Postpartum Depression otherwise known as postnatal depression is a complex mix of emotional, physical and behavioral changes that last for an extended period of time. It affects new moms wherein they feel happy at one moment and depressed the next. This form of depression usually happens within the first few days or weeks after giving birth and can last for a week, months or even a year in rare cases.
What Causes Postpartum Depression?
A possible cause of PPD is hormonal changes. Other causes may include substance abuse, marital issues, family history of birth-related challenges and depression, broken sleep patterns, financial issues, and immaturity, particularly if the parents of the newborn baby are young.
Who is at risk?
Women who have experienced depression before pregnancy are more at risk, and should properly discuss this issue with their before their due dates.
Does Postpartum depression (PPD) affect only women?
No. Postpartum depression can also affect the father if they cannot support the child or in rare cases when they find out that the child is not theirs.
Signs and symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression can show different signs in different women. A few visible symptoms include, but not restricted to the following:
- Sleeplessness
- Crying for no reason
- Inability to concentrate
- Withdrawals from family and friends
- Extreme mood swings and irritability
- Overly sad or irritable
- Guilt or shame feeling
- Suicide thought
If you are a new mother and are experiencing any of the following symptoms or you see them in a loved one, it is recommended you seek help without delay, particularly if the symptoms are persistent.
Treating Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression (PPD) may go undetected. However, effective treatment starts with an early acknowledgment of the symptoms and adequate testing. The best ways to overcome this form of depression is through therapies and anti-depressant. Mild forms of PPD can be treated through counseling and family support. Women with moderate and severe forms of depression may require both medications and counseling. In addition, both partners can be included in the treatment process because it is important for the male partner to understand what is going on and tolerate the feeling of his partner.
What you can do to help yourself
Some of the several things you can do to help relieve the feelings of DDP include:
- Focus on the short-term goals that can be achieved rather than thinking about long-term goals
- Share feelings with your friends, families, and partner to achieve a more positive outlook
- Look for cheap activities like walking, reading, visiting a worship center etc.
- Avoiding stressful situations during pregnancy
The less anxious and isolated you are, the better you will feel.
Conclusion
The treatments and recovery associated with any kind of depression depend on the extent of the depression. With proper treatment, postpartum depression (PPD) can be conquered. For effective therapy treatments, you can book an appointment with us now.