Postpartum depression, which is commonly referred to as baby blues, affects nearly 22% of urban mothers in India. Sure, these statistics don’t seem alarming, but other studies have found a lower volume of research on this topic. The reason is not that few suffer from postpartum depression, but rather a lack of awareness and seriousness surrounding this grave issue. Postpartum depression is as severe as any other life-threatening illness. Postpartum depression in mothers can last up to generations. It can intensely affect the growth and development of children, the relationship between the mother and child, and even their interpersonal relationships.
Often misdiagnosed, postpartum depression in women in India is mistreated. Although efforts are being made to educate people about postpartum depression through various means like community outreach programs, the establishment of a medical room in offices, emphasis on workplace wellness, and educational sessions in schools and colleges, the lack of systematic research and evidence contributes to this issue. Today, let us understand and get ourselves educated about postpartum depression, its signs and symptoms and specific measures to treat postpartum depression.
Signs of Postpartum Depression
Around 1 in 8 new mothers suffer from postpartum depression. Let us first understand the most common signs of postpartum depression.
Your intense emotions after childbirth don’t get better.
Giving birth is an eventful experience, and sometimes it can be traumatic due to bad birth experiences, birth complications, a lack of social support, abusive relationships and a lower economic status. A rollercoaster of emotions is inevitable, but sometimes, the negative emotions surge above the positive ones, overwhelming the new mother adjusting to her new life. These strong emotions continue long after giving birth and lead to depression.
Sadness or guilt takes over your thoughts.
Guilt, hopelessness and sadness reign over your mind and interfere with the mother’s everyday life. These negative emotions can, in the end, dominate the mind and severely impact the mother’s ability to function correctly and nurture the baby.
You lose interest and motivation to do things you enjoy
Another classic one of the signs of postpartum depression is the lack of interest in things and activities that previously amused the mother. Loss of interest in activities, hobbies or spending time with dear ones are common. There can also be a decreased interest in taking care of the baby. All this may make the mother feel hopeless and lonely, and they may want to remain isolated.
You have trouble making decisions or focusing.
Having difficulty remembering things can be another of the signs of postpartum depression. This affects the mother’s ability to make proper decisions, which in turn can affect the baby as the mother won’t be able to provide well for the child.
You worry you won’t be a good parent.
Feeling inadequate and unworthy of becoming a parent, constant fear of whether you’ll be able to fulfill your responsibilities towards the child and family are some other signs of postpartum depression. These feelings often interfere with the mother’s ability to bond with the child properly.
Your sleep patterns or eating habits have changed.
Signs of postpartum depression may be indicated by notable changes in appetite (eating too little or too much) and sleep habits (insomnia or excessive sleeping). These changes may further impact the general wellbeing and energy levels of the mother.
You lose motivation, energy, and interest in your baby.
A lack of interest in your baby and difficulty bonding are some serious signs of postpartum depression. This can also lead to feelings of guilt. You think about harming yourself or your baby. One of the most severe signs of postpartum depression is having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. Detachment in this way is one of the significant signs that your mental health is in danger. This can even make opening up and getting help more difficult.
Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Postpartum depression manifests in many ways. This can vary in their severity and impact. Following are some common symptoms associated with postpartum depression:
- Fatigue and Insomnia
Fatigue and insomnia are common signs of postpartum depression. Facing difficulty sleeping and a tendency to remain awake during the night are some common things that new mothers experience. But if these signs go to the extreme end and the mother faces difficulty sleeping even when the baby is at rest and experiences constant fatigue, it can be a cause of concern.
- Bonding Issues
The next one of the signs of postpartum depression is when the mother struggles to form a strong emotional bond with her child. This can lead to feelings of detachment or disinterest, which can be distressing for both the mother and the baby, not just in the present but also further ahead in the lives of both.
- Feeling Hopeless
Persistent feelings of hopelessness and despair can make it hard for a new mother to see any positive aspects of motherhood or life in general. This sense of hopelessness can be debilitating.
- Anxiety and Panic Attacks
High levels of anxiety, including panic attacks, are common signs of postpartum depression. Mothers may feel constantly worried or on edge, which can interfere with their ability to care for themselves and their babies.
- Change in Habits
Postpartum depression frequently manifests as significant changes in food and sleeping patterns, such as overeating or undereating and insomnia or excessive sleepiness. These changes may worsen both the physical health and the symptoms of depression.
Treatment Options for Postpartum Depression
- Therapy and Counseling
Psychotherapy such as CBT – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and IPT – Interpersonal Therapy are commonly used therapy techniques for postpartum depression treatment to help mothers understand and manage their emotions, develop coping strategies, and improve their relationships.
- Medication
Antidepressant medications can be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of postpartum depression. These medications can be particularly useful for severe depression. It is often used along with therapy as a postpartum depression treatment.
- Support Groups
A sense of community and emotional support can be obtained by joining a support group. This can be a helpful postpartum depression treatment method, as talking with other mothers who are facing comparable difficulties can be reassuring and help the suffering mother feel less alone.
- Lifestyle Changes
Changing to a healthier lifestyle can help elevate mood and energy levels. These include frequent exercise, a balanced diet, and enough sleep. Making time for rest and self-care is also very important.
- Hormone Therapy
Hormone treatment may be suggested in some situations to assist in balancing hormone levels that may be linked to postpartum depression.
- Alternative Therapies
Acupuncture, yoga, and meditation are examples of alternative therapies for postpartum depression treatment that can be helpful in controlling the symptoms. These treatments can encourage wellbeing and relaxation.
FAQs
- What is postpartum depression (PPD)?
Postpartum depression is a type of depression that occurs after childbirth. It involves emotional, physical, and behavioural changes that can affect a mother’s ability to care for her baby and herself.
- How common is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression is known to affect at least 22% of urban mothers in India.
- What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?
Symptoms of postpartum depression can include persistent sadness, anxiety, fatigue, changes in sleep and eating habits, difficulty bonding with the baby, and thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby.
- How is postpartum depression diagnosed?
The diagnosis of postpartum depression happens through a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider, which may include a physical exam, discussion of symptoms, and mental health assessment.