Postpartum Depression: It May Be More Than The Baby Blues

Postpartum depression is considered to be one of the most agonizing and misunderstand aspects of pregnancy. It seems almost inconceivable that such a devastating and dangerous illness could be linked with such a joyous occasion in a woman's life. Sometimes referred to as the Baby Blues, some women experience a form of depression after giving birth that seems to be triggered by a rush of hormones. While the symptoms, length and severity of postpartum depression can range from mild to serious, there is no denying the danger of this mysterious side effect of giving birth. Extreme cases of postpartum depression are known as postpartum psychosis and have been linked to many tragic stories of murder and suicide. One of the aspects of postpartum depression is its occurrence in early miscarriages. Women who experience early miscarriages, often before the 8 week mark, find that postpartum depression quickly follows. While it may be expected for depression to be linked to miscarriages, women who barely even knew they were pregnant or weren't even planning a pregnancy, often find themselves bombarded with postpartum depression following the miscarriage. The symptoms of postpartum depression include anger, anxiety, a feeling of failure or guilt, bouts of crying for no apparent reason, irritability, sadness, forgetfulness, impatience, fatigue and lethargy, insomnia and extreme mood swings. In more extreme, and rare, cases of postpartum psychosis the new mother experiences further symptoms of confusion, disorientation, delusional thoughts, paranoia and dangerous thoughts of hurting themselves and/or their baby. Postpartum depression is not limited to first time moms. Some women experience this problem even after multiple pregnancies. Environmental, lifestyle and physical factors are thought to play roles in why postpartum depression develops in some women and not in others as well as why it tends to be more severe in some women. Women who are in less supportive relationships, experience a difficult delivery, give birth to a child with a high level of needs and/or have money problems tend to be more likely to experience postpartum depression, although this is not always the case. Sometimes it is just a matter of fluctuating hormones that signal postpartum depression. In most cases, postpartum depression disappears within about two weeks after giving birth. This is not true in all cases, however. Some women continue to experience postpartum depression even months after the birth of their children. It is extremely important for anyone who thinks they or someone they know may have postpartum depression to seek medical attention. While it is rare, an astounding number of women later diagnosed with postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis harm and kill their children each year. Doctors are able to determine the difference between new moms who are simply feeling the exhaustive effects of giving birth and those who are experiencing postpartum depression with screen tools. Many doctors prescribe a regimen of psychotherapy, antidepressants and hormone therapy in order to treat postpartum depression. Additionally, women who make a point of getting plenty of rest and exercise, surround themselves with loving friends and family members and make time for themselves notice a marked improvement in postpartum depression.

Postpartum Depression: It May Be More Than The Baby Blues

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