Description: Receiving the little bundle of joy with arms folded and a troubled heart is probably the worst-case scenario for any mother. This is just the tip of the postpartum depression causes iceberg. There’s more…
Wonder why you’re so sad when you should be most elated?
As the world struggles to pick up its dregs from the fallen state of the Pandemic, there’s a little monster passing on unnoticed to our detriment. Postpartum depression is now a menace that’s affecting many worldwide. The current state of affairs with the financial system, health sector, and even the growing food scarcity only comes into the picture to compound issues.
But what exactly is postpartum depression? Is it as serious as it sounds? What does postpartum depression diagnosis look like? Who is likely to be affected by it? Are there any treatments or remedies out there to address this? The article seeks to provide insights on postpartum depression causes, diagnosis, who postpartum depression affects, symptoms, and possible remedies.
A Deeper Understanding of Postpartum Depression Causes
A ‘woman’ is a peculiar organism created in a manner that leaves the scientific brains in awe and respect. The hormonal processes in females tend to be more rampant, random, and unique as compared to men. Women’s bodies have to undergo specific changes as the being matures from childhood into a young adult. The commonly recognized term here is puberty.
The changes come to prepare the body for the enormous task ahead – hosting another lifeform when the right time comes. The changes do not stop after the baby is birthed! If anything, the body reacts sporadically in reaction to the massive event, namely birth. At times, it can appear overwhelming, especially to new mothers, but guess what? The Creator put in place suitable mechanisms to aid womanhood during such events. We’ll check out all these as we continue.
What Exactly is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression causes both men and women alike to go through similar symptoms.
Giving birth is a big deal, and understandably so. In ancient times, communities would mark the delivery of a youngling with celebrations because of the continuity of life. There is a kind of excitement that comes afterward that may have a negative vibe associated with it.
Sounds weird, right? What do we mean by negative excitement?
Well, it’s called “Baby Blues,” and it lasts for about a week or two after delivery. Baby blues syndrome has the characteristics of depression but in its mild form. One can experience irritability, sadness, appetite challenges, sleeping difficulties, crying, anxiety, and mood swings that are short-lived.
However, these don’t even come close to postpartum depression symptoms.
Postpartum depression causes the individual to experience the following symptoms;
- Your moods change without prior warning.
- Your relationship with food takes another turn – either you overdo it or lack an appetite for food.
- You start experiencing aches, illnesses, and pains that can’t be explained.
- You sleep too much, or you are too exhausted and cannot find sleep.
- Your concentration levels deteriorate, making you incapable of making small decisions.
- You lose interest in all things, even your likes, and hobbies.
- You feel intense sadness that makes you cry a lot, but you cannot explain it.
- You feel a lack of worth and guilty for every wrong deed.
- Decreased libido, which has a negative outcome on your confidence levels.
- You feel distanced from your newborn and unable to bond, and that drives you crazy.
- You want freedom and an easy escape route.
- You may even contemplate suicide or harming the child.
- You feel cornered with the assumption that opening up to someone will make them view you as a bad mother.
- You feel completely out of control.
Research now shows that an average of 15% of women undergoes postpartum depression. This is a gross underestimation as the numbers vary depending on the state, the living conditions, race/ethnicity, and age, among other factors.
Moreover, a few conditions may escalate the risk factors leading to worse-off postpartum depression symptoms, otherwise called postpartum psychosis. This aggravated level may lead to auditory hallucinations and delusions. It happens to be a rarer condition but possible with risk factors such as;
– The patient has a history of depression.
– You have bipolar disorders or other mental challenges.
– You are experiencing difficulty breastfeeding.
– There are financial woes in the family.
– You lack social and emotional support from family and friends.
– The pregnancy was unwanted or unplanned.
– Your baby is born with special conditions or other issues.
Postpartum Depression Causes
The causes can be categorized into physical and emotional factors.
Physical include:
- Improper diet
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- Sleep deprivation
- Underlying medical conditions
- Having a low thyroid hormonal level.
Emotional include devastating events such as loss, lack of support, financial burden, low self-esteem, social isolation, divorce, and the likes.
It should be noted that some fathers also undergo postpartum depression with similar symptoms to moms. With all that in mind, it’s about time to now deal with the vermin.
A Look At Postpartum Depression Diagnosis and the Best Treatment Strategies
Now that we have seen how postpartum depression affects the mother and father, the question becomes, are these effects also felt by the baby?
Of course!
Children feel the vibe and energy around them pretty early – in fact, as early as in the womb. Negative and depressing energy will likely reflect in how they develop. They will likely experience abnormal delays in language development, excessive crying and a sense of neediness, fear expressing themselves, feeling unwanted or unloved, emotional, psychological, behavioral problems, and even problems with food and sleep.
Do not underestimate the overreaching effects of postpartum depression on the entire family and society.
If that’s how postpartum depression affects the baby, we definitely want to establish normalcy at home and a healthy, productive, and loving environment for everyone. Here are a few tips:
- If you experience any of the above postpartum depression symptoms, answer a PRAMS questionnaire and seek medical assistance immediately.
- If absolutely necessary, combine psychotherapy with the proper medication. Natural supplements such as omega-3 supplements may also be of help.
- Acknowledge, open up, and own what you feel like part of the healing process. It’s okay not to feel okay.
- Get any assistance from family, friends, and loved ones willing to listen.
- Alternative therapies include massage, acupuncture, and bright light therapy.
- Switch to wholesome diets and regular exercising as soon as you are capable.
- Get help with the house chores and instead rest some more.
- Avoid any stressors such as relocating or job switches immediately after the pregnancy.
- Sync your sleep patterns with your baby’s.
- In addition to a healthy physical and emotional life, ensure your spiritual well-being is catered for also.
- Get help taking care of the baby until the both of you can bond – you will with time.
- Engage in self-care activities, and make sure to cut yourself some slack.
Summary
Sinking alone with no one to pick you up can be pretty devastating – feel free to reach out.
It’s hard to tell when can postpartum depression begin in individual parents due to some of the factors listed above. It may start immediately after birth, while in others, it may become evident months later. Postpartum depression treatment begins with identifying there is a problem and being open to seeking help. The drawbacks of who postpartum depression affects are manifold and maybe felt years down the line and even passed on to the next generation. We all need to unite and put in the best efforts to ensure our future generations live in a depressed-free environment with unity, love, and hope. Now that’s a future we all can unite to build.
Author’s Bio: Rachel Hudson is a journalist and a therapist living in California and covering all the topics related to children. She is mainly writing about kids’ physical health. However, since she has a Ph.D. in Child’s Behavioral Psychology, she often covers topics related to their mental health. More than that, she is a mother with her personal experience and thrives in sharing her ventures and tips to moms on the Top Mom website.