Postpartum Depression

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

Postpartum depression. The experience of having a baby changes your life. Although it can be overwhelming and exhausting, being a parent is an exhilarating experience. Feelings of anxiety or uncertainty are common, particularly if this is your first time. However, you might develop postpartum depression if you have strong mood fluctuations, frequent sobbing fits, and intense feelings of grief or loneliness.

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

One kind of depression that develops after giving birth is called postpartum depression (PPD). The birth mother is not the only person affected by postpartum depression. Adoptive parents and surrogates may also be impacted. After giving birth, hormonal, physical, emotional, economical, and social changes are frequent. It symptoms may result from these changes.

Signs

You may feel bad about your symptoms or think you’re a bad mother for experiencing them. The prevalence of it is very high. This feeling is not unique to you, and it does not imply that you are a bad person.
If you suffer from any of the following symptoms, you might have postpartum depression:
Sadness, worthlessness, hopelessness, or remorse
Feeling tense or worrying excessively
Loss of enthusiasm for past interests or pastimes
alterations in appetite or abstinence from food
Decrease in motivation and vitality
Having trouble falling asleep or wanting to sleep constantly
Crying excessively or without cause
Having trouble concentrating or thinking

Causes

The relationship between the sharp decline in hormones during childbirth and depression requires further investigation. During pregnancy, the levels of progesterone and estrogen increase tenfold, but they drastically decrease after birth. Three days after giving birth, these hormone levels return to their pre-pregnancy levels.
Postpartum depression is more likely to occur as a result of these biological changes as well as the social and psychological adjustments brought on by childbirth. Some of these changes include physical changes, sleep deprivation, parenting concerns, or relational problems.

Treatment

Treatment for postpartum depression varies based on the kind and intensity of symptoms. Psychotherapy (talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy), antidepressant or anxiety medications, and support group involvement are available forms of treatment.
Depression, anxiety, and psychosis medications may be used to treat postpartum psychosis. Additionally, you might spend a few days in a treatment facility until you stabilize. If this treatment doesn’t work for you, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may work.
Do not assume that you cannot take medication for psychosis, sadness, or anxiety if you are nursing. Learn about your options from your healthcare provider.

Prevention

Limit guests when you initially get home and have reasonable expectations for both you and your child.
Seek assistance and let people know how they may support you.
Rest or sleep when your infant is asleep.
Take a walk, work out, and take a vacation from the house.
Stay in contact with your loved ones. Avoid isolating yourself.
Make time for each other and cultivate your relationship with your partner. You should anticipate both happy and bad days.

Summary

It symptoms include mood fluctuations, excessive sobbing, a loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities, and a sense of sadness or worthlessness. Consult your doctor if you believe you may develop postpartum depression. They are able to determine the best way to treat your issues. It can be beneficial to get counseling, take medicine, or join a support group.