With the birth of a child, many emotions are born in a woman. After becoming a mother, there is a sense of excitement in the woman with happiness, but fear and tension also go home. This means that after giving birth to a child the woman begins to suffer from one type of depression, it is called – postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression occurs in 10–15% of women, that is, every 7th woman suffers from it. Many women have baby blues, most of which occur at the beginning of the pregnancy or after delivery. Mood swings, tension, fear, sleepiness are included.
Most of these start 2-3 days after delivery and last for 1-2 weeks. But in some women, this stress takes the form of depression. Postpartum depression is not a weakness or a decrease in personality, it is only related to the complexity of giving birth to a child.
Most of these start 2-3 days after delivery and last for 1-2 weeks. But in some women, this stress takes the form of depression. Postpartum depression is not a weakness or a decrease in personality, it is only related to the complexity of giving birth to a child. Although these symptoms start appearing in the initial weeks of delivery, sometimes it can last from the beginning of pregnancy to even one year after the birth of the child. If the baby blues continue for two weeks after delivery, symptoms may increase with time, and then it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Although move towards the symptoms of postpartum depression-
- Deep stress, hormonal imbalance, mood swings
- Anorexia or crying a lot
- Difficulty in raising the child
- Making distance from family and friends
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Sleep or sleeping too much
- Excess fatigue
- Irritability and anger
- Disappointment, restlessness, loss of concentration
- Suicide desire
Understand the causes of postpartum depression-
Body changes- These stresses occur due to the greater fall in estrogen and progesterone hormone levels in women after childbirth. Falling levels of hormones from the thyroid gland also cause stress, fatigue, and lethargy. Stretch marks, hair loss, weight gain, etc. after delivery also increase stress in the woman.
Emotional issues- Difficulty in building relationships with a newborn, understanding his needs, upbringing, and feeling less under control of the body and life due to physical changes in himself also exacerbates depression.
Treatment- Medications and therapy are given to treat postpartum depression. Doctors use either one of them or both together according to the need.
- Consultation with gynecologist and psychiatrist.
- Should talk to experienced friends and relatives.
- Light exercises like walking, running, cycling, yoga, etc. can be done on the advice of a doctor. Treatment- Medications and therapy are given to treat postpartum depression. Doctors use either one of them or both together according to the need.
- Consultation with gynecologist and psychiatrist.
- Should talk to experienced friends and relatives.
- Light exercises like walking, running, cycling, yoga, etc. can be done on the advice of a doctor.
- Therapy – With the help of a psychiatrist or psychological counselling, they help in removing the negative thoughts that come to mind. Doctors recommend hormonal therapy if estrogen levels are low.
- Self-care – In this, it is taught how to take care of yourself amidst all the responsibilities. Do not bear the burden of too much work and give yourself some time.
- Medicines- Antidepressants help in improving the mood by affecting the chemicals formed in the brain. These medicines can also be eaten with breastfeeding.
I tried to explain to you all about postpartum depression through this blog because, in India, there is very little awareness about postpartum depression. Be aware! Be cautious!
