Postpartum Depression

The birth of a baby is a cause of celebration and joy, and in popular culture everyone is conditioned to expect only happiness from the new parents, but on the contrary most new moms experience post partum ‘blues’; a condition characterized by mood swings, anxiety, crying spells and a general feeling of sadness or trepidation. It typically begins within 2 days of delivery and lasts for 2-3 weeks.

Postpartum depression is a more severe condition with the same symptoms in a more exaggerated state. About 80% of new mothers experience the blues and among these about 15% of them progress into depression. It is a serious condition not to be taken lightly or misconstrued. It is usually mistaken for blues initially but the symptoms are more intense, last longer and impair the mother’s ability to care for the newborn. Postpartum depression is a more severe condition with the same symptoms in a more exaggerated state. About 80% of new mothers experience the blues and among these about 15% of them progress into depression. It is a serious condition not to be taken lightly or misconstrued. It is usually mistaken for blues initially but the symptoms are more intense, last longer and impair the mother’s ability to care for the newborn.

Postpartum depression symptoms

• Feeling sad or frustrated
• Crying spells
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Irritability
•  Isolating oneself from family and friends
•  Panic attacks

Postpartum causes

There’s no single cause for postpartum depression. It could be due to the sudden drop in the levels of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and thyroid, which causes tiredness, low energy and depression.

The most relatable cause for this condition is the irreversible change that occurs in one’s life and lifestyle once the baby is born. As the mother and baby are discharged from the hospital and they arrive at home the reality that she is now responsible for another human life sinks in and this awesome responsibility is not an easy fact to accept readily! The sudden realization brings out a torrent of emotions and fears that lead to this condition. Thoughts such as ‘will I be able to bring this child up?’ or ‘will I ever have a life of my own now?’ etc triggers feeling overwhelmed which gradually progresses into irritation, anger and frustration. The best remedy obviously is the unconditional support and love from the partner and family, in order to reassure the new mother that she is not alone carrying out this task of raising a child and that she will always be loved.

Risk factors:

• Financial problems
• Unstable relationship with the spouse
•  Having twins or triplets
•  Family history of depression or other psychiatric problems
•  Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy

Treatment:

Identifying this condition and accepting that the new mother needs support is half the battle won. Healthcare providers should be careful not to belittle the warning signs. Giving importance and listening to the fears and apprehensions of the new mother can be greatly therapeutic in itself. The treatment can be pharmaceutical or therapy or a combination of both. Therapy basically aims at identifying the negative thoughts, behaviors and teaching them methods by which they can avoid or controls such thoughts and behaviors. For therapy to have any benefit the sessions must be regular and the patient must attend most if not all the sessions.

Drugs like Fluoxetine can be used but they take up to 3 weeks to have any effect.

Postpartum depression in fathers: