What is Postpartum Depression?

According to TalktoAngel, the best online counseling services platform, “Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that can occur in women after giving birth. While the birth of a child is often seen as a joyous occasion, it can also be a time of significant stress and adjustment. The hormonal changes and demands of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming, contributing to PPD”.

When a baby is born, there might be some powerful emotions from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. It could result in some serious conditions like depression. Most new mothers have postpartum "baby blues" after giving birth, which commonly include mood swings, crying episodes, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. The first two to three days after delivery are when baby blues typically start, and they can continue for up to 2 weeks.

Postpartum depression, on the other hand, is a more severe and widespread form of depression that some new mothers experience. Because it can begin during pregnancy and continue or extend after childbirth, it is sometimes referred to as a peripartum depression. A serious mental condition called postpartum psychosis can occasionally develop after giving birth.

Postpartum depression is not a sign of weakness or a personality flaw. It might be side effects that occur after childbirth. For this reason, getting postpartum depression treatment as soon as possible will help you manage your symptoms and strengthen your relationship with your child.

Signs and symptoms of postpartum depression

• There might be self-harming thoughts or thoughts of harming the baby

• Suicidal thoughts

• Depression which is there for two weeks

• Anxiety

• Guilt

• Hopelessness

• Feeling of fear

• Worthlessness

• Having trouble concentrating, thinking clearly, making judgments, or handling ordinary situations

• loss of enjoyment or interest in the majority of activities almost every day for the previous

Effects on the family

For the baby and parents to develop a strong attachment, the first year is important. An insecure attachment results from depressed parents' reduced affection and responsiveness toward their child as well as their irritation, apathy, or even hatred toward the child. Increased relationship stress during this period might also make a marriage or partnership more difficult.

Nowadays, fathers spend more time with their kids than in earlier times. However, many claim that their own fathers did not teach them how to be good parents and that they lack expectations. In reality, research from the previous two decades has shown that a father's influence on his child's life, including the negative impacts of paternal PPD, contributed to the child's health.

Here are some examples which will help in gaining an understanding of how postpartum depression can affect the entire family.

1. Lack of bonding

No matter how badly a mother wants to feel close to her child, PPD may prevent it from happening. Parent’s Magazine reports that mothers experiencing postpartum depression are less likely to bond with their infants by making eye contact, speaking in an interactive manner, and playing with them. Infants may experience bad social relations as a result and may withdraw from people and society.

2. There is incorrect criticism

It might be difficult to be both emotionally and physically present for a spouse who is going through postpartum depression. Looking for answers, some people could begin to place the responsibility for their loved one's present state of affairs on themselves. According to Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Chief Psychologist, Parenting Coach & Mentor, “PPD is neither the mother’s, the partner’s, nor the child's fault.”

3. Multiple caregivers

It's important to have clear expectations when coping with postpartum depression. This indicates that the mother will need to dedicate time to her healing, which can require help and support from other people. When treating PPD, it's important to be realistic about your parenting responsibilities, as advised by the American Psychological Association, so occasionally you might need help with the baby from friends, relatives, or a nanny. Making time to address the ailment is a priority, but having support is essential for recovery.

4. Adjustment problems in children when they grow up

At least two to three times as likely for children of depressive moms to experience adjustment issues, including mood disorders. Although not all children of mothers with PPD experience this, it is a well-researched condition.

5. Stability in a home environment

While dealing with postpartum depression and fulfilling the duties of parenthood, several aspects may be overlooked. The atmosphere for infants becomes less stable when a mother is sad, claims the Scientific American website. PPD can make it challenging for mothers to uphold consistent discipline, adequately childproof their houses, or keep and make appointments that are crucial to the baby's health.

6. Struggling marriage

Relationships other than those between mothers and their children might suffer from postpartum depression as well. PPD can lead to marital dissatisfaction and issues in a marriage, as Psychology Today reported. The good news is that many couples are able to and do work together to overcome this issue. In fact, staying with each other makes couples feel closer to one another when healing is accomplished.

Contribution: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist, life coach & mentor TalktoAngel & Dr. Sakshi Kochhar, Psychologist