SolveYourProblem eLearning Series: Mental Illness
Explain Mental Illnesses To Me

Post Partum Depression is Real
   

Post partum depression is a type of depression that occurs after one has a child. One to three new mothers are affected by post partum depression. As time goes on, those who have been through post partum depression and are studying it’s effects are learning more about what causes it and why.

Even if you have never had depression before, you may still be affected by post partum depression after you have a child. Post partum depression is known to occur four weeks after your child is born, however, it has been known to occur later. Those who suffer from post partum depression once will have a chance of suffering from the same depression if they decide to have a second child.

There are several different reasons why doctors believe women get post partum depression after they give birth. One major reason that is believed to be related to post partum depression is a change in hormones. Because of the consistent increases and changes in lifestyle that has occurred while in pregnancy, there are adjustments to make after a baby is born. These bodily changes may trigger something in a new mother that causes the depression. Another reason behind post partum depression may be a result of social and psychological insecurities. When one has a new baby, it will cause several changes to occur around her. This may be in social and familial relationships which may not be positive, causing the depression to occur.

There are several different expressions and feelings that a mother with post partum depression will go through. The first part of this is based off the mother becoming delusional. This will include showing signs of distrust from those around her. Feelings of suspicion may also rise as a result. These different feelings will not only affect those that are around a mother, but will also affect outlooks of how a mother looks at her child.

Along with the different delusions that a mother experiences during post partum depression are also several different symptoms that are attached. The first of these is a fear of being alone. This is mostly based off of the delusions that are occurring. There also may be hostility that is acted out towards others that are around the new mother. Along with these are several different mood swings that occur. Severe depression is one of these. There may also be episodes of anger and aggression that occurs. Crying also becomes more common.

There may also be more severe symptoms of post partum depression that occur. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is one of the well-known results. This is where you will continue to do the same thing over and over again. Post traumatic stress disorders are also often times related to post partum depression. If the birth was difficult or seemed traumatic, then it can result in PTSD.

There are several different things that you can do to help cure post partum depression. Often times, the adjustments in your body and your environment will naturally go away, causing the depression to leave. However, by calling on the right people, it can cause the depression to leave quicker. Asking for help with the chores in order to help you adjust is one of the ways that will help relieve some of the pressure that may be causing the depression. It is also important to take time away from your new responsibilities for yourself. This may mean not breast feeding in order to take medications for the depression. It is also important to make sure that you are getting enough sleep. This will help cure the uncontrollable feelings and emotions that are occurring.

For more severe cases of post partum depression, there are several treatments and professional help that you can get. Antidepressants and therapy are always available for those that have a hard time shaking off the post partum depression.

Post partum depression is a very real type of depression that occurs in one in every one-thousand mothers. It has been a known type of depression for centuries, often referred to as the baby blues. If you are suffering from post partum depression, it is important to get help. If you allow the hallucinations and feelings of depression to take over, it may cause harm towards the family that you are now beginning to raise.

# # # # #

by SolveYourProblem.com : 2006

> Home > Mental Illness Articles : Main Page