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“One in nine women suffer from postpartum depression. About the same number suffer during pregnancy and perinatal anxiety disorders are also about that range,” says Dr. Cynthia Rogers, a Washington University perinatal psychiatrist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, she is seeing an increase in the severity of symptoms.
This consists of generalized anxiety and COVID-19 related anxiety including risk of exposure for themselves, their new babies, and the babies’ grandparents. Also, various depressive symptoms are present including social isolation from not being surrounded by loved ones and suicidal thoughts, notes Rogers. “Suicide is the most common mortality risk for pregnant and postpartum women,” she says.
This is why it’s so imperative for friends and family to support these moms. Rogers advises loved ones to check in via phone or video chats to let the moms know they are cared about and are being supported. This will ease loneliness and isolation. She also suggests helping out any way you can. “If it’s within your means, you can order food so the mom can focus on caring for the baby and not worry about cooking,” she says.
Family and friends are really the ones who sometimes notice changes in the women experiencing significant anxiety or depression. If you suspect this, Rogers urges you to compassionately tell them that “I see you are really struggling. It might be time for you to seek some help.” You should reassure them saying it’s okay, it’s common, and help is available.
Society tells women that pregnancy and being a new mom should be a joyful period. But when this isn’t the case, women are shamed for how they feel. “Experiencing these symptoms is not a character flaw. It’s a disorder due to the underlying changes in that physiology that women experience throughout the lifespan,” Rogers explains. “Research has shown us for decades that infants of women who suffer from postpartum depression or anxiety don’t develop as well if their moms are ill.” So, it’s crucial for mothers to prioritize their own wellbeing during the postpartum period so they can be the best for their babies.
If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of depression and/or anxiety during or after your pregnancy, it’s important you discuss them with your OB/GYN or your child’s pediatrician. Many pediatricians are now screening for postpartum depression. They can direct you to services such as Barnes-Jewish's Women & Infants Center, which take referrals from the community.
Rogers stresses that above all, women should make sure they're getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, staying active, and taking moments for themselves.
For moderate to severe symptoms, Zulresso is available. Since becoming available in 2019, Zulresso is the first treatment specifically approved for moderate to severe postpartum depression by the FDA. The Women & Infants Center is the only certified facility in the state of Missouri to offer this treatment, which requires to come to the hospital for two and a half days.
“What’s really remarkable is that it seems to get women better much more quickly," Rogers says. "We see women reporting feeling better even when they are still in the hospital with us. It’s really useful for women whose symptoms are very impairing in their ability to take care of their babies. So that quick onset of action we’ve seen in the majority of moms we’ve treated can be really life-changing.”
For women experiencing milder symptoms, Rogers points to psychotherapy first and then use of a traditional medication when needed, which is often covered by insurance. Across the board, postpartum treatment has improved over the years, but, Rogers says, we must continue to assure women that "this is common and they can get help."
