Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Postpartum depression is defined to be the type of clinical depression that affects women after childbirth. They commonly occur on first time mothers. As many as 80% of all women have some form of baby blues after pregnancy, and about 10 to 20% of women experience postpartum depression symptoms.

Postpartum depression may be attributed to hormonal imbalances that suddenly occur during and after delivery. This is because at the beginning of pregnancy, the body already experiences changes in hormonal levels, especially on estrogen and progesterone. These levels are maintained during the course of pregnancy and when it is due, a sudden hormonal level drop stimulates the contraction of the uterus, and signals further maternal functions like lactation.

These sudden ‘hormonal imbalances’ are important for a successful delivery and motherhood. However, they still technically remain as ‘imbalances’ and therefore often inflict other effects. “Baby Blues,” is a type of depression that often results from these imbalances. This however, is rather minor and may alleviate after 1 or 2 weeks. A more serious case, previously defined as postpartum depression, may last for more weeks or even months.

This depressive disorder can greatly affect the physical and psychological well-being of both the mother and child. The signs of postpartum depression generally include those of a major clinical depression, with the following being the most common.

• Social Withdrawal

Women with postpartum depression are often overwhelmed and may feel guilty and hopeless. Their self-esteem becomes very low to the point that they may begin to think or seemingly ‘realize’ that they are incapable of raising their child. This is more commonly encountered by single mothers.

Loss of motivation and interest over activities usually found pleasurable are also experienced. They may feel empty and may tend to withdraw themselves from social affairs. They also often confer to isolation.

Irritability, and the feeling of helplessness and worthlessness are also experienced, and this is one of the common symptoms of postpartum depression. This may be caused by an emotional shock, often among first time mothers. The feelings may even lead to self-hatred and further thoughts of harming themselves or possibly suicide.

• Frequent Mood Swings and Severe Anxiety

New parents are normally anxious about their babies. However, people with postpartum depression may worry too much towards the health and security of their child. They often have thoughts of someone harming their child and so they may become overprotective to the extent that they start to neglect their personal needs. Moreover, they may frequently show signs of restlessness and inability to perform decisions. They become clouded with thoughts and as a result, they become dull and less responsive. Severe anxiety is linked to loss of appetite and disturbed sleep.

Moodiness, though it can be attributed to the hormonal imbalances, is also a sign of postpartum depression. Women with this kind of depression may become short-tempered especially when talking about their kids. They are easily frustrated by stress and are easily agitated.

• Irregular Bodily Functions

Depression is frequently accompanied by increased/decreased appetite and sleeping disorders. This is also true for postpartum depression. Severe anxiety and stress, combined with the present hormonal imbalance caused by motherhood further disorients the endocrine system causing the brain to perceive incorrect signals. This causes more imbalances in the body like having a faster/slower rate of metabolism and the said sleeping problems. A sudden gain or loss of weight may then result.

It is also important to note that postpartum depression may likely trigger attacks of stroke, hypertension or even asthma. General weakness and fatigue are also observed.

• Behavioral Changes and Repressive Actions

People with postpartum depression may find ways to alleviate their feelings, often by denying responsibilities. This symptom is more common among those who had unwanted pregnancies and victims of sexual abuse. They may refuse to raise their child and focus only on their work and other similarly related activities.

In general, a significant change in normal behavior is already a symptom of depression. Emotional instability, like frequent crying, is often the case.

Postpartum depression often has negative effects not only to the child but also to its parents, and so monitoring for its symptoms should always be done accordingly. Emotional health is also part of one’s well-being, and with that being said, it’s just logical that it should always be taken care of.