During pregnancy, since a mother’s body is changing emotionally and physically, it often causes baby blues, but if the anxiety and depression symptoms don’t disappear after few weeks following delivery, then the chances are, you’re affected by Antepartum (during pregnancy) or Postpartum Depression.
Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) which affects about 1 in 7 new mothers. Women aren’t the only ones who suffer. Research shows that 10% of new fathers show signs of paternal postpartum depression.
Symptoms of PPD are as following:
1. Sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
2. Low self-esteem
3. Difficulty sleeping at night (even when the baby is sleeping) or Restlessness
4. Appetite changes: overeating or undereating
5. Feeling overwhelmed; Frequent crying
6. Anger, rage, or irritability
7. Loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities
8. Trouble concentrating; Exhaustion
9. Persistent physical aches and pains, such as headaches, stomach problems, and muscle pain
10. Isolating yourself from family and friends
11. Difficulty bonding with your baby
12. Thoughts about harming yourself or baby
13. Severe mood swings
14. Flashbacks or nightmares
15. Hallucinations; Delusions
16. Disturbing thoughts
17. Disorganized speech or behavior
18. Fear of loneliness with the baby
19. Not being able to relax
20. Crying spells for no reasons
21. Avoiding being public or meeting people or addressing things associated with birth trauma
22. Getting confused
23. Feeling that something can happen to the baby
Causes of PPD are mentioned below:
There are numerous severe risk factors associated with postpartum depression. Dramatic hormonal changes during pregnancy and post birth may contribute to mental health problems. In addition, financial stresses, troubled relationships, and lack of support may play a significant role. Having a family history of mental could also be one reason behind PPD.
Consequences & Treatment:
Postpartum depression can have adverse effects on your child, including developmental delays. It can have negative impacts on your child’s cognitive skills, emotional stability, and may cause anxiety or mental disorders later in their lives.
It genuinely raises questions on a mother’s parenting ability and gives a disadvantage to the parent in bonding with the child and taking care of the infant. It also increases the risk of maternal suicide. One study showed that suicide accounted for 1 of every 19 deaths in women during pregnancy or postpartum.
Untreated, the condition may last months or longer. Treatment can include counseling therapies, relaxation techniques, self-care, nutritional diet, exercises, and other forms.
Receiving the right help during pregnancy will not only be best for you and your entire family, but it will also help you minimize the risk of postpartum depression.
Please don’t be embarrassed, it is common, and sharing your symptoms and cooperation with your doctor will help you with a speedy recovery.