Post-Partum Depression And How To Recognise It

Postpartum Depression is a depressive disorder experienced by some women following childbirth. It is not fully known what causes this disorder, postpartum depression can affect any woman not just those who are predisposed to depressive disorders and just because a woman suffers depression after childbirth does not mean she will go on to have a depressive illness later in life. There are different types or stages of postpartum depression ranging from the mild baby blues feeling to the more serious disorder of psychosis. It is rare for a woman to suffer psychosis with research showing that less than 2 women out of a thousand have this diagnosis.

Symptoms of postpartum depression are similar to other depressive disorders and can also include symptoms of anxiety and panic. In some sufferers the depression will lift within a couple of months of giving birth whilst in others it may remain longer term and require treatment. Postpartum depression can be effectively treated with therapy such as counselling or one of the newer talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, more severe cases will respond to an anti-depressive medication. A combination of therapy and medication may also be used. The first port of call for a woman suffering this disorder should be their family doctor who will if necessary refer then on to a specialist in this type of disorder such as a psychologist or a psychiatrist.

Here are some of the symptoms to look out for if you feel you or someone you know may be suffering from postpartum depression:

· Feelings of sadness and being tearful

· Unable to concentrate on normal activities

· Feeling tense or anxious most of the time

· Feeling irritable or short tempered

· Feeling uncomfortable being alone with the baby

· Extreme worry and fear maybe leading to panic episodes

· Palpitations, dizziness and feeling short of breath - probably panic relate

· Repetitive behaviour similar to that experienced by sufferers of obsessive compulsive disorder

Some more serious symptoms which would require immediate help would be:

Hallucinations

Thoughts of self harm or harming the baby

Delirium

It is important to remember that you are not alone and that many mothers go through this, it is not something to feel guilty about or something you feel you must try and hide from your partner or family and friends. You will need their support during this time and they will be understanding of your situation.

© Andrew Tudor Jones