It is quiet common for the new mother to feel sad, worried, tired or fatigued. As many as 80 out of 100 mothers go through such feelings for a week or two after the birth of the baby. It is completely normal and they start to feel better and normal after a few weeks..
Postpartum depression is diagnosed when these symptoms are much severe and lasts longer. It can cause severe mood swings, and a mix of physical, emotional and behavioral changes.
The symptoms usually begins within the first few weeks after giving birth but sometimes may even begin earlier while being pregnant or later up to a year after birth.
Suffering from postpartum depression does not mean that a mother does not love her baby or that she is a bad mother. It is just that she is suffering from a medical condition and needs counselling therapy and treatment.
Symptoms may vary among different woman but a list of common symptoms include:
- Feeling low
-Lack of interest in daily activities
- Body aches and headache
-Lack of appetite
- Anxiety and irritability
- Not able to think or make proper decisions.
- Feeling difficult to bond with the baby.
- No interest in friends and family,
What causes Postpartum Depression: Female body produces a lot of hormones during pregnancy but soon after delivery there is a sudden decrease of these hormones which causes changes in the chemical system of the brain leading to depression.
How To Manage:
Depending on the severity and the type it can be treated with psychotherapy or antidepressant medications.
It is important to seek medical help if symptoms of depression lasts longer than 2 weeks within 1 year of giving birth.
-Get Support from friends and family.
-Be open about your feelings and discuss it with your partner and your family.
- Join support groups.
-Antidepressants may be prescribed to you by your doctor but they usually take 6-8 weeks to show improvement in symptoms.
- Psychotherapy helps with more positive thinking approach.
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