Having a baby can trigger depression. This form of depression is known as postpartum depression. Postpartum depression can be minor, similar to having the blues or it can be very severe and bring on psychosis. Reports are suggesting that women who have postpartum depression after the birth of a child very often had depression at a previous time in their life.
Women may become depressed during their pregnancy or after delivery. Many medical professionals believe that postpartum depression is a common complication of pregnancy and delivery. Women who are pregnant and deliver babies go through many hormonal changes, in addition to the stressful life event of having a child. Both of these can cause trigger depression. In regards to hormonal changes, a woman’s body production of estrogen and progesterone increases significantly during pregnancy. After deliver, these hormones drop off rapidly. Many in the medical community believe that this rapid decline of hormones can lead to depression.
Symptoms of postpartum depression are similar to other forms of depression. In addition, the new mother may feel especially tired after delivery and never regain her strength and energy levels. The new mother may also become very overwhelmed with caring for her new baby. She may feel inadequate and doubt her mothering ability. New mothers may start to lose their own identity after the birth of a child. They may feel they have no control over their lives – from their sleep patterns, to their weight, when they have sex and more.
Postpartum depression can occur at anytime within a year of delivery. While many women will go through a period of having the “baby blues,” women who are suffering from postpartum depression do not snap out of it easily. The depression starts to affect their ability to function well. It is very important that a woman suffering from postpartum depression seeks out the help of a doctor who is familiar with postpartum depression. In addition, women who are dealing with postpartum depression can benefit from support groups, counseling and medication.
It should be noted that postpartum depression rarely leads to psychosis. Women who do experience postpartum psychosis usually have another psychiatric disorder that would up the chance of them going into psychosis. Symptoms of psychosis include hallucinations, inability to sleep, rapid mood swings, obsessive thoughts about the baby and delusions.
If you think that you are having postpartum depression, do not be ashamed of it. Do not feel guilty about asking for help. Hiding the problem will only make your depression worse. You should know that postpartum depression is no respecter of persons. It can happen to any new mother. Many women who are experiencing postpartum depression do not come forward and seek out help because they fear it will make them seem like bad mothers. On the contrary, seeking out help for postpartum depression means that you are being a wise mother. Talk with your doctor or midwife if you are showing signs of depression. Many times you can answer questions on a questionnaire which can help gage whether you are suffering from postpartum depression, or not. In the meantime, confide in someone you trust. Tell them how you are feeling and ask for help and support.
