WHAT IS POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION & HOW TO DEAL WITH IT
Postpartum depression is a form of clinical depression that a woman or a man can develop after having a child. Postpartum depression is also known as post childbirth depression or postnatal depression. The condition is diagnosable and treatable. While women are more prone to postpartum depression, men can also suffer from it.
Since the mother is more involved physically with pregnancy and the birth of a child, post childbirth depression is very common among women. Statistically, it has been noted that anywhere from 5% to 25% of all mothers suffer from postpartum depression but that can be much higher. Not all cases of postpartum depression are reported and thus diagnosed hence the most accurate statistic is unobtainable.
Postpartum depression can develop right after childbirth or a few months after childbirth. Experts say that the first signs or symptoms of post childbirth depression can become obvious as early as the fourth week after childbirth.
While developing symptoms within the first fortnight is rare, it is still possible. Post childbirth depression is not solely associated with becoming a mother. It can also happen to a woman who has just had an abortion or a miscarriage.
CAUSES OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
The exact causes of postpartum depression are not known. There are some studies that infer many causes but there is no consensus opinion in the medical fraternity. Some studies have shown that postpartum depression is caused by a deficiency of vitamins. Other studies have shown that the hormonal changes and thus the physical changes in the woman’s body leads to post childbirth depression.
Women with a history of depression or having been addicted to alcohol and smoking have also been studied to understand the correlation of such factors. Although it has been noted that such addictions do play a contributive role to post childbirth depression, they may not be necessarily the precise cause of it.
There are many triggers of post childbirth depression. They are birth-related psychological trauma, formula feeding instead of breast-feeding, low self esteem, childcare stress, prenatal depression or depression during pregnancy, prenatal anxiety, low or lack of social support, general stress of any kind, unhappy or troublesome marital relationship, infant temperament problems, maternity blues, single marital status, low or de-motivating socioeconomic status and unplanned or unwanted pregnancy.
As you would notice that the causes or triggers of postpartum depression are as varied as they can get. From economics to emotional factors, physical to societal, dozens of aspects can contribute to the development of post childbirth depression.
Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression
The symptoms of postpartum depression include but are certainly not limited to – sadness, hopelessness, poor self esteem, less or no attention from partner, a loveless feeling, guilt, overwhelm, sleep disorders, eating disorders, mood swings, inability to be consoled or comforted, physical exhaustion, mental and emotion fatigue, a sense of void, seclusion or social withdrawal, frustration, inability to care for the newborn or for the family, speech impairment, inability to write properly, anger spells, panic attacks or frequent spells of anxiety and a reduced or absence of sex drive.
How To Deal With Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is not a chronic condition. It doesn’t last a lifetime and is not fatal. While the condition is not fatal or catastrophic, the symptoms can lead to major troubles. Although rare, still there are women who become suicidal suffering from the symptoms of post childbirth depression and often marriages or families get to the brink of getting separated. Usually, postpartum depression lasts for several months up to a year but the symptoms may last longer if left untreated or unattended.
Dealing with postpartum depression may not appear to be easy but there are many ways to address it. Medical intervention is always desirable as that would not only help with accurate diagnosis but also, being under medical supervision would do away with any kind of side effects of a random step. There are medications to manage the symptoms. Hormone therapy can help one to deal with post childbirth depression.
There have to be some lifestyle changes. The mother needs to indulge in exercises and good diets. Nutritional deficiencies or a poor physical health would worsen the situation. Living an active social life, being in a happy and loving environment at home and at work and getting adequate support from family members, friends and relatives are important steps to manage postpartum depression.
Many women struggling with post childbirth depression join self help groups or communities where people with firsthand experience of postpartum depression can help one to get out of it. Marriage counseling, relationship counseling or a general psychological counseling may also help.
Trying out multiple ways to deal with postpartum depression is perfectly acceptable. Not doing anything about post childbirth depression is the worst way to go about it.