Causes Of Postpartum Depression
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Biological causes of depression are important to understand, both for health care providers, as well as for those who are affected by it. While it is not often talked about openly, depression is a major issue for people in all societies and from all walks of life. Most people know someone who is suffering from it. The affliction generally can be described as a feeling of sadness that does not subside in a natural amount of time, lasting from weeks to even years. This lingering sadness can leave a person stagnant in their daily activities, anti-social, and possibly even suicidal. Furthermore, the condition not only affects the person suffering from it, but also family and friends. One group of people in particular that experiences this affliction is mothers. Although researchers are unsure of many causes of postpartum depression, the condition causes new mothers to be sad and unable to enjoy their new role as a mother. In very severe cases, a mother suffering could be dangerous to her newborn or herself.
Postpartum depression originates in ways that are similar to biological causes. Probably the most obvious of the biological causes of depression in new moms, is the hormonal change that overwhelms their system. The very same hormonal changes occur in women who experience a stillbirth or miscarriage. The combination of the loss and the hormonal changes can often result in more severe despair. Estrogen and progesterone increase in a woman's body during pregnancy and suddenly drop after childbirth. The body often cannot adjust to the quick changes in hormone levels. Thus, the woman feels moody, sad, inadequate, weepy and, in severe cases, suicidal. Thyroid hormones can also drop after pregnancy. This drop can result in fatigue, difficulty sleeping, weight gain, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
In addition to hormonal changes, a changed lifestyle also can affects. For example, a lack of rest and broken sleep patterns are causes of postpartum depression and expected conditions when caring for a newborn. Moreover, many new mothers feel overwhelmed by their new responsibilities and this can result in a melancholy state. More causes of postpartum depression are stress and loss of control or identity. Women are often shaken by their new role as a mother and cannot cope with the change of who they are. They may be accustomed to a career rather than staying at home all day.
Understanding and treating all forms of severe despair is imperative. Research needs to continue so that the medical community can have greater understanding in this area. Finally, people should know that with certain treatments, this affliction can be overcome and life can go on. Much research continues regarding why people get depressed. While there are discrepancies as to some of the causes, many doctors agree that the main biological causes of depression stem from neurotransmitters in the nerve cells of the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transfer messages to and from cells in the form of norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid. An imbalance of neurotransmitters can result in depression, headaches and other health problems and can be caused by a number of things. Imbalances in the thyroid or adrenal glands cause problems in the hormones, causing s depressed state. Anemia, or low iron levels among other chemical imbalances, can cause an imbalance of neurotransmitters. Among the other biological causes of depression are viral infections of the brain or liver, chronic stressors, social stressors, serious diseases such as heart disease and even some medications, resulting in the imbalance of neurotransmitters.
Chronic stressors and social stressors naturally can cause an imbalance in neurotransmitters because of the reaction to current and long-term circumstances. Chronic stressors can include stress from having medical problems, family problems, or having a living situation change suddenly. That is why people who suffer major, debilitating injuries often experience despair. An example of a social stressor is the death or birth of a loved one. In this type of situation a person can suffer from the causes of postpartum depression or biological depression, depending on the circumstances. Regardless of the cause of the condition, people should avoid alcohol and drug use, as the use of them can increase dramatically the depressed condition. With any type of drug, even prescribed medications, it is important that the individual report any problems or signs of hopelessness to their doctor.
Understanding the underlying causes is just the beginning of coping with this condition. Knowing and watching for the signs is important as well. If someone suspects that a friend or family member may be suffering from severe hopelessness, they should get them immediate counseling. They can talk with someone close to them, a professional counselor or a pastor. If their symptoms seem severe, they should seek immediate medical attention. Most often, doctors can best determine the biological causes of depression, and offer a means of overcoming it. The most important thing to remember is that it is not something to be ignored. While a person's "hope deferred maketh the heart sick," there always is hope in Jesus Christ (Proverbs 13:12).
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