Knowing Postpartum Depression-The Causes, Effects and Remedies

Having a baby is the most exciting and happiest moment for most of us. But, this may not be the case for all. For most of the first-time mothers, having a baby can be nothing short of an emotional ride. The moments of joy and happiness are affected by intrusive depressive symptoms that make you feel low and unenergized.

At least 1 in 7 women experience the downsides of postpartum depression. Still it is an unoticeable stigma which many new mothers are taught to endure alone. Let’s break the stigma and know more about postpartum depression and its plausible remedies.

The Causes of Postpartum Depression

The discourses on the plausible causes of postpartum depression is still elusive. However, there is a general consensus among researchers that a sudden decline in hormone levels after delivery triggers the unwanted blues in women.

However, women with a history of anxiety or mood disorders are more susceptible to developing postpartum depression. Consequently, expectant mothers who experienced depression during the pregnancy phase are also likely to develop postpartum depression. Other plausible causes include social stressors like financial concern and poor support from family members.

The Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

The typical postpartum depression symptoms include;
● Inability to sleep and restlessness
● Feeling sleep and lethargic
● Brain fog and chronic fatigue
● Hopelessness and sadnesses
● Loss of interest and pleasure
● Scary thoughts, panic attacks, mood swings and relentless anxiety
● Physical discomfort like headaches, muscle aches and indigestion
● Lack of motivation and energy

Difference between Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression

Baby Blues and postpartum depression are not the same. Baby blues will disappear after some weeks while postpartum depression can last months, if left unoticed. Clinical descriptions of postpartum depressions do not bring in the full picture. Another key difference between the two is the severity of symptoms. Baby blues have less severe symptoms like sadness, fatigue, irritatability etc. On the contrary, the severity of postpartum depression is higher.

Remedies for Postpartum Depression

You need to come out of the shell of postpartum depression and seek help when neccessary. Here are few pointers to consider while getting the help and support.

● Don’t be embarassed to get medical help. Talk to your gynacologist openly and they can direct you to the experts who are proficient to tackle your depression better.
● Never ever treat your symptoms yourself. Self-help is not ideal for postpartum depression and it can do you no real benefit in the long run.
● Doctors often consider pyschotherapy, medication or a combination of both to treat postpartum depression.
● Psychotherapy involves mental counselling and talk therapy with a practitioner or counselor.
● Anti-depressants or other related medications are prescribed by the doctor only when neccessary. Do not attempt to take any medications unsupervised by the practitioner as it can lead to problems due to breastfeeding.

Postpartum depression improves over the time with proper care and support. Never shut away your feelings or get alienated. Talk to your dear ones and seek help immediately if you are feeling low.