Postpartum depression is a mental condition that causes extreme anxiety in mothers after the birth of the child. The mood disorder affects the functioning of the mother. The mother feels incapable of taking responsibility for nurturing the child, which leads to hopelessness.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression symptoms include:
- The mother feels stress that affects her ability to concentrate on a particular task.
- The patient remains irritable and agitated. Also, the mother has a poor sleep cycle.
- The mother feels disconnected from the child. The anxiety and body ache cause discomfort.
- In severe cases, the other has suicidal ideation. Thus, the partner and family members must show love and support.
Preventative Measures
The preventative measures that help reduce the probability of suffering from depression after the birth of the child include:
- Support: The mother is at a high risk of suffering from postpartum depression during the first year of the child’s birth. It affects the cognitive, social, and emotional health of the mother. The partner and other people at the home should provide a comfortable environment for the child and the mother. A lack of support can assert excessive pressure and expectations. Overwhelming can lead to postpartum depression; thus, help and positive affirmation help manage stress and anxiety.
- Seek Help: Women with a history of a depressive episodes or anxiety disorder should remain in touch with the specialist throughout the pregnancy. Also, individuals with a family history of depression should remain vigilant throughout the pregnancy as they are at a higher risk of exhibiting symptoms of depression. It helps in early diagnosis and timely treatment to prevent further complications.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: After the arrival of the newborn child, the mother experiences drastic lifestyle changes. Physical appearance and lack of sleep can affect mental health. It is best to eat organic food and engage in light exercise daily. Exercising releases hormones to boost mood, which reduces stress and helps manage anxiety. Husbands and partners should help the mother have time for self-care. The distribution of responsibility enables the mother to function adequately in every aspect of life.
- Avoid Caffeine: Caffeine causes the individual to remain alert for most of the time. Consuming caffeine affects the sleep cycle of the mother. The mother remains irritable and agitated, which increases the risk of postpartum depression. It is better to limit the intake of caffeinated beverages and food items to remain calm.
- Engage in Recreational Activities: Most mothers stay at home to nurture their children. The same routine and responsibility can affect mental health. Mothers who stay away from work are more likely to suffer from the symptoms of postpartum depression. The women feel they cannot participate in fun activities and thus remain anxious. It is essential to prioritize themselves and take steps to ensure personal and professional growth.
Women who feel disconnected from their newborn and have suicidal ideations must seek guidance for postpartum depression treatment from a reliable and competent specialist.
