Postnatal Depression

Depression is a psychological disability that mothers feel as a result of disturbances in family life and the bonds between mothers and children. The condition has a gradual start and may linger for three to six months in certain cases, or the first year of a baby's life altogether.

Depression after giving birth is neither a flaw or a weakness. It can occasionally be a side effect of childbirth. Receiving assistance as soon as possible if you have postpartum depression may help you control your symptoms and enjoy your child.

Signs and Symptoms:

The signs and symptoms of postpartum depression differ based on the type of depression.

Baby Blues Symptoms

• Swings in mood.
• Anxiety.
• Sadness.
• Irritability.
• Crying.
• Reduced concentration.
• Sleeping problems.

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

• Appetite loss.
• Insomnia.
• Excessive irritation and rage Excessive fatigue.
• Loss of sexual interest Lack of joy in life.
• Shame, guilt, or feelings of inadequacy.
• Extreme mood swings.
• Bonding difficulties with your baby Withdrawal from family and friends.

Causes:

The causes of postpartum depression are numerous. Lifestyle, emotional, and physical factors may all be at play.

• Physical Changes: Postpartum depression may result from a significant drop in hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) in your body following delivery. You can feel exhausted, lethargic, and depressed as a result of a sudden drop in other hormones produced by the thyroid gland.
• Emotional factors: When you're exhausted and sleep deprived, it can be difficult to solve even the most basic problems. You might be unsure of your capacity to provide for a newborn. You might feel less attractive or struggle with self-confidence.
• Lifestyle influences: Postpartum depression can be exacerbated by a variety of lifestyle factors, including a demanding newborn or older siblings, breastfeeding difficulties, money issues, and a lack of support from your partner or other family members.

Tests and Diagnosis:

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, postpartum depression is categorized as a subtype of major depression (DSM). The American Psychiatric Association's DSM is used to identify mental disorders and by insurance companies to pay for therapy.

According to the DSM, postpartum depression can be identified if symptoms of significant depression start to manifest within four weeks of giving birth.

Signs and Symptoms of a Major Depressive Episode

• Most of the day, virtually every day, I feel depressed.
• Decreased interest and pleasure in once-favorite activities,
• If your hunger has changed significantly or you've gained weight unintentionally,
• Excessive sleepiness (insomnia) or insomnia (hypersomnia),
• Unrest or apparent delays in movement,
• Fatigue or a lack of energy,
• a sense of inadequate,
• Reduced ability to think clearly, focus, or make decisions,
• Frequent thoughts of suicide or death.

Treatments and Drugs:

Depending on the severity of your depression and your individual needs, treatment and recovery times may vary.

Baby Blues

The baby blues typically go away on their own in a week to a few days. Get as much rest as you can in the meanwhile. Accept help from friends and family. Reach out to other new mothers. Avoid alcohol because it can make mood swings worse. If you have an underactive thyroid, your doctor might recommend thyroid medication.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is often treated with counseling and medication.

• Counseling: Having a conversation about your worries with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professional may be helpful. You can address problems, better manage your emotions, and set achievable goals with counseling's assistance. Counseling for families or relationships may also be helpful.
• Antidepressants: Postpartum depression can be successfully treated with antidepressants, according to research. You should be aware that any medication you take will flow into your breast milk if you are breastfeeding. On the other hand, there is little risk of harm to your baby if you take some antidepressants while breastfeeding.
• Hormone therapy: In some women, estrogen replacement therapy may help to reduce the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression by slowing the rapid decline in estrogen that happens during childbirth.