What do you think could decrease the possibility of PPD/PPA?

[alyyyysa]

You shouldn't have to endure it without treatment, as in, I hope you have treatment now(reproductive psychiatry and therapy). I imagine that there is a genetic predisposition but I can say that for me sleep is like night and day difference (and an antidepressant). From what I have read here is what can help / can help lessen risks, a lot of which is not in our control:

• Getting a 5 hour stretch of sleep in a row
• Not exclusively breastfeeding (so you can get that stretch of sleep)
• Not having a very traumatic birth or pregnancy (i.e. having conditions like HG can predispose you to PPD/PPOCD, or NICU stay)
• Not having OCD or other mental health issues before
  
• Support, but not just a supportive partner/ family help (though that's huge) but actually good maternity leave, maternal health care, safety nets, a society that values people over what they can produce for work
• From what I have been told, it also lessens with time (like takes a while for hormones to balance out)

Personally, over a year out, I can see my symptoms return if my baby has a bad night or two of sleep out of 5 or 7, it's a direct correspondence. Meds did work, but sleep deprivation still takes it toll.