Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Giving birth is one of the greatest joys of being a mother. However, not all new mothers experience this sensation immediately after birth. There is always the possibility that the new mother may show signs of postpartum depression symptoms. When this happens, it is important to know what this type of depression is, what its symptoms are, who are affected, and what can be done to alleviate this depression. Knowing these facts is the key to successfully getting over this type of depression.
Postpartum depression is the depression experienced and suffered by a woman who has just given birth. The usual period in which this depression may occur is within 4 weeks after giving birth to a baby but it is possible for it to occur in only a few days or months after giving birth. Approximately 9-16 percent of women who have just given birth under go postpartum depression.
When a woman shows postpartum depression symptoms, it is important to seek help for it. Postpartum depression affects not only mothers but also children and fathers as well. Children and fathers may display postpartum depression symptoms since they may be affected by the mother’s emotional condition.
The different postpartum depression symptoms may be divided into the physical, mental, and emotional symptoms.
A physical manifestation of postpartum depression symptoms includes the difficulty that some people experience in falling asleep. This may be defined as insomnia. Being unable to sleep causes a low level of energy since sleep is very important to one’s physical and mental health. It is important for a body to get some rest. However, the case of a new mother having insomnia is risky since the woman is still recuperating from giving birth. This is the period when she needs all the rest that she can get.
Another one of these postpartum depression symptoms is the great increase or decrease in body weight. People deal with depression in different ways. Some tend to eat a lot of food. Others tend to go on diets when they don’t even need to do so. Some simply don’t eat at all. Having a balanced diet is essential since vitamins, minerals, and nutrients are derived from different food sources. If a person doesn’t receive all of these vitamins, minerals, and nutrients then the person may also undergo the next of the postpartum depression symptoms which involves a person’s movements or motor functions. Like the sudden increase or decrease in body weight, a person may also have quickened motor functions (or restlessness) or slow movements.
Several mental postpartum depression symptoms are also observed and carefully noted in someone who is undergoing postpartum depression. One of these postpartum depression symptoms, and probably the most dangerous of it all, is the patient’s notion that death or suicide is the answer or the way out. This type of postpartum depression symptoms should be handled with care but dealt with immediately since one never knows what might happen if the situation and mental state continues and in postpartum depression it is even more essiential than regular because the depressed mother can hurt both herself and the baby. Then, there is also the overwhelming feeling of hopelessness and helplessness that just doesn’t seem to go away. This feeling of numbness shouldn’t be discounted or dismissed since this is also one of the postpartum depression symptoms.
The emotional postpartum depression symptoms experienced by a person undergoing postpartum depression involves the emotion of fear. The new mother may, unexpectedly and for no reason at all, be afraid of going out. She may also fear herself, her baby and her relationship with her husband. She may also feel fear for her husband and baby.
Postpartum depression affects everyone, including the baby itself and the father of the baby. With regards to children whose mothers have postpartum depression, their postpartum depression symptoms include insecurity and irritability. These symptoms may lead to a child’s withdrawal from society. These may also lead to behavioral and development problems. On the father’s part, he may also give off postpartum depression symptoms especially if the couple’s relationship becomes strained or if they won’t be able to adjust to life with a baby.
If several of these postpartum depression symptoms are experienced then the new mother should be treated for postpartum depression. Treatment for postpartum depression symtoms may include counseling and support groups. Anti-depressant medicine may also be prescribed. A consultation with a doctor is recommended as soon as possible.