More than half the mothers who give birth to a baby experience temporary symptoms of depression. Also known as postpartum depression. These symptoms are mixed emotions of happiness. They can be irritability and tears, or insomnia, or mood swings. Postpartum Depression (PPD) or Baby Blues is a term that’s often used to describe postpartum depression. It’s related to childbirth and pregnancy. Learn more?
Symptoms common to PPD
After delivery, 80 percent of the women suffer from mild PPD. It subsides automatically after a few weeks. This is a milder form of PPD that is recognized several weeks after birth. It affects between 10 and 16 percent of women. The symptoms of baby blues include anxiety, insomnia and tears. These baby blues can appear as early as a few weeks after birth and will disappear within 10-12 days. Therefore, baby blues is temporary. Nearly 20% of women experience postpartum depression, which can develop from the baby blues. New mothers suffering from depression for more than a few week should see their doctor.
PPD symptoms can persist for up to a full year. Sometimes, these symptoms are so intense that they can even be frightening. It is possible that you will not want to perform your usual chores at work when the PPD is so intense. You could become indifferent. You may become accustomed to a certain way of doing things, such as cooking or working at the office. The good and the bad haunt you. These symptoms can also include the fear of harming your baby. In such a depression, you may be ashamed of your feelings. You might not even have the courage tell your partner. It is unlikely that you would be able to keep your baby if you told others about this feeling. In this situation, all new mothers with intense PPD need to seek professional assistance in order to get over these feelings. They should also take care of themselves and their baby. Women who have a PPD history or who had PPD in the past are more likely to suffer from postpartum depressive disorder.
Other factors
These factors may also increase PPD risk.
Unrealistic feelings of motherhood.If the pregnancy was forced upon or complicated pregnancy.Anxiety or depression during pregnancy.Severe premenstrual syndrome.Indifferences with partner and lack of support.New born with physical deformities.Low self esteem.
Managing Postpartum Depression:
Early onset depression, or ‘babyblues’ as it is sometimes called, is temporary. It is mild and can go away on its own. Mothers should seek help early if they experience a later-onset depression. You, your child and the whole family will benefit from seeking professional help. Treatment consists of counseling in the form Cognitive-behavioral therapies for both the mother and father. These can change how you feel and think, and provide advice to your partner on how to help you. Interpersonal therapy is another treatment that can help you and/or your partner. This focuses on relationship changes and how the new child has affected them. Antidepressant medication is effective in relieving postpartum depressive symptoms for the majority of mothers.