According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 9 women experience postpartum depression (PPD) after giving birth. Mild to severe symptoms are possible that can include feeling overwhelmed, anxious, isolated, sad, or guilty; having trouble sleeping or eating; and struggling with feelings of worthlessness or inadequacy. PPD can also interfere with a mother’s ability to care for her child.
Despite its prevalence, PPD is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. This is partly because many people don’t know that PPD is a real condition and that it can be treated effectively with therapy and/or medication. It’s also common for new mothers to feel ashamed or embarrassed about their feelings, which can keep them from seeking help.
What are the causes that could trigger postpartum depression?
There are many potential causes of postpartum depression. Due to their personal histories or existing medical issues, some women may be more susceptible to getting it. Pregnancy and childbirth can also be triggers for postpartum depression. Here are some of the most common causes:
1) Hormonal changes: After giving birth, a woman’s hormones go through a lot of changes. This can be a major trigger for postpartum depression. After giving birth, a woman may experience mood swings and a general change in her emotional state due to the abrupt drop in hormone levels.
2) Sleep deprivation: New mothers often don’t get enough sleep, which can add to the stress and fatigue that comes with taking care of a new baby.
3) Adjustment to motherhood: It can take time to adjust to being a new mother. For some women, this adjustment period is difficult and leads to postpartum depression.
Types of postpartum depression
There are three types of postpartum depression: major, minor and situational. Each type has a different set of causes.
- Major postpartum depression is the most severe form. It can be caused by a combination of factors, including hormonal changes, sleep deprivation and stress.
- Minor postpartum depression is less severe than major depression, but can still cause significant problems in the mother’s life. Common causes include feeling overwhelmed by the new baby, lack of support from friends or family and financial stress.
- Situational postpartum depression is brought on by a particular circumstance or event, such as the loss of a loved one or the dissolution of a romantic engagement.
Symptoms of postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is a form of clinical depression that can affect women after they give birth. Symptoms can include feeling sad or anxious, mood swings, problems in sleeping or eating, and fatigue.
Feeling sad or anxious: It’s normal to feel a range of emotions after giving birth, but if you’re feeling overwhelmed and like these feelings are lasting longer than a few weeks, you may have postpartum depression.
Mood swings: You may also have mood swings and feel like you can’t cope. Some women have thoughts of harming themselves or their babies.
Problems in sleeping: Some women with postpartum depression have trouble staying asleep, even when they want to. Others find that they wake up early in the morning and can’t get back to sleep. Nightmares and restless legs syndrome are also common in women with postpartum depression.
Problem in eating: Many women with postpartum depression lose their appetite and don’t feel hungry at all. Others overeat and can’t stop eating. Some women have cravings for specific foods, such as ice cream or chocolate. These eating problems can lead to weight gain or weight loss.
Fatigue: One of the earliest and most prevalent symptoms of postpartum depression is frequently fatigue. Women who are experiencing fatigue due to postpartum depression may find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning, may feel tired all the time, and may have trouble completing everyday tasks.
Treatment for postpartum depression: counseling, medication, support groups
Postpartum depression can be treated in a variety of ways, including counselling, medication, and support groups.
Counseling: Counseling is a treatment option for postpartum depression that may be recommended by a healthcare professional. Counseling can provide support and guidance to help women manage their symptoms. In some cases, counseling may also be helpful in addressing any underlying issues that may have contributed to the development of postpartum depression.
Medication: One popular option is medication. For some women, medication can be incredibly helpful in managing their symptoms and helping them to get back to their normal selves. However, for others, medication may not be the best solution. It is important for women to discuss all of their treatment options with their doctor so that they can make the best decision for themselves and their families.
Support groups:
New mothers can connect with other women who are going through or have gone through the same thing through support groups. They can provide a safe place for women to share their experiences and feelings, as well as offer advice and support. There are many different types of support groups available, both online and in-person. Some groups are specific to postpartum depression, while others are more general. It’s important to find a group that feels comfortable for you and that you feel like you can open up about your experiences.
Know the risk factors of postpartum depression
Some of these risk factors include having a history of depression or anxiety, experiencing stressful life events during or after pregnancy, having low self-esteem, and feeling isolated from friends and family.
Other factors that may increase the risk of postpartum depression include lack of social support, smoking, drinking alcohol, and using drugs. It’s important for women to be aware of these risk factors so that they can seek help if they start to experience symptoms of postpartum depression.
Additional risk factors include feeling isolated or unsupported after giving birth, breastfeeding difficulties, and feeling overwhelmed by the demands of being a new parent. Postpartum depression can cause significant emotional and physical distress for women and their families, and it is important to seek help if you are experiencing symptoms.
Untreated postpartum depression poses a threat to the health of both the mother and the child of a new mother. When a new mother faces any of the following challenges, she should look for expert assistance:
- They have symptoms for after 2 weeks.
- They are unable to do typical functions.
- They are unable to deal with the challenges of daily life.
- They spend most of the day feeling highly worried, terrified, and panicked.
- They have ideas of hurting themselves or their baby.
Prevention of postpartum depression
One of the most important things a woman can do to prevent PPD is to get regular exercise and eat a healthy diet. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables provides necessary nutrients that help keep the body healthy and balanced.
Another key preventive measure is getting enough sleep. It is recommended that new mothers get at least eight hours of sleep per night. A lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, irritability, and anxiety – all of which are risk factors for PPD.
Final words
Postpartum depression is a very real and serious illness that should not be taken lightly. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, please seek help from a healthcare professional. There is no shame in admitting that you need help, and there is no shame in being a mother who suffers from postpartum depression. However, it is important to remember that help is available and with the right treatment, postpartum depression can be overcome. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, please seek help.