Postpartum  Depression

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a kind of depression affecting some women after they give birth. It causes a new mother to feel sad, anxious, and weak and become irritable. PPD can also affect new fathers, but the cases are fewer at around 10 percent.

Postpartum depression can have the same signs as baby blues, but they last longer and are more intense. Baby blues will affect many new parents but for a few days. Inability to resume daily routine due to undermining by low mood is a sign of long-term depression and postpartum depression.

They eventually interfered with the ability to take care of the baby and perform other daily tasks. Symptoms of postpartum develop in the first weeks after birth (4-6), but the can also appear later. Some women experience them as late as six months after birth. The highest number of cases occurs between three to six months after birth.

Causes of Postpartum Depression

PPD does not occur because of one cause but is a response to some physical and emotional issues.

Emotional issues: Deprivation of sleep and overwhelming nature of caring of a newborn can cause parents to have trouble with handling even the minor problems. They can be anxious about their ability to take care of a baby to increase emotional turmoil. Some may feel unattractive; feel as if they have lost control of their life or struggle with a sense of identity. Any of such issues that interfere with emotions can lead to postpartum depression.

Physical changes: childbirth causes a drastic drop in estrogen and progesterone hormones in the body which can contribute to the onset of PPD. Hormones from the thyroid gland might also drop which can leave the victim feeling tired, depressed and sluggish.

Effects of Post Partum Depression

Misconception

The main effect is that the new parent will not have an interest in taking care of the newborn. It is not that they hate the new arrival but the psychological disorder makes it seem like a new mother or father is refusing to take care of the baby. The problem is that the people around the depressed mom or dad might not know the reason for the unexpected behavior. The inability to identify PPD increases because people with PPD do not communicate their feelings.

Suicidal thoughts

In some cases, people suffering from postpartum depression can develop ideas to harm the baby. Others start thinking about inflicting self-harm or committing suicide. It can be distressing and frightening to know that someone has these thoughts, but in most instances, it does not reach the extent of harming the parent of an infant.

Postpartum Depression Treatment and Medication

The good thing is that this psychological disorder is something that can heal with help from counselors, support group and medication in some instances. A doctor's intervention is necessary for anyone with symptoms of PPD. Partners and friends should encourage their loved ones to seek medical help quickly when the depression is still at an early stage after noticing the signs. Partners, family, and friends who can pick up on the signs of postpartum depression at an early stage should encourage them to get medical help as soon as possible.

Psychological therapies

These types of behavioral treatment help in treating moderate PPD

Cognitive therapy: teaching an individual how to manage a relationship between a state of mind and thoughts to change though pastern from negative to positive.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): passing of low electrical currents through the brain to trigger a small seizure that alters brain chemistry to reverse symptoms of mental illness therapy for treating postpartum depression that does not respond to other treatments. The patient is under general anesthesia.