Knowing About Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Knowing About Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Do you have the feeling that the road to motherhood is an emotional roller coaster? Are you feeling uncertain how to be a mother, or question if you can be a good mother? You may develop symptoms of postpartum depression because you have great difficulties in coping with this new situation.
Medical experts believe that postpartum depression results from changes in the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. After childbirth, progesterone levels drop dramatically which may play a major role in major depression. As well, after pregnancy, the levels of endorphins (naturally secreting mood elevating chemicals) drop sharply which adds to the risk of depression. If you are a new mom afflicted with postpartum depression, the good news is it is a condition that can be overcome. The first step to overcoming postpartum depression is to acknowledge your feelings.
Both estrogen and progesterone are female hormones, and these go up markedly during pregnancy. After giving birth, though, both of these hormones return to their normal levels after the first 24 hours. This is sudden drop in hormones might lead to a depression, which is usually acute.
Postpartum depression is different than the so-called "baby blues." Baby blues are pretty common among mothers. There may be a loss of appetite, episodes of crying, trouble sleeping, anxious feelings, mood swings, and so on.
Mental and emotional symptoms that may signal developing postpartum depression are more extensive. These can include irritability, an apparent inability to show love toward the baby or other family members, anger toward the baby, anxiety attacks, exaggerated fear of harming the baby, and hyperventilation. Excessive sadness, difficulty concentrating, lethargy, mood swings, emotional numbness, and loss of interest in hobbies or other activities may also point to a developing condition.
Even the symptoms of postpartum depression closely resemble the symptoms of other mental illnesses. These symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, problems sleeping, constant worry over the child's health, problems concentrating, and even extreme cases of suicidal thoughts. Many mentally ill people who have never had children can experience many, if not all of these symptoms.
Postpartum depression is caused by a number of factors. The first week after having a baby is filled with change. This can cause women to be sensitive to altered hormonal levels, leading to depression or sadness. This occurs not only after childbirth, but after miscarriage or stillbirth, as well. It is best treated by a mental health care professional, but may be referred by the woman's regular doctor.
When left untreated, this depression may last for several months, sometimes more than a year. Mothers diagnosed with depression may have difficulty bonding with and caring for the baby.
Postpartum depression is a serious condition that requires treatment in one form or another. The sooner it is diagnosed the the better. Untreated depression usually only gets worse and recovery is greatly lengthened. The good news is that it is treatable and most women are able to take care of the little one with much more joy afterward.
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