Postpartum depression is a very real illness that affects millions of women every year. It is often referred to as the "baby blues" and not taken seriously. Some women may experience severe depression that includes thoughts of suicide, harming their newborn, or extreme depression. Postpartum depression is heightened by the lack of sleep and the stress of caring for a newborn.
It is estimated that 80 percent of all women experience some form of postpartum depression after giving birth. It does not usually kick in until at least three days after giving birth and can last for a few short weeks or up to six months. It is normal to experience some weepiness, tiredness, restlessness and a general feeling of grouchiness during the weeks following birth. Mild female depression does not interfere with the mother's ability to care for the newborn child.
The feelings may kind of sneak up on the postpartum woman. At the hospital, the nurses and doctors are there to help out and the high of just giving birth keeps a woman going strong. When the woman and her new baby go home it can be overwhelming and the first signs of depression may start up. The new mother may not recognize the signs for what they are and write them off as hormones or attribute the feelings to exhaustion.
It is important every new mother knows that feeling a little overwhelmed is normal. Depression after pregnancy is also normal to an extent. Hormones are fluctuating all over the place trying to get back in line after giving birth. There is a lot of responsibility and if the woman does not have the support of her loved ones or the child's father it can be very tough to cope with.
If a woman experiences pregnancy depression a doctor will monitor her closely for several months after giving birth. The depression may dissipate after giving birth or may continue to fester and become dangerous to mother and baby. Pregnancy depression is common for those who are carrying an unwanted pregnancy or have experienced some traumatic event during the pregnancy.
Female depression problems are more prevalent in those who have a substance abuse problem. Addictions are commonly related to unresolved depression issues. It is important for a woman to seek treatment for the depression in order to successfully kick any addictions she may have.
Women who have experienced depression before will most likely need to remain under the care of their physician for several months to monitor the depression. Postpartum depression does go away eventually, and it can be treated with prescription drugs. The medicines are safe to use while the new mother is breast feeding. A history of female depression in the family increases the risk of postpartum depression as well.
It is important for women to ask for help when they need it. Postpartum depression is nothing to be ashamed of. Hospitals and doctors are talking to the partner's more about what signs they should be watching for in their loved one who has just given birth. This is very helpful to the new mom because she really may not be able to comprehend the feelings are not normal. A partner should be as supportive as possible and keep in mind that this will pass with a little patience.
Robert covers to vast world of Depression. Running the site DepressionLearning.com, he has had the opportunity to look at the depression disease right in the eyes. With knowledge from postpartum depression to depression treatments, Robert continues his research in the never ending attempts to find the ultimate cure.
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