Postpartum depression - Symptoms and Causes

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Giving birth to a baby trigger a lot of emotions such as excitement, joy, fear and anxiety. But at times, there is something you may not expect to happen in this period; depression. 

Postpartum depression or PPD is a severe long-lasting form of depression, experienced by many new moms today. At this stage, some of them experience a change in physical, emotional and behavioral pattern, that begins within 4 weeks after delivery. PPD is diagnosed based on both the length of time between delivery and onset and severity of the depression. 

Postpartum depression is connected to the chemical, social and psychological changes that happens after child birth. It is not a weakness or character flew but a complication of giving birth. PPD can be treated with counseling and medication. 

Postpartum depression is often confused for 'baby blues'. But we can say PPD is a severe form of 'baby blues' with long-lasting effects. Postpartum 'baby blues' have symptoms of mood swings, anxiety, crying spells and difficulty in sleeping. This state of mind begin within the first three days after delivery and may last up to 2 or 3 weeks. 

Postpartum depression symptoms

The symptoms of postpartum depression is severe than 'baby blues' and last longer. At this stage,you will find it difficult to handle your baby and cannot even do the daily tasks better. 

PPD symptoms and signs may includes:

• Severe mood swings
• Loss of appetite
• Inability to sleep
• Feel to cry
• Tendency to withdraw from family and friends
• Difficulty in bonding with the baby
• Excessive anger or intense irritability
• Restlessness
• Hopelessness
• Reduced interest in doing things you used to enjoy
• Fear of losing yourself
• Fear that you are not a good mother
• Severe anxiety 
• Panic attacks
• Concentration problems
• Feel worthless, shame and guilt
• Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby
•  Thoughts of death or suicide

Better to consult a doctor immediately if you find any of these symptoms. If untreated, PPD may last for months.

What is postpartum psychosis?

Postpartum psychosis is an extreme mood disorder typically develops within the first week after child birth. The symptoms of postpartum psychosis are severe, which may include,

• Obsessive thoughts about your baby
• Hallucinations or delusions
• confusion and disorientation
• Excessive energy and agitation
• Sleep disturbances
• Paranoia
• Thoughts of harming yourself and the baby

Postpartum psychosis needs immediate treatment and medication as per the advice of an expert doctor.

                                 

Causes of Postpartum depression

There are many reasons for PPD and cannot be narrowed down to a single cause. Postpartum depression may be caused due to:

• Physical Changes, where there is a dramatic drop in the hormonal levels in your body, which leave you tired, depressed and sluggish.
• Emotional Changes, when you have less sleep and overwhelmed leading to anxiety, lose control over your mind and struggle to take care of your baby and yourself.

What are the complications of Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression, if untreated causes severe physical, emotional and behavioral issues, that interfere your bonding with the baby and cause family problems. PPD can last longer for months or longer if not treated properly and leads to chronic depressive disorders. Even after the treatment, they need the family's support and care to move ahead.

What are the Risk Factors in Postpartum Depression?

Anyone can expect postpartum depression symptoms after delivery and cannot be predicted. But the risk is high when,

• You have health problems before or after delivery or your baby has health issues or other special needs.
• You have difficulty in breast feeding
• You have a bipolar disorder
• You have a history of depression
• You have family members who have mood disorders or depression.
• You have twins or other multiple births
• Your pregnancy was unplanned or unwanted

Prevention

If you are planning your pregnancy, tell your doctor about your concerns and inform him, if you or your family have any history of postpartum depression. During pregnancy, if you experience any of the PPD symptoms stated above, consult the doctor immediately. So that he or she can monitor you, give tests and treatments or necessary counseling and medications at an earlier stage. Now if you experience postpartum depression symptoms after delivery, your doctor may recommend early PPD screening and checkups. From the severity of your symptoms, your doctor recommends antidepressant treatment or psychotherapy if needed. baby blues