What is postpartum depression? Know its ABCD here

Postpartum Depression: According to reports, postpartum depression is a common mood disorder that affects 1 in 7 people after giving birth to a child.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a type of depression that occurs after giving birth to a child. It affects 15 percent of women. According to experts, people suffering from this problem experience emotional ups and downs, constant crying, fatigue, guilt, and anxiety. It may be difficult for them to take care of their child.People also face monetary, emotional, physical, hormonal, and social changes after the birth of a child. These changes can lead to symptoms of postpartum depression. It can be treated with medicine and counseling.

Postpartum Blues or Baby Blues

50 to 75 percent of children suffer from blues after delivery. This condition often occurs in the first week one to four days after birth. Symptoms include frequent mood changes, frequent crying, decreased concentration, irritability, and sadness. Baby blues begin within two or three days of delivery and can last up to two weeks.

Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression is much more serious than the baby blues. One in seven parents is affected by this. These include crying, irritability, fatigue, and inability to care for your baby or yourself. However, symptoms can last for months. That's why psychotherapy or antidepressant medications work.

postpartum psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is a severe form of postpartum depression. This requires immediate treatment. This is a rare condition, affecting 1 in 1,000 after delivery. Major symptoms include severe agitation, confusion, feelings of hopelessness and shame, insomnia, delusions or hallucinations, and hyperactivity. Immediate treatment is necessary as it increases the risk of suicide and injury to the child. Treatment is often through medicine, hospital, or psychotherapy.

what are the symptoms?

Feeling sad, disappointed, or guilty.

Feeling excessively worried or nervous.

Difficulty thinking or concentrating.

Suicidal thoughts.

Lack of interest in your child or feeling anxious around your child.

Thoughts of hurting your child or feeling like you don't want your child?

What is the risk?

Family history.

Health complications during pregnancy.

Single parents.

How can we protect ourselves?

Be realistic about your expectations of yourself and your child.

Ask for help – Let others know how they can help you.

Take a walk and get out of the house for rest.

Stay in touch with your family and friends - don't isolate yourself.

Be prepared for some good days and some bad days.