Clinicians and researchers use the term “postpartum depression,” or “PPD,” to refer to non-psychotic depression that occurs shortly after childbirth.
Apart from the fact that it happens soon after childbirth, Postpartum Depression is clinically no different from a depressive episode that occurs at any other time in a woman’s life.
Its symptoms are the same as in general depression, and must meet the same criteria for diagnosis. However, not surprisingly, the content of the symptoms of Postpartum Depression often focuses on motherhood or infant care topics.
The most common elements associated with a postpartum depression symptom include
* restlessness, irritability, or excessive crying
* an inability to sleep or extreme exhaustion or both
* loss of appetite and weight loss, or, conversely, overeating and weight gain
* difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
* an excessive amount of concern or disinterest in the baby
* a fear of harming the baby or one's self
* a loss of interest or pleasure in activities, including sex
Although health professionals do not know what causes depression (and therefore PPD), they accept that there is no single cause. Physical, hormonal, social, psychological and emotional factors may all play a part in triggering the illness.
That considered, it is safe to say there may be a number of reasons why a woman gets depressed. However in regards to PPD-
During pregnancy, these factors may increase a woman’s chance of depression:
* History of depression or substance abuse
* Little support from family and friends
* Anxiety about the fetus
* Problems with previous pregnancy or birth
* Marital or financial problems
* Young age (of mother)
On the other hand, after pregnancy, hormonal changes in a woman's body may trigger symptoms of depression.
Other factors that may lead to a cause of postpartum depression include:
* Feeling tired after delivery, broken sleep patterns, and not enough rest often keeps a new mother from regaining her full strength for week.
* Feeling overwhelmed with a new, or another, baby to take care of and doubting your ability to be a good mother.
* Having feelings of a loss of identity of who you are, or were, before having the baby.
* Having less free time and less control over time.
Suffice it to say that when one reviews PPD and what it entails, this disorder, in no way, shape or form should be addressed lightly. Thankfully, there are tons of wealth on information in regards to conquering postpartum depression and keeping it under control.
To this effect some authors have culled up helpful books with tips on 'conquering postpartum depression' and you can choose to look into any of the following books:
-Behind the Smile: My Journey Out of Postpartum Depression
By Marie Osmond
-Depression After Childbirth: How to Recognize, Treat, and Prevent Postnatal Depression
By Katharina Dalton and Wendy M. Holton
-Mothering and the New Mother: Women's Feelings and Needs After Childbirth -- a Support and Resource Guide
By Sally Placksin
In conclusion, considering that it (PPD) doesn't drastically differ from the other forms of depression, with the tips outlined elsewhere in its applicable section of this site and otherwise, it is this author’s sincere hope that some assistance could be derived from the information provided herewith.
Here's to happiness.
Aje
Foras Aje is an independent researcher and co-founder of BodyHealthSoul LLC. Stop by His Treatment for Depression Blog today for more information on postpartum depression research
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