Depression after childbirth—also known as postpartum depression—is not just about feeling down or blue for a few days. It’s a severe condition that can greatly impact the mother, her baby, and the entire family.
For some women, the signs of postpartum depression might go unnoticed. Sometimes, family members or friends may be the first to recognize that something’s amiss. When diagnosed, postpartum depression can be addressed through medications and therapeutic interventions.
Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression
Approximately 2-3 days post-childbirth, some women might start to feel feelings of anxiety, depression, and irritation. They may experience feelings of resentment towards their new baby, their partners, or even their other children. Symptoms include:
- Random bouts of crying
- Sleep disturbances
- Appetite issues
- Indecisiveness
- Doubts about their capability to care for the baby
While these symptoms, often termed as “baby blues”, may emerge and fade during the initial days following childbirth, they typically alleviate without treatment within a week or two. If these feelings persist or intensify, it may be indicative of the more grave condition of postpartum depression.
Women who experience postpartum depression undergo profound feelings of despair, sadness, or anxiety that hinders their ability to perform everyday tasks. Though postpartum depression can manifest anytime within the first year after childbirth, it commonly starts around 1-3 weeks post-delivery.
Underlying Causes of Postpartum Depression
The exact cause of postpartum depression is likely an amalgamation of physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Every woman possesses a unique physical constitution and life experiences. Such individual variations might explain why some women encounter postpartum depression while others don’t.
Source: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
