Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Birth of a child is one of the most blissful experiences of life. But, it is also true that childbirth and a newborn's need for constant care can put a lot of stress on the body and mind of a new mother. Along with these, the changes in the level of hormones in the body after childbirth can result in something really unexpected like, depression. The term that is used for the depression that new mothers experience shortly after childbirth is post natal depression. Not only the mothers, but the new fathers also can get depressed after the birth of the baby. The symptoms of this condition can differ a bit for men and women.

Depression After Childbirth

Causes
Several factors can contribute to the development of this condition. One of the most important factor is hormonal fluctuations. During pregnancy, the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone increase in the body. But after childbirth, there is a significant drop in the levels of both estrogen and progesterone, which can manifest in this condition in women.

In addition to these, factors like lack of sleep, exhaustion and lack of support from the family or the partner can contribute and aggravate this condition. So, both emotional and physical changes can cause this depression. Men can get postpartum depression due to changes in the emotional environment, sleep deprivation, financial issues, and extra pressure and responsibilities of the family and the baby. After childbirth, a woman has to give more attention to the baby and invest more time in baby care than maintaining her bond with her husband, for which the father can feel lonely and neglected.

Signs
The symptoms can be mild or severe and accordingly, the affected men and the women can experience a number of symptoms. Typically, the symptoms appear in women within 2 to 3 weeks after the delivery of the child. The most common symptoms include:

• Mood swings
• Loss of pleasure and interest in daily activities
• A feeling of emptiness
• Changes in appetite, usually a decrease in appetite
• Loss of energy and motivation
• Crying or tearfulness
• Sadness and anxiety
• Problems in sleeping
• Irritability
• Lack of interest in the baby, as well as in herself
• A sense of worthlessness
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Changes in weight
• Lack of interest in sex

Some of the symptoms of postpartum depression in both men and women can be similar. As for example, a lack of interest in the baby or an inability to bond with the child may be observed in both men and women affected with this condition. Men may exhibit the following symptoms if they are suffering from this condition:

• Irritability
• Loss of interest in daily activities
• A feeling of hopelessness
• Aggression
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Increased anger and conflict
• Frustration
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Headaches and digestive ailments
• Increased use of alcohol

Postpartum psychosis is a rare condition that can develop in some women within the first two weeks after childbirth which is quite severe than postpartum depression. Its symptoms can include:

• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Delusions and paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Attempts to harm the baby or herself

Treatment
Mild postpartum depression and baby blues usually resolve within a few weeks. For a severe case, treatment in the form of counseling can be required. Medications like, antidepressants and hormone therapy are also used at times. For men, counseling is the best treatment option. Sometimes, antidepressants are also used for treating this condition in men.

Postpartum psychosis on the other hand, requires immediate medical attention and treatment with depression medications, antipsychotic medications, mood stabilizers and electroconvulsive therapy. To sum up, postpartum depression needs proper medical treatment, if it lasts more than a few weeks. If left untreated, it can last for a year or so, and one can develop the severe postpartum depression. However, with prompt treatment, a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and a balanced diet, and emotional support from the family and friends, women can manage this condition effectively.