Postpartum Depression – All You Need to Know About It
Join us in a journey to understand postpartum depression and how it may affect you.
What Is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression can be classified as a prolonged period of near-clinical depression faced by new parents after birth. Most new mothers suffer through this, sadly, often without realising it.
As a matter of fact, the period of pregnancy can be so intense, post-partum depression can also occur in new male parents. According to a WHO report, about 1 in 10 new fathers go through depression after the birth of their child. It is important to remember that feelings of postpartum and perinatal depression are always valid. One is not a lesser person, a lesser parent, or a weaker human because of what they are going through.
What Are The Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression in reality goes well beyond the “baby blues.” Postpartum depression lasts for weeks and can be more severe. Symptoms might show up within three weeks of giving birth.
Postpartum depression can make you feel disconnected from your baby. Some mothers even experience loathing and hatred towards their baby. You are NOT at fault for this.
Other symptoms of postpartum you might experience are:
- feeling sad, anxious and teary
- feeling overwhelmed
- feelings of disconnect from the baby
- thoughts of hurting the baby or yourself
- lacking energy and motivation
- feeling worthless, guilty, or like a failure
- Extreme changes in sleep patterns
- Physical ailments such as chronic headaches, aches, pains, or stomach problems
If you’re experiencing such symptoms you need to seek medical help immediately.
What Causes Postpartum Depression?
Experts aren’t sure about the cause but several factors might contribute to postpartum depression.
