Signs and symptoms of postpartum depression
After having a baby some women suffers from a type of mood disorder which is called postnatal depression or post partum depression. It can occur at any time; after a few weeks of delivery to one year after delivery. About 1 in every 10 women suffers from this depression. Even the father can be suffered from this problem. At this time the sufferer needs the support and proper understanding of family and friends.
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ToggleCauses of postpartum depression
Any mother could develop the depression but it usually develops after childbirth. No specific cause can be said.
But some say that change in the body hormones may cause this depression. During pregnancy mothers body is full of hormones like estrogen and progesterone. When the delivery occurs the high level of hormones suddenly drops. This sudden drop of the hormones may change mother’s mood.
Another cause may be the stressful events that occur after childbirth such as feeling of isolation, tension and responsibility of the new baby, thinking of incapable to take care of the baby.
Post partum depression is caused by the combination of some factors like hormonal, environmental, emotional, and genetic factors. But there are some risk factors for the PPD; such as,
- Age less than 20 years
- History of PPD or any major mood disorder
- Family history of depression
- Recent stressful events in life
Postpartum Depression symptoms
When the sign and symptoms persist for at least two weeks, it can be said that the person is suffering from postpartum depression. Symptoms usually present on most of the days for most of the time in a day. The signs and symptoms of postpartum depression are-
Emotional
- Persistent sadness,
- Feeling of hopeless, anxious or emptiness
- Frequent swing of mood
- Suddenly frustrated, irritable
- Feeling of guilty, worthless
- Low self-esteem
- Exhaustion
- Finding trouble to bond with the baby
Behavioral
- Lack of interest or pleasure in day to day activities
- Feeling of low or no energy
- Lack of sexual desire
- Changes in food habit
- Easily fatigue
- Lack of motivation
- Poor self-care
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Less or excessive sleep
Cognition
- Decreased ability to make own decisions
- Lack of concentration in a work
- Feeling of fear that she cannot take care of the baby
- Thinking about harming self, baby, or partner
Bottom Line
If you experienced any of these signs & symptoms of postpartum depression, you need a proper treatment. So without any further delay take an appointment of a doctor, immediately……
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