Postpartum Depression or Postnatal depression is a mood disorder which is experienced after childbirth. Affecting both men and women, this mental health condition is characterized by feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, irritation, low energy and even sleep deprivation. These things are usually ignored considering it common after childbirth. However, going through same thing repeatedly is ample evidence for Postpartum/postnatal depression.
In India, this condition affects nearly 20-25% of the mothers who have given childbirth. Treatment of PPD is really necessary as, if untreated, it might lead to other consequences affecting mental health. Also, in some cases, even if it has been treated, chances are there that a mother might go through a same phase again.
Common Postpartum depression symptoms include mood swings, anxiety, sadness, fear and depression. While exact cause is still unknown, hormonal imbalance along with various other social factor including genetics are considered responsible for PPD. Check out this blog to get more details on PPD, it’s treatment and where to find right medical expert to assist you with these conditions.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
After pregnancy, the mother experiences various changes, which can be indicated by various feelings like anxiety, sadness, tiredness and also sleep depression. Although the feelings do span over a week, in the case of PDP, all these things might span for more than two weeks. Common Postpartum Depression symptoms include various changes you experience every day or the way you interact with others or how you feel about having a baby:
- The feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and guilt.
- Loss of sleep, energy, motivation or anything that interests the person.
- No further enjoyment while interacting with others or even with the baby.
- Changes in the daily routine and even appetite.
- Crying repeatedly for no reason or going into depression.
- Unusual thoughts or feelings related to hurting others or the baby.
- Mood swings can also be considered as a symptom of PDP if it stays for more than two weeks.
What exactly are the Postpartum Depression Causes?
The exact cause responsible for triggering Postpartum/Peripartum Depression disorder is unknown. However, the occurrence of this PPD condition is attributed to hormonal imbalance, genetics and many other social factors. According to various research studies, the levels of hormones during pregnancy are at their optimum. However, after the child’s birth, a sudden drop in this level might affect the body causing the mother to experience various feeling depression. This is what is to be considered as the contributing factor for triggering PPD. Apart from that, other factors that might be contributing to PPD are social factors or genetics.
Postpartum/Perinatal Depression is also noted to affect fathers
Usually, the mothers are affected by postpartum disorders after childbirth. In some cases, it has been noted that the fathers are also likely to experience postpartum depression.
Many of the cases of postpartum depression where fathers are affected include those who have a history of depression, anxiety or sleep deprivation.
PPD in the father is usually called paternal postpartum depression. In the case of the father, the same treatment can be recommended.
Baby Blue and Postpartum Depression Assessment
While discussing prenatal depression, it is necessary to give a brief information about the postpartum blue or commonly called as “Baby Blue.” The reason for this is both postnatal depression and baby blue are attributed to the same cause, i.e. hormonal imbalance.
The only difference and connection between postpartum depression and baby blue is that PPD is a more severe form of the postpartum blue and if not diagnosed or treated can lead to severe consequences. Thus, in case of repeated occurrence of various baby blue symptoms, it is recommended to seek assistance of a mental health expert.
Why is Postpartum Depression Treatment Necessary?
It is really necessary for the mother or the father to connect with a medical health expert in case they are experiencing various signs and symptoms of both baby blue and postpartum depression. In the case of the baby, all these signs usually disappear within a week, but if not, then it is a serious condition.
It has been noted in some of the cases that if PPD is not treated, it can lead to other major mental health issues like major depressive disorder. In those cases, chances are likely that you will be affected by them for a long duration, and this can also impact the child’s health. While common signs and symptoms of PPD include changes in behaviour, routine and feelings, in some cases, the occurrence of suicidal thoughts is also noted.
Thus, seeking assistance from a medical expert is recommended if you feel signs of depression or any other unusual feeling that lasts more than a week.
Postpartum Depression Treatment
For the majority of the issues related to mental health, therapy is always recommended to be the first course of action. So, it is with PPD. Common therapies that can be recommended include cognitive behaviour therapy, psychotherapy or even group participation. While sometimes, these therapies can be effective, in case they are not, then electroconvulsive therapy is recommended.
Connect with the right medical expert for Postpartum Depression
PPD is a serious concern that, if not treated, can lead to other major depressive disorders. This, therefore, impacts not only the parents but also the child’s health. While therapy can be effective for postpartum depression if the right measures are taken based on the condition of the mother, it is therefore necessary to find the right medical expert who, based on your conditions, medical conditions, and history throughout pregnancy, can offer you the right treatment. In case you are looking for online consultation, connect with Reflect Within who can offer you the right treatment, and if required, you do have an option for a physical visit.