Being a mother is the most joyful experience in the world, but the joy of welcoming a new child can be overshadowed by sadness and mood swings. Your world will completely change after becoming a parent, and it will never be the same.
You may have postpartum depression if you experience intense sadness or loneliness, mood swings, and a lot of crying. PPD is a complex mix of behavioral, emotional, and physical changes that some women experience after giving birth. Women can be particularly vulnerable during pregnancy and the time following delivery. Many women might endure their suffering in silence, passing their difficulties off as typical aspects of pregnancy and childbirth, and failing to seek help.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Some people consider symptoms of PPD as baby blues but it is not actually the case. The baby blues symptoms are characterized by frequent, protracted episodes of crying for no apparent reason, sadness, and anxiety. One to four days after delivery is when the condition typically manifests itself in the first week. Despite the unpleasantness of the situation, it usually goes away on its own in two weeks.
Some new mothers start feeling tired after giving birth as well as become moody. Accordingly, the ability to look after daily routines also gets disturbed. PPD symptoms also develop during the first weeks after giving birth. In some cases, these symptoms have been found occurring during pregnancy or later and lasts up to 9-12 months after giving birth. You may also experience:
- Frequent weeping
- Unexplained feelings
- Continuous sadness
- Exhaustion
- Sleep problems
- Disturbed eating habits
- Different types of muscle & joint pains
- Fluctuating mood cycle
- Feeling of disconnection with baby
- Inability to enjoy during celebrations
- Difficulty in decision-making
- Reduced interest towards favorite activities
- Irritability & anxiety
- Loss of control on feelings & expressions
- Concentration issues
- Memory issues
- Hopelessness
Also Read: Postpartum Psychosis: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment
Diagnosis of Postpartum Depression
A certified mental care specialist will carry out a screening process to diagnose the problem. During the process, specialists will ask a few questions to evaluate whether you get thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby. Doctors may also prescribe undergoing some specific tests to diagnose for other issues including thyroid, diabetes or anything else.
Causes of Postpartum Depression
It is very difficult to identify one specific cause for occurrence of postpartum depression but genetics, physical changes and emotional issues may play a significant role.
1. Genetics: Family history of postpartum depression makes you prone to suffer with similar issues.
2. Physical changes: Females usually experience a dramatic drop in the hormones (including estrogen and progesterone) after birth. It may contribute to PPD.
3. Emotional issues: You essentially witness certain changes in daily routine while taking vital care for newborn. Consequently, you experience sleep issues and become short tempered. Your ability to deal with even smaller issues affects a lot.
Treatment of Postpartum Depression
Treatment for PPD includes a combination of medication & therapy. Your mental care specialist might prescribe antidepressant medicines too. Other useful healing techniques are also available which you can try to successfully get rid of postpartum depression.
Try some effective healing techniques to help yourself or consult a specialist for certified assistance. Anyone who thinks they have symptoms of postpartum depression can download the Solh Wellness App now and comply with professional health care experts.