Fact - Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mood disorder and is known to affect about 10-15% of new mothers and symptoms of depression lasting for more than 25-50% in these affected mothers. The condition is treatable by psychotherapy and medication. 

Let us understand more about postpartum depression, its symptoms, and when to seek treatment.

What is postpartum depression?

PPD is a combination of physical, behavioral, and emotional changes affecting new parents. Although not as common in new mothers, even new fathers are known to be affected with PPD. PPD often begins within 4 weeks after delivery and is recognized as a form of major depression.

Symptoms of PPD

PPD is often hard to detect as the symptoms are highly variable among individuals. However, commonly noted symptoms are:

  • Sudden crying spells without particular reason.
  • Trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, and severe fatigue.
  • Depressed mood.
  • Being uninterested in your baby or feeling unconnected with the baby.
  • Bouts of anger, irritability, and crankiness.
  • Feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness.
  • Thoughts of harming self, others, or the baby.
  • Trouble concentrating or decision making.

When to seek treatment for PPD?

Contrary to popular belief, PPD is not just ‘baby blues’ and does not go away on its own by either ignoring the symptoms or by positive thinking and coping strategies such as meditation. PPD is a genuine mental health condition and needs professional treatment to manage symptoms. You should seek treatment when your symptoms are affecting your daily activities and intensifying (or last for longer than 2 weeks).

Untreated PPD can be detrimental to both mother and her baby. It may develop into a long-standing depression leading to classical clinical depression.

The take home message: It is normal to have ‘baby blues’ or emotional mood swings for a few weeks after your baby is born. But not every mood swing is ‘baby blue’ ; it might be postpartum depression too. If you are feeling extremely sad, anxious, irritable, or indifferent for several weeks or months after having a baby please consult a healthcare professional for additional support. PPD does not equate to being weak or a poor parent.

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