Postpartum Depression- Why You too Should Know About it?

After the first few weeks or months post-delivery, the mother undergoes various emotional up-downs. Along with many wonderful feelings such as joy, ecstasy, and happiness, a mother may feel sad and gloomy. ‘Baby blues’ defines crying and sadness bouts following childbirth. These baby blues are common and typically attributed to the hormonal changes after childbirth. However, sometimes the situation for some women can be worse, leading to postpartum depression. While baby blues stay for a short period, postpartum depression (PPD) can last for several months.

Core Symptoms of PPD

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that about 20 percent of mothers feel one or more symptom of PPD.

Some of the common symptoms include:

• Feeling distant from family and friends
• Feeling low and depressed most of the time
• Felling fatigue
• Low or no urge for sex
• Feelings of anxiety, stress, racing thoughts and panic attacks

Along with this, postpartum psychosis is another mental condition that develops after childbirth. Although it is rare, when aroused, it causes hallucinations, paranoia, and ill thoughts of harming oneself to a mother.

Key Factors Related to Postpartum Depression     

Several factors correlate with PPD. However, a woman with a depression history and other mental problems is prone to it.

Here are some factors related to it:

• Hormonal imbalance
• Change in social circle or lack of a strong social network
• A family history of mental issues
• Emotional degradation due to job change, health, addition of new responsibilities or any other emotional trauma

While a few women are predisposed to experience PPD, mothers, even with a healthy baby and body, can attain it.

Best Ways to Treat Postpartum Depression

At first, the moment you experience postpartum depression, see a mental health doctor. You may need to see a counselor on a regular basis or start a medical treatment to treat the depression. Often, doctors recommend both ways.

Often seen, PPD goes away after a certain period with the help of talk therapy and medication. In some cases, taking the help of psychologists also works great. They can reduce your negative thought process, indulging peace in your mind.

What else is helpful? 

Lifestyle change works as a boon for postpartum depression. There are several things that you can do to reduce the level of PPD.

Try out these lifestyle changes for reducing postpartum depression:

• Get adequate sleep
• Regular Exercise
• Surround yourself with a bunch of supportive family members and friends
• Eat regular and healthy meals
• Take time for yourself

Along with all the above-mentioned self-help tips, join a class for new mothers. Several hospitals and nursing homes offer a support group to new mothers. Such groups are staffed by health experts who understand your situation and help you through. The adjustments required in motherhood are difficult and stressful. Slowly, you learn to navigate the new role of a mother where you balance both the baby and yourself. The whole scenario will be demanding, exhausting, and overwhelming. So enjoy the new journey of a mother and stay happy and cheerful.

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