Postpartum Depression and its associated Risk Factors

Postpartum Depression and its associated Risk Factors

May 20 2024 TalktoAngel 0 comments 450 Views

After giving delivery, women who suffer from severe depression may develop postpartum depression (PPD). It typically manifests within the first few weeks to months after giving birth, although it can develop at any point during the first year postpartum. PPD is more severe and persistent than the "baby blues," which are feelings of sadness, worry, and fatigue that commonly occur after childbirth but typically resolve within a couple of weeks.

The exact cause of postpartum depression is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. Hormonal changes that occur during and after pregnancy, along with the stress of childbirth and adjusting to a new role as a mother, can contribute to the development of PPD. Other risk factors include a history of depression or other mental health disorders, a lack of social support, difficult life circumstances, and hormonal fluctuations.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a debilitating mental health condition that affects women following childbirth. While childbirth is often portrayed as a joyous and fulfilling experience, the reality is that it can also be a challenging and overwhelming time for many women. PPD typically emerges within the first few weeks to months after giving birth, although it can develop at any point during the first year postpartum.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of postpartum depression can vary in severity but often include:

  • Prolonged depressive, empty, or gloomy sentiments
  • A decrease in interest in or enjoyment of once-enjoyable activities
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Thoughts of suicide or death, as well as ideas to harm the infants

Postpartum Depression and its Effect on Baby 

Postpartum depression (PPD) can have a significant detrimental effect on the growth and general well-being of the newborn in addition to its effects on the mother. When a mother experiences PPD, it can impact her ability to provide sensitive and responsive caregiving, which is crucial for the baby's emotional, cognitive, and social development.

One of the primary ways in which PPD affects babies is through disruptions in the mother-infant bond. It may be difficult for a mother with postpartum depression (PPD) to interact with her child, show warmth and compassion, and attend to the needs and cues of the child. This can lead to attachment difficulties and insecure attachment patterns, which may have long-term consequences for the child's emotional and social development.

Babies of mothers with PPD may also experience disruptions in their own emotional regulation and stress response systems. Research has shown that infants of depressed mothers may exhibit more negative affect, irritability, and difficulty self-soothing compared to infants of non-depressed mothers. They may also have altered cortisol levels, which can affect their ability to cope with stress and regulate their emotions.

Furthermore, the home environment of a mother with PPD may be less stimulating and nurturing, which can impact the baby's cognitive development. Babies raised in environments characterized by maternal depression may have reduced cognitive stimulation, limited opportunities for exploration and learning, and decreased social interaction, all of which are important for healthy brain development.

In addition to these emotional and cognitive effects, PPD can also impact the baby's physical health. Mothers with PPD may have difficulty maintaining healthy routines, such as feeding schedules and hygiene practices, which can affect the baby's nutrition and overall well-being. Furthermore, the stress and anxiety experienced by the mother can affect the baby's immune system and increase the risk of illness and developmental delays.

It's important to recognize the impact of PPD on both the mother and the baby and to provide support and resources to help families cope with this challenging condition. Early identification and intervention for PPD are crucial for promoting positive outcomes for both the mother and the baby. By providing comprehensive care that addresses the needs of the entire family, healthcare professionals can help mitigate the effects of PPD and support healthy development for both mother and child.

Can Counselling Help Postpartum Depression?

Counselling can be quite helpful in treating postpartum depression in women (PPD). Online counselling, often in the form of psychotherapy, can provide a supportive and understanding environment for women to explore their feelings, develop coping strategies, and learn effective ways to manage symptoms of depression.

Here are some ways in which counselling can help women with postpartum depression:

1. Emotional support: Counselling offers a safe space for women to express their feelings and concerns without judgment. A therapist can provide empathy, validation, and encouragement, which can be especially valuable for women experiencing feelings of isolation or guilt.

2. Coping strategies: Counselling can help women develop coping strategies to manage the symptoms of PPD. Therapists may teach techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and cognitive-behavioral strategies to help women cope with negative thoughts and emotions.

3. Identifying underlying issues: Counselling can help women explore underlying issues that may contribute to their depression, such as past trauma, relationship difficulties, or unrealistic expectations about motherhood. By addressing these underlying issues, women can gain insight into their feelings and experiences and work towards resolving them.

4. Strengthening relationships and communication: Postpartum depression can cause a strain on relationships with friends, family, and partners. Counselling can help women improve communication skills, set boundaries, and strengthen support networks, which can enhance relationships and provide additional sources of support.

5. Parenting assistance: Women who are depressed might get support and direction from counseling as they work through the difficulties of raising a child. Therapists can offer practical advice on managing daily tasks, caring for the baby, and balancing self-care and caregiving responsibilities.

6. Medication management: In some cases, counselling may be combined with medication management for women with severe or persistent symptoms of PPD. Therapists can work closely with psychiatrists or other healthcare providers to monitor medication effectiveness, address side effects, and ensure optimal treatment outcomes.

In general, counseling can help treat postpartum depression because it gives women the resources, support, and direction they need to manage their symptoms and get well. Women with PPD must seek assistance and explore all available treatment options, such as counseling, to maintain their mental health and overall well-being.

Additionally, you may schedule an appointment with the top professional psychologists and receive Mental health counselling at the Psychowellness Center, which has many locations in Delhi NCR, NOIDA, Faridabad, Janakpuri, Dwarka, and Vasant Vihar.


Contributed by: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist & Life Coach &  Ms. Meghna MohanCounselling Psychologist

References:

  • Upadhyay, R. P., Chowdhury, R., Salehi, N., Sarkar, K., Singh, S. K., Sinha, B., Pawar, A., Rajalakshmi, A. K., & Kumar, A. (2017). Postpartum depression in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, DOI:10.2471/BLT.17.192237
  • N Shrestha 1, P Hazrah , R Sagar. (2015). Incidence and Prevalence of postpartum depression in a rural community of India. Journal of Chitwan Medical College, DOI:10.3126/jcmc.v5i2.13149
  • Patel, M., Bailey, R. K., Jabeen, S., Ali, S., Barker, N. C., & Osiezagha, K. (2012). Postpartum depression: A review, The Johns Hopkins University Press, Volume(23), DOI:10.1353/hpu.2012.0037. 
  • O’Hara, M. W. (2009). Postpartum Depression: What We Know. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 65(12), 1-12. DOI.10.1002/jclp.2064


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