BLOG POST 16: The POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

The birth of a child can give rise to different emotions, ranging from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. The results can sometimes be completely beyond expectation. It can be a bit hard to believe, but women may become a victim of DEPRESSION post delivery due to mood swings and hormonal changes during pregnancy. The Psychological term for this condition is called POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION. Today's blog is an attempt to present information and spread awareness about this mental condition.

 

Mostly after delivery the new mothers experience "BABY BLUES POSTPARTUM",which usually includes mood swings, crying without reason, anxiety and difficulty in sleeping. BABY BLUES typically begin within the first two to three days after delivery, and may last up to two weeks.But in some new mothers, the same BABY BLUES can also take a more severe, long-lasting form. This long-lasting mental state is called POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION. Rarely, after child birth, women may also suffer from an extreme mental ailment called POSTPARTUM PSYCHOSIS.

 

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION is not a character flaw or weakness. Sometimes it can be just a complication that occurs while giving birth to a child. If women feel POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION, early treatment can help to manage the symptoms. The mental fitness help the new mothers to develop a bond of love with their child.

 

The signs and symptoms of depression after childbirth vary, and can range from mild to severe.

 
Some symptoms of BABY BLUES:
• Mood swings.
• Unnecessary anxiety.
• Apathy.
• Irritability.
• Nervous Feeling.
• Unnecessary crying.
• Loss of concentration.
• Hunger problem.
• Insomnia.

 

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION and BABY BLUES are often misunderstood. As such, the signs and symptoms of POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION remain more acute and longer. Also it may eventually affect women's ability to take care of the child and perform other daily tasks. Symptoms usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth, but can begin during pregnancy - or later or may stay up to a year after the baby is born.

 

Some signs and symptoms of POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION:
• Depressed mentality or severe mood swings.
• Acute irritability and anger.
• Excessive crying.
• Difficulty maintaining motherly bond and relationship with the child.
• Getting distant from friends & family members.
• Loss of appetite or overeating.
• Inability to sleep or sleeping too much.
• Fatigue or lack of energy.
• Decreased interest and enjoyment in activities which they earlier used to enjoy.
• Worry and fear of not being a good mother.
• Thoughts of harming themself or their child.
• A sense of shame or guilt.
• A lack of ability to think clearly, focus, or make decisions.
• Restlessness.
• Severe anxiety and panic attacks.
• Thoughts of death or suicide arise in the mind.

 

Untreated, POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION may last for several months or longer.

 

POSTPARTUM PSYCHOSIS: A rare condition that typically develops within the first week after delivery. Its signs and symptoms can be severe. This condition can give rise to violent thoughts or behaviours and requires immediate treatment.

 

Some signs & symptoms worth noticing:
• Confusion and disorientation.
• Passionate thoughts about your child.
• Hallucinations and delusions.
• Sleep Deprivation.
• Extreme energy and movement.
• Madness.
• Attempts to harm themselves or their child.

 

According to research, the newly formed fathers are also diagnosed as a victim of POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION. Like women, men may also feel depressed or tired, feel nervous, experience anxiety, or have changes in their normal eating and sleeping patterns.
Fathers who are young, have a history of depression, experience relationship problems or are struggling financially are among the most at risk of POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION.The POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION developing in the fathers is also termed as PATERNAL POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION. POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION can have as much negative effect on partner's relationships and child development as in mothers. As such, treatment and support of POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION provided to mothers can also be beneficial in the treatment of POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION in fathers.

 

Some reasons for POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION:
 
There is no specific reason as such for POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION, but physical and emotional issues can be the cause to some extent.
 

Physical changes: After childbirth, a dramatic drop in hormones (Astrogen and Projesteron) in the body of women can cause POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION. Other hormones produced by women's Thyroid Gland can also fall rapidly, which can make them feel tired, lethargic and depressed.

 

Emotional issues: When women are sleep deprived, they may also have trouble dealing with minor problems. They may be concerned about their ability to care for a new born. They may feel less attractive, struggle with their sense of identity or lose control of their lives. Any of these issues can contribute to POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION.

 

Some of the risks associated with women getting affected by POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION:
 
• Women having a history of depression, either at some other time in the past or during   pregnancy.
• If they are a patient of bipolar disorder.
• If they have experienced POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION after the last pregnancy.
• If a close family member of women has depression or other mood-related disorders.
• If women have experienced stressful events during the past year, such as pregnancy   complications, illness, or job loss.
• Women have difficulty during breastfeeding.
• Having problems with relationships with their spouse.
• Mental or economic weak base system.
• Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy.

 

Some complications related to POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION:
 
Untreated POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION can disrupt the mother-child bond and cause family problems.
 
For Mothers: Untreated POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION may last for months or more, even leading to a series of major depression risks for a woman's future.
 
For the Father: POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION can have a ripple effect, causing emotional stress for everyone. When a woman feels depressed due to delivery after becoming a new mother, the risk of depression in the child's father may also increase.
 
For children: Children of mothers with POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION are likely to have emotional and behavioural problems, such as difficulty sleeping and eating, excessive crying, and delayed language development.

 

Some measures to prevent POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION:

 

If patients have a history of depression - especially if there is a history of POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION - they are required to inform their doctor about their plans about pregnancy or for immediate caution after noticing pregnancy.

 

• During pregnancy: Doctor may monitor the signs and symptoms of depression. During pregnancy, the doctor can complete the process of depression screening questionnaire with the patient. Sometimes mild depression can be managed with support groups, counselling or other treatments. In other cases, antidepressant or psycho therapy may also be suggested during pregnancy.

 

• After childbirth: Doctors may recommend postpartum check-up on screen to check for signs and symptoms of POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION for caution. Treatment can also begin as soon as it is diagnosed. If the patient has a history of POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION, doctors may recommend antidepressant therapy or psycho therapy immediately after delivery.

 

When it may become necessary to consult a Psychiatrist:

If newly formed fathers are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety in the first year after the birth of their child or after the birth of their child, if they experience any symptoms of BABY BLUES, Apathy or POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION. They may also be reluctant or embarrassed to accept it. But it is very important to talk to your health care professional as soon as possible without spending too much time.

 

If new-born parents experience suicidal thoughts due to intense anxiety or mental stress due to BABY BLUES or POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION or have thoughts of harming their child, then immediately they need to take care of their child, their partner or loved ones. The need to seek help and call local emergency support number to get help.
 

Helping a friend or loved one:
Patients suffering from any kind of depression do not realize or accept that they are depressed. They may not be aware of the symptoms of depression. If we suspect that a friend or loved one has POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION or is developing POSTPARTUM PSYCHOSIS, we need help them seek medical attention immediately without any delay for their betterment.

For blog related suggestions and comments, please select one of the three options:
 

01) Email at koonalblogs@gmail.com

 

02) In the comment box located on the blog, comment as option, just enter your name in the Name / URL.

 

03) In the comment box on the blog, comment as option, select the Anonymous option.

 

Keep reading and sharing the forthcoming blogs to gain information and awareness about different mental ailments. Till then stay safe and healthy, MENTALLY & PHYSICALLY.

- (KD Blogs)

✍© Kunal Deshpande.