Postpartum Depression{PPD} is a mood disorder that affects few women after childbirth. Mothers with PPD can experience feelings of extreme sadness and anxiety. Which can make them difficult to complete daily activities and could have significant consequences for both the mother and the family. 1 in 7 women that give birth experience can be affected by postpartum depression. Women who have experienced postpartum depression have a 50 % chance of experiencing it again in another pregnancy.
Postpartum depression can affect women of all ages. It may affect them and also the partner. Postpartum depression is always common and no need to worry about it.
Postpartum Depression symptoms cannot be the same from person to person. it may vary as per the physical and mental condition of the women. Post delivery the PPD can occur at any time until the 3rd week.
Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression:
Severe Mood Swings
Intense irritability and anger
Feelings of shame, guilt, or inadequacy
Withdrawal from family and friends
Difficulty bonding with the baby
Overwhelming fatigue
Insomnia
Loss of appetite
Loss of interest in sex
Fear of social contact
Feelings of self-harm
Loss of confidence and Self-esteem
Chronic exhaustion or hyperactivity
Causes For Postpartum Depression:
Until now there is no proper single cause for postpartum depression. But likely results from a combination of emotional and physical factors may lead to postpartum depression. postpartum depression does not occur because of something a mother does or does not do. Immediate after childbirth the women’s body changes A lot. The pregnancy hormones progesterone and estrogen are high during pregnancy. due to hormonal imbalances, postpartum depression may occur. The change in hormones may produce chemical changes in the brain. Exhaustion after labor and delivery might be also a cause of postpartum Depression. Less sleep and caring for a newborn require 24-hour attention.
Duration Of Postpartum Depression:
PPD duration lasts for two weeks. If the depression is more than two weeks then immediately consult a psychiatrist for counseling. This is not at all fault of women. it is very common in all women who undergo labor and delivery. Support from the partner and family members can help the women recover soon from Postpartum Depression.
What Is Postpartum Psychosis:
Postpartum psychosis is a very serious condition that requires immediate attention. postpartum psychosis is also one of the rarest usually described as a period when a woman loses touch with reality the disorder occurs in women who have recently given birth.
Symptoms Of Psychosis:
The Classic Symptoms Of Psychosis are:
Hallucinations: Hearing Listening or seeing feeling things that don’t exist.
Delusions: False beliefs, especially based on fear or suspicion of things that are not real.
Disorganization: In thought, speech or behavior.
Disordered Thinking: Jumping between unrelated topics, Making a strange connection between thoughts.
Catatonia: Unresponsiveness
Difficulty concentrating.
Duration of Postpartum Psychosis & Recovery:
The Postpartum Psychosis duration is from two weeks to 10 weeks. Few women may take the time up to six months to recover. even after recovering from postpartum psychosis, some women may have thoughts of breathlessness, anxiety, and depression.
Treatment For Postpartum Psychosis:
As Per the current research and studies, postpartum psychosis is treated. If not treated in earlier stages it can be dangerous. Treatment can be included regular medication, partner therapy, and support from family.
