pic courtesy: What Is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is a serious condition that affects new mothers. A woman with postpartum depression may feel overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, irritable and forgetful. She may have trouble sleeping or concentrating. Postpartum psychosis can affect any woman while she's having a baby or within one month of delivering the baby.
"I remember thinking I was in hell," says Sarah, who has two children and suffered from postpartum depression after both births. "I thought about suicide constantly.
The time after childbirth can be very exciting for new parents. But, for some women it can bring on feelings of sadness and depression. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a condition that affects approximately one in nine women after they give birth.
Postpartum depression is a serious condition, and unfortunately, it is often not taken seriously. Women suffering from the disorder often don’t receive the treatment they need because of a lack of understanding or ignorance about the disorder.
It is an especially serious problem in developing countries where women are less aware of their rights and opportunities to get help.
Signs Of Postpartum Depression
Postpartum or post delivery depression is a form of clinical anxiety or trauma that some mothers experience after childbirth. In addition to the common signs of this ailment it can also include feelings of guilt, helplessness and anxiety about caring for an infant.
Women who have a history of mental illness or substance abuse are at a higher risk for such a condition. The condition may be triggered by hormonal changes or other factors related to pregnancy and childbirth. Treatment options include medications, psychotherapy and support groups.
Postpartum Depression Symptoms
This problem is a major depressive episode that occurs in the postpartum period. Postpartum depression symptoms include feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt, irritability and loss of interest; abnormal behavior such as sleeplessness or excessive sleeping; physical symptoms such as headaches and abdominal pain; and changes in appetite or eating habits.
Postpartum depression symptoms are usually different in every child borne woman, but most mothers of children will have feelings of sadness, anxiety, fatigue, and irritability. These feelings are not uncommon, but if they persist for longer than two weeks after giving birth you should seek medical treatment. This disorder is a serious condition that requires prompt attention.
The symptoms of the affliction include:
- Low energy
- Depressed mood
- Feelings of hopelessness or guilt
- Eating too much or lack of appetite
- Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleep)
- Thoughts of death or suicide (or suicide attempts)
What Is Postpartum Psychosis?
Postpartum depression is the medical term for the type of depression that occurs after childbirth. It is not to be confused with postpartum psychosis, which is a rare condition caused by hormonal changes following childbirth. Postpartum or post child birth trauma can affect mothers who are breastfeeding or bottle feeding their babies, and women who have adopted children also experience it.
Postpartum Depression Treatment
The first line of action in the disorder treatment usually is medication and other non-medicinal treatments may include therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy or other therapies.
Postpartum or post delivery trauma treatments are often necessary when the affliction is severe. The treatment helps to relieve the illness symptoms and allows women to recover faster. There are basically three main types of postpartum.
How To Deal With The Problem?
This problem is a psycho-social illness which is caused due to hormonal changes in women after giving birth. It is characterized by feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, frustration, hopelessness and guilt. Postpartum or post delivery depression can affect parents - both mother and father in addition to the child.
This ailment is a very serious issue that affects millions of women every year. If you have just given birth to a baby, or are currently pregnant, it’s important to know the symptoms and risk factors for the problem in order to get help as soon as possible.
The problem in most cases can be extremely difficult to deal with. If you are experiencing symptoms of post child birth trauma, please visit this site for more information on ailment treatment options.
For many women, postnatal or post child birth depression is a temporary issue that goes away after the first few months of motherhood. However, for some women it can become a long-term problem and lead to postpartum psychosis. If you believe you are suffering from postnatal or post delivery afflictions or any other form of mental illness, we want to help! Please take advantage of our free consultation and learn how we can help you get your life back on track.
As you can see, this affliction is a serious medical condition that affects many women. If you have been experiencing similar symptoms or any similar condition, then it’s important to seek expert help before things get worse. We hope the information in this article has helped educate you on what are the signs of the illness and how it can be treated. Please let us know if there is anything else we can do for you by posting your questions or comments below.