Page 145 - Advanced Biblical Counseling Student Textbook

experience postpartum "baby blues" after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings, crying
spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Baby blues typically begin within the first two to three days after
delivery, and may last for up to two weeks.

“But some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum
depression. Rarely, an extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis also may develop after
childbirth. Postpartum depression isn't a character flaw or a weakness. Sometimes it's simply a
complication of giving birth. If you have postpartum depression, prompt treatment can help you manage
your symptoms and help you bond with your baby.” 214

Causes
“There's no single cause of postpartum depression, but physical and emotional issues may play a role:
Physical changes. After childbirth, a dramatic drop in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) in your
body may contribute to postpartum depression. Other hormones produced by your thyroid gland also
may drop sharply — which can leave you feeling tired, sluggish and depressed.
Emotional issues. When you're sleep deprived and overwhelmed, you may have trouble handling even
minor problems. You may be anxious about your ability to care for a newborn. You may feel less
attractive, struggle with your sense of identity or feel that you've lost control over your life. Any of these
issues can contribute to postpartum depression.” 215

“Treatment
There are effective treatments for depression. Mild to moderate depression can be effectively treated
with talking therapies (talking to a counselor). Medication in the form of antidepressants can be an
effective form of treatment for moderate to severe depression but are not the first line of treatment for
cases of mild depression. They should not be used for treating depression in children and are not the
first line of treatment in adolescents, among whom they should be used with caution.” 216

“Management of depression should include psychosocial aspects, including identifying stress factors,
such as financial problems, difficulties at work or physical or mental abuse, and sources of support, such
as family members and friends.” 217 Helping someone struggling with depression to maintain social
networks and social activities is important.

Pastor Bryan Lowe writes of descriptions of depression in the Bible. He states, “David knew what it was
like to be a hostage of depression. In Psalm 32:3-4 he wrote:

‘For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
[b]
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.’

214 “Postpartum,” p. 1, 2020
215 Ibid.
216 Ibid.
217 Ibid.

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