedule, and the mother does not have to alter her routine
- One can go for the appointments during the baby’s nap time or when the partner is home
- Be at home in comfortable clothes (e.g., pajamas) without worrying about dressing up
- Even if there are no specialists in the area, accessing expert guidance online is most promising
- Mother-baby bonding hours can be maintained
So, if you suspect that you might have bipolar postpartum depression, please don’t hesitate to seek help. Schedule an appointment with your doctor, visit an emergency room at a hospital, or get in touch with mental health professionals.
Remember, it’s not a weakness to ask for help. It’s actually the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby. With the right treatment and support, women with bipolar postpartum depression can recover and enjoy being mothers.