Postpartum depression and its effects

What is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression also known as postnatal depression is a feeling of sadness and hopelessness that occurs in mothers after birth of a baby. This is due to hormonal, emotional & physical changes, and life adjustments that are needed to be done after becoming a mother. Often, this state of mind can lead to behavioural changes and interfere with mother-child bonding.

This depression usually begins within 4 weeks after delivery as your body's hormonal levels change, but medical practitioners also take into consideration the severity of the depression while making a clinical diagnosis.

What are the causes of postpartum depression?

Depression after pregnancy has several causes that differ from person to person. Following are some factors that may increase the risk of postpartum depression:

1. Anxiety regarding the pregnancy

2. A family history of depression

3. External stressors such as your job, finances, or health problems

4. If the child born has medical issues or a special situation

While causes for postpartum depression have yet to be definitively identified, here are a few physical and emotional factors that contribute to it:

• Hormones -

The levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which have increased ten times during your pregnancy, rapidly drop following childbirth.

Levels of thyroid hormone may also drop after giving birth and low levels of this hormone can cause symptoms of depression.

• Poor sleep -

The constant stress of baby care can affect your sleep cycle and cause inadequate or disturbed sleep, which can lead to exhaustion and depression. Some people experience insomnia and cannot get sleep despite being exhausted, which can worsen your condition.

• Stress -

Taking care of a newborn can cause anxiety and stress, leaving you overwhelmed. Combined with lack of sleep and hormonal changes, this stress can make you feel hopeless and inadequate, causing depression.

• Identity disruption -

Adjusting to a new identity & new challenges as a mother can be psychologically disorienting, making you feel unanchored. Physical changes may make you feel less appealing, or you may feel a loss of control over your life, worsening your depression.

What are the symptoms of postpartum depression

The symptoms below are indicative, so it is best to seek help from a medical professional to diagnose and treat postpartum depression.

• Feeling of sadness and hopelessness

• Severe fatigue and lethargy

• Sleep disruption

• Frequent mood changes or irritability

• Changes in appetite

• Feeling of resentment

• Lower libido

How to cope with and treat postpartum depression

While it is normal to feel some amount of postpartum depression, research shows that 1 in 10 women develop long term and severe depression, which needs to be treated with medical or psychological help.

A. Hormonal treatment:

To deal with hormonal changes, your medical practitioner may advise hormone therapy.

B. CBT:

Studies show that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, when used with medication, can treat postpartum depression more effectively than using medication or other treatments by themselves.

In CBT, the patient is taught to

1. Tweak their thought processes

2. Utilize problem-solving skills to handle challenging situations

3.Increase conviction in their own capabilities.

C. Home solutions:

While you are seeking medical treatment, you can also make changes to your life to feel more in control such as

• Adopting a nutritious diet

• Getting enough sleep

• Exercising regularly

• Yoga or meditation

• Taking time out of your day only for yourself

Sometimes even minor activities like taking outdoor walks can improve your mood drastically.

D. Seeking Support:

Talk to your loved ones when needed and get assistance if required. There are many counselling services available to help women cope and deal with this depression.

How to guard against postpartum depression

Depression after pregnancy is very common. If you have a family history of depression, convey this to your doctor or health professional. Here are a few things to keep in mind during your pregnancy and after childbirth.

• During pregnancy - Join communities, seek therapy, and take prescribed medication and supplements while mentally preparing yourself for a new baby. Seek as much information as you can so you are not caught unawares.

• After delivery of your baby - Talk about your feelings to your loved ones, take all medications and supplements prescribed by your physician as deficiencies of essential nutrients can worsen depression. If you feel you are showing signs of depression, seek a doctor's help without any delay.

Conclusion

Most new mothers’experiences postpartum “baby blues” after childbirth so watch out for signs and if these symptoms persist then seek medical attention and treatment at the earliest. With proper medication, medical consultation, therapies, and support, postpartum depression can be handled and treated successfully.

Source: WebMd, Healthline

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on August 01, 2022