Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD), also called postnatal depression, is a form of clinical depression which can affect women, and less frequently men, after childbirth. You might don’t know but 80% of women experiences mood disturbances after pregnancy ("postpartum"). They feel upset, alone, afraid, or unloving toward their baby, and guilt for having these feelings. For most women, the symptoms are mild and go away on their own. But 10-20% of women develop a more disabling form of mood disorder called postpartum depression. The mother may fear she is losing her mind or fear that others may feel she is unfit to be a mother. Women with postpartum depression may feel like they are bad mothers and be reluctant to seek help. These feelings are sometimes known as the "baby blues", and often go away within 10 days of delivery. However, some women may experience a deep and ongoing depression which lasts much longer and which can be termed as 'Postpartum Depression'. Mostly, postpartum depression should not be confused with common postnatal mood swings.

The more popular term, when a male experiences postpartum depression is paternal postnatal depression. Typically when fathers experience paternal postnatal depression it happens within one month to one year of the child being born. Generally, a distinction must be made between "daddy blues" and paternal postnatal depression. The rule of thumb would be based on the length of time the father experienced "blues". If the father is experiencing heavy (unusual) depression within a year of becoming a new father he is potentially experiencing paternal postnatal depression. Keep in mind, depression of two or more weeks due to any circumstance is reason to seek the advice of a physician or mental health specialist.

Postpartum psychosis is a relatively rare disorder. Women with this condition suffer despondency, tearfulness, and feelings of inadequacy, guilt, anxiety, irritability and fatigue. A woman with postpartum depression may regard her child with ambivalence, negativity or disinterest. An adverse effect on the bonding between mother and child may result. Estimate of its occurrence range from 3% to 20% of births. The depression can begin at any time between delivery and 6 months post-birth, and may last up to several months or even a year. Postpartum depression is in some way similar to the phase response. Physical discomfort can easily cause irritation and despair.

Symptoms:
Postpartum depression may appear to be the baby blues at first - but the signs and symptoms are more intense and longer lasting, eventually interfering with your ability to care for your baby and handle other daily tasks. Postpartum depression, if left untreated, can escalate into postpartum psychosis. If left untreated women can become anxious, lose weight, and have sleeping problems and difficulty concentrating.

• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia
• Intense irritability and anger
• Overwhelming fatigue
• Loss of interest in sex
• Lack of joy in life
• Feelings of shame, guilt or inadequacy
• Severe mood swing
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Impaired speech and writing
• Becoming easily frustrated
• Feeling inadequate in taking care of the baby

• May be the changes in hormone levels that occur during pregnancy and immediately after childbirth.
• When you're sleep deprived and overwhelmed, you may have trouble handling even minor problems. You may be anxious about your ability to care for a newborn. Any of such emotional factors might be responsible too.
• Many lifestyle factors can lead to postpartum depression, including a demanding baby or older siblings, difficulty breast-feeding, exhaustion, financial problems, and lack of support from your partner or other loved ones.
• The risk of major depression after miscarriage is high for women who are childless. It occurs even in women who were unhappy about being pregnant.
• Many new mothers are very tired after giving birth and in the weeks afterwards.
• Postpartum depression is caused by changes in hormones and can run in families. Women with severe premenstrual syndrome are more likely to suffer from postpartum depression.