Left untreated, postpartum depression can result in a number of complications, ranging from headaches to suicide attempts. While many of these complications are common to many types of depression, some are specific to postpartum depression.
Physical Symptoms of Depression
People coping with depression often report physical complications. Changes in weight and appetite, for instance, are common physical symptoms of depression. Women coping with postpartum depression are often trying to lose weight gained over the course of pregnancy. Changes in weight during this time can affect body image, which can in turn affect some women’s depression symptoms.
A number of physical symptoms of depression exist, and no single person experiences exactly the same symptoms, or at the same degree of severity. Common physical symptoms of depression include:
- back pain
- changes in appetite
- changes in sleep patterns
- changes in weight
- chest pain
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- gastrointestinal difficulties (including constipation and diarrhea)
- headaches
- joint pain
- sore muscles
Physical symptoms of postpartum depression can also be caused by multiple health concerns, and a doctor’s examination is required to ensure that such symptoms are caused by depression. Chest pain, in particular, should always be taken seriously and checked by a medical professional.
Postpartum Depression Complications
Left untreated, postpartum depression can become a chronic depressive episode that lasts months, or even years after childbirth. A previous history of PPD is also increases the risk of postpartum depression in future pregnancies.
Postpartum depression can also affect the mother’s children. In addition to the family stress that any depression brings, postpartum depression can impair the bond between mother and child. Children of mothers with postpartum depression are at risk of a number of developmental delays and behavioral problems, including:
- delayed language development
- eating difficulties
- hyperactivity
- sleeping problems
- temper tantrums
Please bear in mind that while these difficulties are linked to mothers with postpartum depression, they in no way reflect on either the mother’s parenting skills or her love for her child. Anyone coping with depression needs support, not condemnation.
Suicidal Depression
In worse case scenarios, women with severe postpartum depression may develop suicidal thoughts, increasing the risk of self-harm or harm to the child. Suicidal threats or behavior should always be treated as a medical emergency. Suicidal or delusion thinking may indicate a postpartum psychosis, a rare but dangerous condition that is sometimes confused with postpartum depression symptoms.
References:
Mayo Clinic, " Postpartum Depression: Complications " (accessed June 7, 2008)
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (Updated 18 December, 2009). Major Depression.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (Updated 24 August, 2008). Postpartum Depression
WebMD. (n.d.). "Depression: Recognizing the Physical Symptoms."
Disclaimer
The information contained within this article is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute in any way for care and treatment by a qualified health professional.
Michael McGrath - Michael McGrath began providing web content shortly after finishing his graduate degree in English at the University of Alberta. His broad ...
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