Postpartum depression, often identified as post-pregnancy depression, is a type of depression that happens after a woman has delivered birth. Following pregnancy, many women experience the baby blues. You may confront mood fluctuations, feel sad, anxious, or overwhelmed, crying spells, lose your appetite, and if you have the baby blues. The baby blues usually pass within a few days or a week. The symptoms are minor and do not necessitate therapy.
You may also lose interest in the baby if you feel hopeless and useless. You might consider harming yourself or the baby. New mothers infrequently develop something even more serious.
What Are Postpartum Depression’s Signs and Symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of postpartum depression differ from one woman to the next. However, there are certain typical warning signs:
- feeling despondent, gloomy, or overburdened
- anxious, frightened, or panicked
- unnecessarily blaming yourself
- a lot of tears
- feeling pessimistic
- anger
- Too much or too little sleep
- Too much or too little food
- unable to concentrate
- unwillingness to spend time with friends and relatives
- a lack of attachment to the child
- a lack of desire to accomplish things that are usually pleasurable
What Causes
Postpartum depression is brought on by a mix of factors, including:
Hormonal changes that occur after a baby is delivered, such as sleep loss and increased stress, are common side effects of caring for a newborn baby.
Who Is Suffering From Postpartum Depression?
Any woman can suffer postpartum depression, although some are at a higher risk than others. Postpartum depression is more frequent in women who have previously experienced depression (including postpartum depression) or who have a family history of depression.
Other factors that may contribute to postpartum depression cover severe stress during pregnancy, medical problems during or after delivery, and a lack of support at home.
Treatment
Postpartum depression is treated in a variety of ways. It could include the following:
- counseling
- enhancing self-care (getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and taking time to relax)
- Joining a support group or conversing (by phone or online) with people who are experiencing postpartum depression and taking medication can help. Medicines that are safe to take while breastfeeding are available.
