Postpartum Depression Symptoms
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Postpartum depression symptoms can indicate a serious illness that can dramatically affect the relationship between a mother and her newborn child. As with any type of depressed state, this emotional disorder can leave the victim despondent and unable to function properly. The severely depressed can barely take care of themselves, much less meet the demands of a helpless infant, compounding the problem with guilt and stress. Many doctors and those in the emotional health fields of medicine are just beginning to understand this disruptive disorder and now postpartum depression treatment plans are being initiated to help mothers get back on track and enjoy taking care of their children. However, because of guilt and an incomplete understanding of postnatal depressive states, many women are reluctant to seek help, feeling that they will somehow "get over it" or they have feelings of embarrassment over their inability to take adequate care of their child or children. More public education and awareness needs to be accomplished, giving mothers social permission to seek help for the betterment of themselves and their families.
Studies in postnatal medicines are revealing that up to eighty-five percent of all women who give birth experience some level of blue mood, often called "baby blues". Hormone fluctuations, stress from giving birth, and fatigue can all contribute to feeling down. However, ten to fifteen percent of these women will experience a long-term episode that is much more serious and this is known as postpartum depression. Postpartum depression symptoms can happen at anytime within the first year after the birth of a child, so in many cases, women are not attributing their depression to the birth events. While hormone levels largely contribute to the onset of a depressed state, there are other factors that should be considered. Women can become overwhelmed with being a mother and have secret fears about performing adequately. Sometimes there is a sense of loss in the marital relationship as the baby takes center stage of all activities. A mother may also feel that she has lost her own identity. Simply having a change in daily routine can be overwhelming and increase the possibility of feeling out of control. And, where there is a history of depression in the woman or in her family, she is more likely to be at risk. Postpartum depression treatment cannot change circumstances, but medications can help boost hormone levels that will give the woman an ability to cope better.
Teaching those who are at risk to recognize symptoms will aid in getting help immediately and in understanding that what is being experienced is not truly who the woman is and that she can get better. Mothers experiencing postpartum depression symptoms can feel irritable, or extremely sad, with bouts of crying for no reason. Appetite changes can also be a signal, as well as fatigue or restlessness. Sleep patterns can be disruptive with either sleeping for prolonged periods or insomnia. Women who are depressed generally loose an interest in things that they once found pleasure in and they may withdraw from friends and family members. Some mothers may have ambivalent feelings or negative thoughts about their child during this time, while others become anxious and consumed with a fear for the baby's well being. There can be physical symptoms, which include chest pains, headaches, and anxiety that leads to hyperventilation. Some of these signals are common after changes take place in the body, but with a true depressed state, the episodes will last for an abnormal length of time with little or no relief.
Turning to the Word of God can be helpful when there is a serious depression at hand. Coupled with postpartum depression treatment, women will find relief and hope in the words that God has shared about himself and his plans for our futures. "Arise, shine; for their light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For behold the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee." (Psalm 60:1-2) The dark cloud of depression can be lifted and life can return to normal again.
Because the baby blues can dramatically affect a mother's ability to parent her child or children, this illness needs to be taken seriously. Research is proving that postpartum depression symptoms can affect development in a child with language delays, learning disabilities, emotional problems, problems bonding with others, and depression. It is crucial that women seek postpartum depression treatment with drug therapy and get help from friends and family members. During this time, there are other steps that can also be taken to promote emotional health. Eating a balanced diet and getting plenty of rest will be helpful. Women should also let certain household chores or responsibilities go or be delegated to others. This should be a very special time of enjoyment and rest, not stress and anxiety. There is more online information about this emotional disorder and anyone suspect should gather more information and contact a doctor.
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