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The birth of your bundle of joy can trigger a myriad of emotions, right from excitement and elation to fear and apprehension. But a lot of new mothers also end up experiencing depression post childbirth.
Some mothers with ‘baby blues’ go through mood swings, crying spells, and anxiety. They also find trouble sleeping at night. Typically, these symptoms begin within the first two-three days post-delivery and can last for up to a fortnight.
However, there are some mothers who experience a severe mood disorder called postpartum depression. They experience extreme sadness, anxiety, and fatigue for a long period of time. The symptoms may last for up to a year. As a result, it becomes very difficult for them to function normally.
Here are some key differences between baby blues and postpartum depression symptoms. Let’s understand them better.
| Baby Blues Symptoms | Postpartum Depression Symptoms |
| Mood swings | Severe mood swings |
| Anxiety | Severe anxiety and panic attacks |
| Sadness | Recurrent thoughts of death and suicide |
| Irritability | Intense irritability and anger |
| Crying spells | Excessive crying |
| Feeling overwhelmed | Feeling worthless and guilty |
| Less concentration | Diminished ability to concentrate |
| Appetite concerns | Over-eating or under-eating |
| Irregular sleep patterns | Insomnia or over-sleeping |
Reference: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617
Postpartum Depression in New Fathers
Well, it’s not just women but even men go through postpartum depression. New fathers may experience the same symptoms mothers with postpartum depression encounter. Men with paternal postpartum depression could also have a history of depression or experience relationship problems. Or they could even struggle financially. Such new fathers may battle strain in their relationships with the spouse and child.
There is also a rare condition called postpartum psychosis that can lead to life-threatening thoughts or behaviors. It requires immediate attention and treatment.
In this article, we explore postpartum depression and learn how it can be combated.
What Causes it?
A combination of physical and emotional factors may give rise to the mood disorder.
- Physical changes include a significant drop in estrogen and progesterone after delivery. Less release of hormones from the thyroid gland could also contribute to postpartum depression. You may feel tired, sleepy, and depressed.
- Emotional issues could arise from sleep deprivation and low morale. You may feel incapable of taking care of your newborn. You may also worry about the future… Other issues could include feelings of unworthiness, ugliness, and a sense of losing your grip.
How can it be Treated?
Psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy or mental health counseling) and medication are two ways to treat postpartum depression.
Additionally, you could also incorporate the following lifestyle changes and home remedies:
- Include your favorite form of exercise in your daily routine
- Rest well
- Eat healthy and fresh food
- Take Ayurvedic supplements, such as Nari Soundarya Malt
- Don’t pressurize yourself. Take it one day at a time.
- Communicate with your loved ones. Don’t isolate yourself.
Postpartum depression isn’t something to be embarrassed about. Sometimes, it’s just a birth complication. If you know you have postpartum depression, take prompt medication and treatment to manage your symptoms well and bond better with your newly arrived blessing. Take good care of yourself to take good care of your baby. Go for it!
