Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression: Symptoms and treatment

One of the most prevalent mental health concerns among mothers of newborn babies is postpartum depression. This condition often remains undiagnosed and therefore goes untreated. In this video, psychologist Kanika Shah of Nimai Healthcare will be touching upon this lesser discussed area of mental health.

Postpartum depression: Causes and symptoms

A lot of changes – physical, hormonal, emotional and mental – come about with the experience of pregnancy and childbirth. As a result, moodiness and dips in mood can be expected for most women post pregnancy. However, postpartum depression is more intense and long lasting. We colloquially call it baby blues.

  • Symptoms can include but are not limited to

Low mood, excessive crying, feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy. Difficulty bonding with the infant. Withdrawing from family and friends. Reduced interest in generally liked activities. Higher irritability. Difficulty in concentration or decision making. Anxiety, thoughts of death and trouble with sleep and appetite.

This condition can impact the ability to carry out day-to-day activities.
Symptoms can develop during pregnancy (in which case it is termed peripartum depression). Usually symptoms show up in the first few weeks after birth. It can also show up after a few months of the birth of a child, and can affect the mother-infant relationship and the child’s development.

Treatment

Early screening and monitoring are helpful. Medication prescribed by appropriately qualified professionals, typically psychiatrists and psychotherapy from qualified therapists can also help new mothers battling this condition.