top of page
Search

Postpartum Depression!

“Do I wish I had never endured postpartum depression? Absolutely. But to deny the experience is to deny who I am.” – Bryce Dallas Howard About 80 percent of mothers have the baby blues in the weeks following childbirth. In contrast, a large-scale 2013 study found that just 14 percent of mothers screened positive for depression. Of those women, 19.3 percent thought about harming themselves, and 22.6 percent had previously undiagnosed bipolar disorder.


What is Postpartum Depression?

​The birth of a baby may trigger a mix of emotions, some of which may make you feel good and ecstatic, like the immense happiness a mother feels when she sees her new born for the first time, and some emotions may result in anxiety and fear. But sometimes, it may even lead to depression. ​ After childbirth, many women experience what is termed as ‘baby blues’, which basically refers to feelings of sadness and may also include mood swings, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Baby blues typically begin within the first two to three days after delivery, and may last for up to two weeks. As many as 80 percent of mothers have these feelings for a week or two following childbirth. ​ But postpartum depression is different from baby blues. According to the DSM-5, a manual used to diagnose mental disorders, PPD is a form of major depression that begins within 4 weeks after delivery. It refers to the physical and emotional changes a mother experiences after giving birth. It is extremely serious, and should not be ignored under any circumstances. ​ About 1 in 1,000 women develop a more serious condition called postpartum psychosis. It is severe mental condition, which results in extreme difficulty in responding to a new born baby, emotionally. It might even include thoughts about harming the child.


Whom does it affect?

Mother

The mother is the one who gets affected the most, it severely hampers the will to carry out day to day activities, and negatively influences the mental health. If postpartum depression is left untreated, then it can last for a very long time, and may even become a chronic depressive disorder.


Father

While we typically associate postpartum depression women, men also experience it. In fact, it is very real. About 10% of fathers become depressed before, or just after their baby is born, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Fathers who are young, have a history of depression, experience relationship problems, or are struggling financially are most at risk of postpartum depression.


Child

It affects the child too, as children whose mothers have postpartum depression, and is left untreated, may have severe behavioural and emotional problems, and may feel unloved at times, and are more likely to develop adjustment problems and mood disorders.



Causes

Although it is not exactly clear what causes postpartum depression, it can affect anyone.


Hormonal Changes

After childbirth, a mother experiences severe hormonal fluctuation, estrogen and progesterone levels drop dramatically which may result in baby blues which may further trigger anxiety, mood swings, sadness, and may result in postpartum depression as well, and the rise in oxytocin, typically activated during the lactation period, and the low progesterone might also trigger postpartum anxiety.


Post Trauma

Sometimes, having a baby might trigger or reactivate trauma which you experienced in the past. One of the key elements in motherhood, is that your history can have a deep influence on your perception and experience as a mother. It is one of the risk factors in postpartum depression, it might be physical or sexual abuse which happened in your childhood. If that is the case, then chances of getting postpartum depression increases.


Lack of Social Support

Often people who suffer from postpartum depression, feel lost and alone. One of the reasons is the absence of a strong social support. If your partner’s presence is next to negligible in your life, if they do not support you during pregnancy, and after childbirth, and do not make efforts to be involved, then that might trigger feelings of hopelessness and sadness. Also, if your family members remain distant, and not help you, then there are chances of having postpartum depression.


Other Life Stressors

There are a number of factors which might lead to postpartum depression. Timing also plays a major role. If you were not ready, or were not in a state to give birth to a child, but you do, that might lead to feelings of unhappiness, and dissatisfaction. Your workplace, your perception, and your outlook towards life and motherhood, can also play a major role. Financial burden or having given birth to a child with serious health problems may also cause anxiety and depression.


Symptoms

Pregnancy and childbirth affect different people, differently. However, there are some common signs and symptoms of a person experiencing postpartum depression:

  • Anxiety and irritability

  • Severe mood swings

  • Withdrawal from friends and family

  • Excessive crying

  • Lack of appetite

  • Insomnia

  • Panic attacks and having difficulty to connect/bond with your child

​ These are some of the signs and symptoms that you might experience during postpartum depression. Basically, having baby blues is common, and usually goes away in a couple of weeks. But if it continues for a very long time, then you should consult your doctor, and start the treatment for the same, once diagnosed.


Steps to improve/overcome Postpartum Depression

“Healing takes time, and asking for help is a courageous step.”

– Mariska Hargitay


Asking for help

The first and foremost thing to do is to consult your doctor, and get diagnosed. After which, ask for the treatment plan, and know everything that there is to know about postpartum depression. Asking for help does not make you look weak; it just shows that you are very strong because your ultimate goal is to get better and healthy, and also for your baby, and your loved ones around you. Ask help from your family, and friends and do not be hesitant.


Acknowledging the problem

Once diagnosed, it is highly important to acknowledge the problem. It’s about accepting, and being open about it to your friends, family, and most importantly to yourself. Be open about your feelings, do not try to suppress anything. That will help you to become light, and more vocal about your hardships.


Follow a routine

Try to follow a routine. Give your body every chance to heal. Steer clear of all sorts of negativity, or something which might bring you down. Eat a well-balanced meal and exercise. Try to go for a walk or meditate. Cut yourself some slack, you deserve it. Do not over exert or pressurize yourself, it will take time. Stay consistent and determined.


Therapy

Consult a therapist and start therapy. It will give you the freedom to let go, and speak out loud about certain negative, or destructive thoughts in an environment where no one will judge you and confidentiality is guaranteed. The therapist may also give you further strategies for dealing with your thoughts and feelings. It may also help you to connect with yourself, and slowly help you to overcome postpartum depression.


Support groups

Joining a support group is also an excellent strategy. It will help to decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation, and might also instill a sense of belongingness, around people who are going through the same, and make you feel like you are not alone.


Having a strong social support

Having a strong social support often goes a long way. If your partner is very supportive and encourages you to strive, and motivates you to move forward, then it makes you feel more positive and motivated. If you are surrounded with people who love and care for you, then it makes you feel good and confident because you know that there are people out there, who will stand by you, and will help you to deal with hardships. That helps in promoting positivity, and makes you feel less anxious.


Takeaway Message

These are some of the steps which you can do to overcome postpartum depression. Remember that it is not a flaw or a weakness, and you are not alone. You have started a new phase in your life, keep in mind that you are bound to make mistakes, but that is how you will learn. It is challenging period for everyone, trust your gut. Give yourself time and do not burden yourself. You got this!


Reference
5 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comentarios

bottom of page