Postpartum depression is a type of depression that occurs in some women who have given birth recently and affects them physically, emotionally and behaviourally. Typically, this kind of depression begins within 2- 4 weeks after giving birth.
Postpartum depression symptoms include a broad spectrum of changes that a mother endures. It is important to note that the condition doesn’t happen to all women after pregnancy.
After giving birth, about 1 in 10 women experience some form of depressive psychological change. In extreme cases, postpartum psychosis may also occur in 1 out of every 1000 women.
The most common signs of postpartum depression are easily missed. These are associated with giving birth and may initially not indicate any serious mental health issues:
Along with the above general postpartum symptoms, major clinical depression after giving birth may also be associated with the following:
Note that, as per most psychological/psychiatric institutions, postpartum depression is a real, serious medical condition. Although it may not affect everyone, it is still common enough that it should be talked about often.
Panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and other conditions may also occur simultaneously.
There aren’t any confirmed causes of postpartum depression. We do know that it is most probably related to the extreme hormonal changes in the woman’s body during this time. For example, oestrogen, the female hormone associated with reproduction, is ten times higher during pregnancy. But within 3 days of giving birth, this number drops to pre-pregnancy levels.
This is a rapid hormonal change and it is linked to this postpartum depression, but the exact processes are not understood. Other factors that contribute to this condition include lack of sleep, anxiety over the newborn baby and its care as well as psychological factors like loss of self-image, self-identity, a sense of not being in control or even a perceived loss of attractiveness.
Apart from these potential symptoms, certain risk factors play a role in postpartum depression:
Postpartum care will vary depending on how serious your symptoms are. There are several options available to help you, your baby and your family get through this time. Medications can be one part of your treatment. Additional help will be in the form of psychotherapy/counselling as well as participation in support groups.
Even if you are breastfeeding, you may still be able to take your depression medication prescribed by your doctor. Speak with your doctor and decide with them.
Also Read: Pregnancy Fatigue: Unraveling Causes and Research-Backed Solutions
Giving birth can be one of the most joyous occasions in your life. But it is important to be prepared for the good and the bad. Postpartum depression isn’t likely to affect many women, but the ‘baby blues’ as it’s called can affect as many as 70% of women. In the days following your pregnancy, be sure to monitor your mental health and get as much sleep as you need. Speak with your partner, family members, social support and doctor in case you feel you may be experiencing signs of postpartum depression. Consult a psychiatrist without delay if you notice any symptoms of postpartum depression.
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Depression is more than just ‘feeling the blues’. It is a serious mood disorder that can have damaging effects on someone’s life and their relationships. Those who are depressed experience severe sadness and a persistent loss of interest in the activities that they previously enjoyed. It is hard to define and pinpoint by a layperson. It has far-reaching consequences as it negatively impacts a person’s ability to carry out normal functions of life. There are many types of depression. Here are some of them.
It is also known as Clinical Depression. The symptoms include weight changes, disturbed sleep patterns, unexplained fatigue, concentration problems and feeling suicidal or having thoughts about dying. If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, the person should be diagnosed by a therapist and treatment must begin immediately.
It is also known as Dysthymia. This varies from being mild, moderate or severe. The person should have been feeling chronically depressed for more than two years. Appetite changes, sleep pattern modifications, fatigue, low self-esteem, feeling hopeless are some of the symptoms.
Not wanting to do or enjoy doing fun things, showing changes in eating patterns – eating a lot more or a lot less than usual, showing changes in sleep patterns – sleeping a lot more or a lot less than normal are some of the early signs of depression in a child, one should be aware of.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
It is also called Manic Depression. The person experiences a range of emotions, from unbridled elation to very ‘low’ moods. The periods of elation are known as mania and can even require hospitalization. Symptoms include unexplained fatigue, insomnia, aches and pains that have no cause, low self-esteem, anxiety and irritability episodes, indecisiveness and unorganized life. Some people could also suffer from hallucinations and delusions. Patients suffering from bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of committing suicide than those suffering from other kinds of depression. Medication helps bring the mood swings under control.
Although women are at higher risk for general depression, they are also at risk for two different depression types that are influenced by reproductive hormones—perinatal depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder and these are specific types in women only.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Seasonal Affective Disorder is when the person feels depressed during the winter months. Somehow people who suffer from this feel unusually low as the day duration reduces and as the amount of sunlight lessens. Treatment involves medication and light therapy.
Also Read: Navigating Bipolar Disorder: How a Person With Bipolar Thinks
People who experience this kind of depression exhibit symptoms of psychosis. They experience hallucinations and paranoia and suffer from delusions. Treatment involves using antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs.
Many women experience mild to severe depression after the birth of their child. Some experience such a severe bout that they feel unable to even hold the baby. In most cases, antidepressant medicines can cure this.
Also Read: How Treat Depression?
When a person reacts to a stressful situation by feeling depressed, it is known as Situational Depression. It could be a loss of job, death in the family, an impending divorce, some physical injury or some other unhappy situation that could be affecting the mood of the person. Talking to a therapist helps in most situations.
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Depression is not the same for everyone and even the symptoms vary from person to person. It varies from mild to more serious condition. There is a treatment for all kinds and in most cases, the treatment produces positive results.
Also Read: Symptoms of Depression – Physical & Mental Signs of Depression
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.