Post-natal depression
Childbirth can trigger several powerful emotions ranging from joy and excitement to fear and anxiety. In some instances, it can trigger depression. As a new mum, you may experience “baby blues” that is characterized by anxiety, mood swings, and difficulty sleeping. These typically begin after the first few days of childbirth and may last for up to two weeks. However, you may also experience more severe long-lasting depression known as postnatal depression. This condition is common in new mothers, and can also affect fathers and partners.
What is postnatal depression?
Postnatal depression, which is also known as postpartum depression, is a complex mix of emotional, physical, and behavioral changes that affect new mothers. Unlike baby blues, postnatal depression lasts more than a few days. If you experience the symptoms discussed below for weeks after giving birth, you should seek help. It becomes more obvious that you are suffering from postnatal depression if the symptoms affect your day to day life.
What causes postnatal depression?
There is no one factor that causes the condition. However, one or more of the following issues may be responsible.
A history of mental health issues like depression or bipolar disorder
Hormonal imbalance
Serious health problems
Excessive worrying about parenting
A weak support system
Marital or financial challenges
The occurrence of a difficult event during pregnancy
An unwanted or difficult pregnancy
Being in an abusive relationship
Having a baby with special needs or health issues
Drug and alcohol misuse
Inadequate and unhealthy diet
Even if you do not have the above trigger factors, remember childbirth alone is a life-changing event that can trigger depression. It takes time to adjust to parenting, and being a new parent can be exhausting and stressful.
What are the signs and symptoms of postnatal depression?
When you have psychological issues, it is best that a third party observes the signs and symptoms for you. If you do it yourself, you might downplay or ignore the symptoms. Reach out to an expert if you experience the following symptoms or see them in someone else.
- Persistent sadness
- Persistent feelings of guilt
- Loss of interest in activities you would normally enjoy
- Difficulty bonding with the baby
- Constant fatigue
- Rapid mood swings
- Extreme anxiety and agitation
- Hallucinations
- Trouble sleeping. This could present as too much sleep or not sleeping enough
- Thoughts about harming yourself or the baby
- Difficulty concentrating and remembering things
- Difficulty making decisions
- Withdrawing from people
What are the treatment options for postnatal depression?
With early diagnosis, you can treat postnatal depression and continue with your daily life. Treatment options can be medicinal or non-medicinal. Medicinal treatment is used when the depression becomes serious. This option may not be necessary if the condition is detected early. Your doctor might recommend antidepressants to help you sleep better and cope with feelings of hopelessness and irritation. Hormone therapy can also help you get out of depression. In hormone therapy, estrogen is often administered alongside antidepressants. There are, however, risks that come with hormone therapy, so ensure you first talk to your doctor about what is safest for you. Keep an open mind, and remember it might take a few tries to master what works best for you.
The non-medicinal treatments used to treat postnatal depression include the following:
Cognitive therapy to help you work out your thought pattern
Practicing a healthy sleeping habit
Exercising regularly
Practicing mindfulness and meditation
Getting out into the sunshine
Joining a therapy group
Eating well and regularly. A diet healthy in nutrients is especially recommended
Talking to family and friends
Engaging in activities that you enjoy
How do you get help for postnatal depression?
Talk to your GP if you think that you are undergoing depression. Most healthcare providers have been trained to detect postnatal depression. In instances where they cannot help you, they will refer you to someone who can. Do not struggle alone. Seek the help that you need. Remember, there is a range of help available and that being depressed does not mean that you are a bad parent.
Postpartum depression can interfere with how you bond with your baby. You might experience inconsistencies in how you bond with your newborn. You might also become less social and stop taking care of yourself. These will only make the situation worse. To help cope with postpartum depression, lean on your loved ones for support when you need it, and create time to cater to your physical and emotional wellbeing. If you are not up to chores and other physically and emotionally demanding activities, let them go. Use your energy to cater to basic needs for you and the baby. Remember, it is no longer baby blues if it negatively affects your daily life and continues for weeks. Remember, you can also help someone else going through it by seeking help for them earlier.