Postpartum depression can be extremely isolating for mothers, as it occurs at a time in one's life when society expects a mother to feel overjoyed at the arrival of the new baby and overcome it with motherly love. Symptoms of postpartum depression can present in many different ways. Apart from mood, it can affect cognition, thoughts, and body sensations. In severe cases, postpartum depression can cause paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations. HOW ARE SYMPTOMS OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION DIFFERENT FROM BABY BLUES? ‘Baby Blues’ is a common condition in around 80 percent of new mothers. It is a period of low mood, anxiety, and irritability that begins within the first week of giving birth. Baby blues are caused by hormone shifts, especially drops in levels of estrogen, progesterone, and growth hormone after giving birth. It can also be exacerbated by traumatic delivery, sleep deprivation, and fatigue. Baby blues is usually self-limiting and should resolve within two weeks. Baby Blues does not typically need treatment, and support from family and colleagues is usually all that is required. If symptoms do not resolve within a fortnight, it is important to consider the possibility of postpartum depression and seek advice. It can be a problematic situation if your partner is absent while you are dealing with postpartum depression. Even if they are present and do not understand postpartum depression, this can cause marital or relationship difficulty at a time when you need to support each other the most. The depressed parent may feel impatient or angry with the partner. Likewise, the partner may feel angry and resentful due to a lack of emotional and physical intimacy. Couples may stop doing the things they used to enjoy doing together, such as traveling, going to the gym, seeing friends, and spending evenings out. Sometimes, this disconnection can escalate to the extent where couples even forget to recognize each other as the person they used to love. Untreated postpartum depression can increase the chance of marital discord, separation, and even divorce. The most effective resort to solving such difficulties at an early stage is receiving treatment for postpartum depression. Since family is one of the most precious possessions in our lives, it is always wise to save these relationships at the right time to lead a healthy and happy family life. This presentation forays into the different kinds of symptoms you may experience if you are going through Postpartum Depression. For more information, visit: https://gabapsychiatrist.com/postpartum-depression-treatment/

1. Mood
Swings
Depressed
mood
Loss of
interest in
activities
Guilt
Fatigue
Emptiness
Symptoms
of
POSTPARTUM
DEPRESSION
Irritablity
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2. Physical Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Physical Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Muscle ache
Fatigue
Headache GI upset
Abdominal
pain
Back pain Joint pain
Low sex
drive
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3. Memory loss
Impaired
neuroplasticity
Inattention
Slow reaction
time
Impaired
problem
solving
Impaired
executive
functioning
Cognitive Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Cognitive Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
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4. Low
motivation
Loss of
appetite
Loss of will
to live
Bad
mood
Lack of
enjoyment in
activities
Loss of
ambition
Sleep
disturbance
Mood Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Mood Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
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5. Negative
thoughts
about self
Negative
thoughts
about others
Low self
worth
Low
confidence
in abilities
Excessive
guilt about
past
Suicidal
thoughts
Existential
angst
Pessimistic
thoughts
about future
Angry
thoughts
Nihilistic
thoughts
Thought Distortions with Postpartum Depression
Thought Distortions with Postpartum Depression
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6. Hallucinations
Delusions
Loss of touch
with reality
Paranoia
Psychotic Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Psychotic Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
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7. SYMPTOMS
moderate to severe dysfunction
80%
DURATION
ONSET
often within 1 month,
maybe upto 1 year
SEVERITY
within 2-3 days postpartum
more than 2 weeks less than 10 days
PREVALENCE 5-7%
mild dysfunction
maybe present
SUICIDAL
IDEATION
not present
mood swings
tearfulness
anxiety
fatigue
irritability
hopelessness
helplessness
loss of interest
excessive guilt
negative intrusive thoughts
feeling numb
feeling disconnected from the child
feeling disconnected from the partner
unable to resume household or
workplace duties
mood swings
tearfulness
anxiety
fatigue
irritability
Postpartum Depression Vs Baby Blues
Postpartum Depression Vs Baby Blues
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