What Is Postpartum Depression?
The term Postpartum Depression is a kind of depression that may be seen within the first three or four months after giving birth to a baby. It may occur immediately after birth or up to a year later, but it is most frequently experienced in the first three to four months after delivery. Postpartum depression can be moderate to severe in most cases.
Is Postpartum Depression A Common Disorder? The Possible Causes
Various factors may contribute to the development of postpartum depression, but the exact cause of it is not known, hormone levels during and after pregnancy may affect a woman’s mood, along with many non-hormonal factors.
It may be triggered by changes in your body during pregnancy and delivery, changes in work and social relationships, less time and freedom for you, a lack of sleep, and too many unnecessary worries.
If you are under 20, currently drink alcohol, take illegal substances or smoke, did not plan the pregnancy, or had mixed feelings about it, you may have suffered from depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety disorders before or during your pregnancy, experienced a stressful event during your pregnancy or delivery, such as a death or illness of a loved one, an emergency delivery, a premature delivery, an illness, or a birth defect, had a close family member has depression or anxiety, had an unstable relationship, or had financial or housing problems then you are vulnerable to develop postpartum depression.
Signs And Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression:
A woman may experience feeling sad, hopeless, empty, or overwhelmed, crying more often than usual or for no reason, worrying or feeling anxious, being moody, irritable and restless, oversleeping, feeling frustrated or unable to sleep, having difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions, experiencing anger, losing interest in activities, etc.
You can also experience headaches, stomach issues, body pain, and muscle pain if you have postpartum depression.
Is Postpartum Depression A Treatable Disorder?
Of course, Postpartum Depression is a curable and treatable disease. So you shouldn’t worry about the treatment section. The treatment and recovery for depression vary based on its severity, and if you have an interactive thyroid or an underlying illness, your doctor may treat them, or refer you to the appropriate specialist or mental health provider for guidance.
Psychotherapy may be helpful to discuss your concerns with a psychiatrist or other mental health providers, allowing you to cope with your feelings and solve problems, set realistic goals, and respond to situations in a great way.
Doctors can also prescribe some antidepressant medications that have fewer side effects on your babies if you are breastfeeding.
ECT is a good option for treating Postpartum Disorder if nothing works. The aim of electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, is to relieve the symptoms of mental health problems by sending electric currents through your brain and causing a brief surge of electrical activity.
