As women’s health topics become more researched, the medical community is better at understanding postpartum depression and legitimizing it as a diagnosable condition. For decades women have felt unsupported with a health condition that simply wasn’t recognized. And few to no treatments were offered for women with PPD.
Fast forward to 2021, and women are stepping up and demanding better treatment alternatives. Traditionally, psychotropic medications and anti-depressants like Prozac or Wellbutrin are prescribed for PPD. But they don’t work for everyone. And psychotropic medications can also present with side-effects that can make symptoms more severe.
At the time of writing, thirty-six states in America have legalized medical cannabis programs. That is doctor-supervised use of cannabis for a qualifying health condition. Each state provides a list of accepted diagnoses that can allow patients access to medicinal cannabis store near me. And some states leave the determination of the ‘qualifying health condition’ to the patient’s physician to decide.
Now that medical cannabis is an option for American women, can it help mothers who have been diagnosed with postpartum depression? Clinical studies have supported the use of cannabis for the relief of anxiety and depression. And it may be a safer and more effective alternative for women with PPD.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
The American Psychology Association reports that a variety of factors can cause postpartum depression. Hormonal changes after childbirth are a common trigger for PPD. A family history of depression, mental illness, or clinical anxiety can also contribute to postpartum depression.
Statistically, some of the most common factors revolve around lifestyle stressors. New mothers may be unprepared for the challenges of infant care. Financial or employment problems or a sense of social isolation resulting from childcare responsibilities can also be triggers for PPD.
The symptoms of postpartum depression can include (but are not limited to):
- Insomnia
- Changes in appetite (binge eating or appetite suppression)
- Abnormal levels of irritability, anger or agitation, and mood swings
- Deep feelings of sadness
- Disinterest in relationships, including socializing with family or friends.
- Panic attacks and persistent anxiety
- Disinterest in the child or emotional rejection of the infant
- Thoughts of self-harm or harming the child.
- Memory problems
- Feelings of low self-worth
While a previous diagnosis or family history of clinical depression can be a precursor to PPD, more than 50% of women have never experienced depressive episodes before. Approximately 1 in 7 American women experience the postpartum disorder.
How Can Medical Cannabis Address Symptoms of Depression?
The characteristics between depression and PPD are similar, if not identical. The only differentiation is that PPD is triggered after childbirth. Sometimes post-traumatic stress disorder starts to manifest during pregnancy too. But like conventional depression diagnoses, there are both physiological and psychological aspects to post-partum depression.
The body has cannabinoid receptors. By design, the human body is receptive to cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in marijuana. Whether ingested as an edible or tincture (sublingual uptake), vaporized, or smoked in its natural state, the cannabinoids do exciting things. Almost all the effects of cannabis can have a positive impact on physical and psychological well being.
Cannabis strains that are high in CBD content can help relieve inflammation. Many clinical studies strongly correlate long-term or chronic inflammation with a higher risk of developing PPD. Inflammation can create massive changes in the body. It can impact the normal immune system functioning and hormonal regulation.
The psychoactive effects of cannabis can help address low mood. Some Sativa strains of cannabis can provide a sense of euphoria and energy. The kind of boost that a struggling mother would appreciate. Conversely, women that are experiencing chronic pain after childbirth may benefit from Indica strains. Some types of Indica marijuana can provide powerful analgesic results to relieve pain.
Some researchers believe that sleep deprivation is the root cause of postpartum depression. Women who can access doctor-supervised therapeutic cannabis could opt for a strain with strong sedative properties—alternating with a spouse or partner to literally “check out” every other evening to reduce the symptoms of insomnia. Dad’s can change diapers, too, especially if they know it will support their mate’s wellness.
What Steps Should You Take if You Are Struggling With Postpartum Depression?
The first and most important thing to remember is that PPD is a diagnosed condition. It is not imaginary, and it presents a health and safety risk to both you and your child. Talk to your physician about your symptoms. They may administer a ‘depression inventory,’ which is a series of questions to rate the level of depression you are experiencing. From mild to moderate or severe, symptoms of PPD can be addressed therapeutically.
Ask for help. Surprisingly, many new mothers don’t ask for extra support and assistance as they navigate infant care. It is exhausting! And it is too much for one person to provide round the clock care for a baby. Get your family and friends involved if you can. And if there is no one close to you who can help, consider a childcare provider who can give you mental health breaks. Even two hours per day, you can run some errands or enjoy other self-care activities (like a long bath).
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