Discover: Symptoms of postpartum depression

We still don’t understand a lot about ourselves.

What we think we know are mere assumptions based on real/fictional notions, and the assumptions don’t seem to have a 100% chance of ever happening during our complex lives. And this mismatch of assumptions and real-life events creates all the havoc in our supposed heavens.

So, after existing for at least 300,000 years, we humans should accept that “we don’t get ourselves". There should be no shame in accepting this simple fact. Acceptance makes it easy to do the work one requires to get out the blues of one life. Or at least deal with them.

According to the Vanier Institute of Canada, in the year 2018-19, 32% of new mothers, under the age of 25, reported feelings consistent with PPD or an anxiety disorder.

We all think that after having a baby, the mother is going to feel happy, happy, and happy. But, the report suggested that is just not the case.

What is Baby Blues?

Having a baby is a life-altering experience and can erupt all sorts of emotions. Feeling depressed can be one of the emotions that a mother can feel just after the birth of her kin. This depression is known as, “Baby Blues”, which lasts for 2 weeks or less. Baby Blues kicks in just after childbirth.

What is Postpartum Depression?

In case the episode of depression after giving birth lasts longer than two weeks, it is called, “Postpartum Depression”. Now, don’t conclude that experiencing postpartum depression means a woman does not love her child, or she is just not up for the challenge.

We must acknowledge that any mother can feel the baby blues or postpartum depression, yet will try doing a great job of raising her kids while fighting her mental battles. So, beware of this mental challenge as this can happen to anyone, even when it is not the first pregnancy. Only the proper awareness and treatment will help you in getting better.

What are the Symptoms of Postpartum Depression?

A person battling postpartum depression will experience the following symptoms:

1. Feeling very difficult to understand the baby cues or just establish a connection

2. Strong urge to withdraw from Family and friends.

3. Unable to sleep or sleeping too much (or both)

4. Tiredness

5. Hopelessness

6. Guilt, shame, worthlessness

7. Unable to concentrate or make clear decisions

8. Anxiety and panic attacks

9. Thinking on the loop about suicide

10. Thought of harming the baby or yourself

11. Losing the track of time

12. Losing the track of any activity

13. Numbness in brain

14. Disinterest in baby

15. Episode of strong agitation and anger

16. No reason crying

17. Thinking that you are not going to be a good mother and all this was a big mistake

18. Mood Swings

19. Depressed Mood for a long duration

20. No interest in breastfeeding the baby

If postpartum depression is not treated accordingly it can last for months or more. And can harm the mother and baby, for life.

What is Postpartum Psychosis?

A rare depression that begins after the child’s birth but can last for a very long duration. Mothers facing Postpartum Psychosis experience hallucination, confusion, paranoia, and often try to harm themselves or the baby.

Proper treatment is very important in such scenarios, as that can only avoid life-threatening events from occurring.

Conclusion

Postpartum Depression isn’t a phase that will just go away, it can develop itself into chronic depression disorder. And scar the lives from unthinkable life events.

Talking about PPD, seeking treatment, and getting help to manage life as a mother from friends-family can help the mothers in getting better. And their kins to have a stable family in the long run.