Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is actually a significantly common condition that can be mild and fade within days, or it could last for months.

Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression occurs after childbirth, but it can also start during pregnancy before the delivery.

Postpartum depression divides into stages: it starts a few symptoms that are called baby blues and continues for no more than two weeks, then it may develop into more intense and long-lasting depression that may last for months, and finally it can turn into a severe form that’s called postpartum psychosis, which requires emergency medical attention.

Causes and risk factors of postpartum depression

There isn’t a specific cause for postpartum depression, but the following factors play a role in it: genetics, physical changes that include hormones and the way the body changes due to pregnancy and childbirth, tiredness and lack of sleep, and worrying about being a parent.

The risk of depression after childbirth increases due to the following factors:

• History of depression.
• Pregnancy complications.
• Being younger than 20 years old
• Conflicts with the partner.
• Breastfeeding difficulties.
• Not having enough support from the loved ones.
• Financial problems.
• Having a baby with special needs.
• The pregnancy was unplanned.

Symptoms of postpartum depression

• Symptoms of baby blues: mood swings, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, irritability, crying, appetite problems, difficulty focusing, and sleeping problems.
• Symptoms of postpartum depression: crying a lot, not being able to bond with the baby effectively, loss of hope, tending to isolate from people, loss of appetite or overeating, feeling of worthlessness, insomnia or sleeping a lot, severe anxiety, loss of energy, intense anger, panic attacks, thoughts of self-harming or harming the baby, and suicidal thoughts.
• Symptoms of postpartum psychosis: confusion, obsessive thoughts about the baby, hallucinations, delusions, sleeping problems, feeling paranoid, having a lot of energy and feeling upset. If not treated, it can lead to life-threatening behaviors.
• If postpartum depression isn’t treated, it can lead to chronic depression, increased risk of depression for the father, not being able to connect with the baby, and emotional problems for the child.

Diagnosis of postpartum depression

• Physical exam.
• Lab tests.
• Psychological evaluation.

Treatment of postpartum depression

Treating depression after childbirth depends on the case, and it includes:

• Support from the loved ones.
• Take care of yourself and rest.
• Psychotherapy.
• Medicines.