POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION, A DISORDER THAT SHOULDNT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY

Postpartum depression( PPD) is a kind of mood disorder related with childbirth, which can influence both genders. It may occur immediately after childbirth or a year later.

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I could recall when I turned into a mum, the initial couple of weeks were magnificent, we were all in the moment. The joy , the 'awe ' moments was incredible. my mum who came to help out traveled back likewise my aunt. Reality sets in as I couldn't rest well.. I ate like an epicurean, my dietary pattern was unusual , I was advised to feed well so there will be sufficient supply of breast milk for the baby. As they all left, Hubby and I were left alone to carter for a newborn baby. Everything became difficult as hubby had to go to work and I was left alone with my baby. I felt ugly looking at my body, also sad that I couldn't get things done before the baby starts to cry. Yes I was hormonal during those periods, I cried alone, couldn't make it seem like I wasn't happy having a child. I was a bit sad that having a child turned my life around. It wasn't like the usual way of living, now I have to think for 'another'!

My daily routine changed, I couldn't have a nice time with my friends, also have a 'me' time. I get irritable at every slight seconds, angry over something I am yet to comprehend, felt that I was abandoned by my family. It was a journey and as a psychology student I went straight to read some books regarding this disorder. Then I had no one to talk to, I would have resorted in meeting one of my lecturers but I couldn't since my baby was still tender. I read the books, challenged myself that I have to fight this...I did after 3months, I decided to place a call through a fellow student who connected me with one of our lecturers in school through phone calls, I regained my life back but it wasn't that easy coming out of that state. However I am glad I talked to someone.

If you're suffering this, come out and say something. Silence sucks!!!

Why am I hammering on this topic? Post depression is real and if not managed can change the life of the mother, the father( yes the fathers also experience postpartum depression) and the child are more likely it have emotional and behavioral problems.

Symptoms may include extreme sadness, low energy, anxiety/nervousness,crying episode,irritability and changes in sleeping pattern. Know that this symptoms can be experienced by one person or one person may not have more than two symptoms and such disorder can be termed comorbid which means relating to or denoting a medical condition that occurs with another. However many mums do go through this stage and below are some advise for those suffering from this disorder.

However four of every ten women experience the ill effects of this depression, according to the centers of disease control and prevention. Up to 20% of new moms encounter at least one symptoms of postpartum depression. Which includes the following;

• feeling irritable.

• Excessive crying

• Not thinking clearly and if not can make unreasonable decisions.

• Too much or too little rest.

• lost interest for exercises (including sex)

• Suicidal thoughts/contemplations

• Feeling down or discouraged through the week.

• Severe emotional/mood swings.

• Feeling distant and pulled back from family and friends.

• Troubled feeling of not bonding with the baby.

Postpartum depression is a related psychological wellness condition that can develop after childbirth. This uncommon and serious conditions may include symptoms such as hallucinations and paranoia. This disorder does not just influence/affect first time mothers. You can still experience after having the second or third child.

Causes of Postpartum depression.

Inherited/having history of depression: on the off chance that it runs in your family, you may be prone to have postpartum depression.

Emotional issues; when you barely rest and overwhelmed, you may experience difficulty dealing with even minor issues.

Stress and problems:not being prepared to have a child and furthermore being compelled to take in without wanting to.

Physical changes: once after child birth, an emotional drop in hormones in ones body may add to postpartum depression. You will feel you're ugly .

Treatments/prevention.

• Amid pregnancy your specialist or therapist can watch you closely for signs and symptoms of depression. A depression screening questionnaire is always advised on this case.

• Request blood tests, if needed, to preclude other symptoms of this disorder.

• Associate with other new mothers.

• Getting rest while the baby is sleeping.

There are other therapeutic approaches to handle this disorder. You can check them in the reference points below.

1, 2,3, 4

Thanks for reading!