It’s a common notion that motherhood brings many happy emotions. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. A mother facing fears and anxieties after giving birth may seem strange, but it is a medical condition known as Postpartum Depression.
If you are a new mother and are worried about the anxiety you are currently feeling, I assure you It’s completely normal, and you don’t need to think of yourself as not a good mother. Let’s dig deeper into why Postpartum Depression happens, its signs and symptoms, and how to overcome it.
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What are the ‘Baby Blues’?
Many of us may think ‘baby blues’ is about a blue baby deprived of oxygen and has turned blue. In reality, “baby blues” are the feelings of sadness that a mother experiences right after delivery. This sadness can go on for almost two weeks.
Symptoms include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, disturbed sleep, sad feelings and anger, difficulty concentrating, etc.
Many new parents feel this way due to the increased responsibility of a new baby. You don’t even need to get treatment for this. ‘Baby Blues’ usually go away on their own.
Postpartum depression is something different and more severe.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a form of depression in new mothers after childbirth. It can develop within the first few weeks after delivery or even up to a year later. PPD is a serious medical condition that affects a woman’s mental health, emotions, behavior, and ability to care for her child.
According to psychiatrists at Iqra Medical Complex, postpartum depression can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, and exhaustion and can also cause physical symptoms such as headaches and loss of appetite. A woman with PPD may have trouble bonding with her baby, have difficulty sleeping, and experience intense mood swings.
What is the ‘Root’ of Postpartum?
Postpartum Depression is related to biological and psychological reasons:
Hormonal Imbalance
The chemical changes in the mother’s body during pregnancy involve the surging and lowering of hormones. The female reproductive hormones, Progesterone and Estrogen, may increase tenfold during pregnancy. However, these same hormones drop sharply at the time of birth.
According to Dr. Rabbia Ashraf, a renowned Gynecologist, these hormones go back to their pre-pregnancy level within three days.
Social and Psychological Pressure
Social and psychological pressures can exacerbate postpartum depression, making it more difficult for new mothers to cope with the challenges of motherhood.
These pressures include expectations from family, friends, and society regarding how a new mother should behave and feel after giving birth. For example, a new mother may feel overwhelmed to be happy and grateful for her new baby, even if she struggles with depression and anxiety.
Psychological pressures can stem from the demands of caring for a newborn, which can be overwhelming and exhausting. New mothers may feel pressure to be perfect caregivers and meet their baby’s needs at all times, even if it means neglecting their physical and mental health.
How Do You Know If You Have Postpartum Blues?
Postpartum Depression can be mistaken for ‘baby blues’ at first. However, you should know that the symptoms are much more severe and last longer than the two weeks of baby blues. Sometimes the symptoms persist for longer than a year.
Here’s a list of Postpartum Depression (PPD) symptoms. If you can relate to some of them, you must be going through PPD.
Crying Spells
Crying spells are episodes of uncontrollable crying and feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair.
These crying spells may occur for no apparent reason or get triggered by something as simple as a baby crying or a stressful situation.
Unable to Bond with the Baby
It is common for women with postpartum depression (PPD) to have difficulty bonding with their babies. PPD can cause feelings of sadness, guilt, and worthlessness, making it hard to connect with your baby.
It is essential to understand that these feelings are not your fault, so it doesn’t mean you are not a good mother. PPD is a medical condition, and it is not a reflection of your abilities as a parent.
Depressed Feelings
The portion of depressed feelings is too much during Postpartum Depression.
PPD may make a mother feel hopeless, helpless, and worthless, with a tarnished self-image. Moreover, the feelings of lost beauty and unattractiveness are overwhelming. The loss of interest and pleasure in daily activities is apparent.
Having Postpartum Depression is terrifying.
Suicidal Ideation
Suicidal ideation is an extreme symptom of postpartum depression (PPD) that should be taken very seriously. Women with PPD may experience thoughts of harming themselves or their babies, and it can be very distressing and overwhelming.
It is important to remember that suicidal ideation is a symptom of PPD and not a personal failure or weakness.
Difficulty in Decision Making
You may experience difficulty in concentrating on everyday life tasks and decision-making. You find yourself unable to choose between things. All of this adds to you feeling more depressed.
It is clear that these symptoms are much more severe than ‘baby blues’ and resemble depression.
What Makes You ‘High Risk’ for Postpartum?
If you have a prior history of depression, chances are you will most probably be diagnosed with Postpartum Depression after you give birth.
Postpartum Depression is not common in all women. The risk increases with certain factors such as having given birth to twins or triplets before, having financial problems, unplanned or unwanted pregnancy, having a family history of Depression and Bipolar Disorder, having a weak support system, etc.
If you relate to any of these risk factors, you must work on managing your mental health.
When Should You Seek a Psychologist’s Help?
Postpartum Depression is dangerous for new mothers. It hinders their ability to enjoy bonding with their newborn. It is worst for the mother’s mental health, as well as the general well-being of the other family members.
If you feel an extreme change in your overall mental health after giving birth, contact a mental health professional to help you with postpartum blues.
Ways to Get Treatment for Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression is a psychological illness, and it usually is treated with medication along with Psychotherapy.
Medication
Your doctor can suggest certain medications, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety pills. These medications target the symptoms of depression and help curb extreme Postpartum Depression.
However, if you are breastfeeding your baby, discuss with your doctor the doses of medication that are not harmful to the baby.
Psychotherapy
Therapy can help overcome the emotional feelings and overwhelmedness associated with Postpartum Depression. You can learn how to cope with extreme feelings of hopelessness and anxious thoughts. Moreover, a psychologist can help you positively deal with postpartum blues.
Adding your husband or the family to the therapy sessions also proves fruitful, as the family gets on the same page and therapy outcomes are enhanced.
Lifestyle Choices You Can Try
There can be many lifestyle choices you can try to stay positive while going through Postpartum Depression.
- Start physical activity. Do light exercises and morning walk with your baby. Eat healthy foods.
- Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Get the work done, which you can actually do without feeling too drained.
- Spend time with your husband. Make him take care of the baby as well.
- Schedule a time alone or with your friends. Go out. Enjoy a hobby you have always loved doing.
- Talk about your feelings. Don’t be shy or fear what your family will think about you.
- Ask for help if you need it.
Remember! Taking care of your baby includes taking care of yourself, as well.
Motherhood is an exceptional time and every mother should enjoy it to the fullest. Having Postpartum Depression comes in the way of making early memories with your baby and taking pleasure from every moment.
However, if you are experiencing such symptoms, consult a psychologist without wasting time. You can find the best Psychologist in Lahore via Healthwire.
