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A Case of Postpartum Depression in "The Yellow Wallpaper", Part 1 - Page 2

© Charleen Merced

There are many symptoms associated with PPD and many are described in the "The Yellow Wallpaper". Women suffering from PPD suffer from restlessness and irritability which is depicted when the narrator says that she is "getting dreadfully fretful and querulous" (Gilman 5). Other symptoms include feeling depressed, having sudden mood swings and crying spells; the narrator says: "I cry at nothing, and cry most of the time" (Gilman 5). Women may get angry and frustrated at times; she mentions that she gets "unreasonably angry with John sometimes. I'm sure I never used to be so sensitive" (Gilman 2). The narrator also mentions how much effort it takes to do daily activities like "dress and entertain, and order things" (Gilman 3). The protagonist shows some sort of aversion toward her child when she mentions that "she cannot be with him, it makes me so nervous" (Gilman 3) which is also a symptom of PPD. Some women suffering from PPD feel that they might hurt their children if they have contact with them, and also feel incapable of taking care of them. Other women show an exaggerated worry over the child, whereas some show no interest at all. In other instances, the narrator describes her feelings which allow for a PPD diagnosis. Sleeplessness is a symptom of depression and is displayed frequently on the plot. She tells us that "she can't sleep" (Gilman 8) and many times pretends to sleep so that her husband will not notice. Other symptoms mentioned in the story are fatigue, feeling guilt, anxiety, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Some symptoms of PPD not mentioned in the story are headaches, chest pains, heat palpitations, numbness, and hyperventilation. Furthermore, trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions, lacking interest in pleasure activities, anger and feeling afraid are other symptoms (MayoClinic.com ).

The cause of PPD is still unclear. The leading hypothesis focuses on hormonal changes in the body, lifestyle and emotional aspects that happen before and after delivery. After giving birth the body undergoes changes in "blood volume, blood pressure, immune system and metabolism" (Medical Library). Many research studies suggest that a sudden shift in hormonal levels plays an important role in the onset of PPD. Hormonal changes may cause depression and changes in mood, as occurs during menstruation. During pregnancy, gonadal hormones, progesterone and estrogen, levels increase. These hormones "modulate psychoactive endocrine systems" (Barrio & Burt 3) and in the hours following childbirth their levels drop sharply to levels prior to childbirth. Also, stress seems to play a part in depression. Stressors may cause anxiety and disturbances in the person's neurochemistry.

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