THESE are the postpartum depression signs you need to watch out for

What does it feel like while suffering from postpartum depression? 

Motherhood is a happy new phase in a woman’s life. This new phase has its own lows and highs as mothers experience a symptom known as baby blues post-delivery. In this phase, new moms undergo mood changes, anxiety, crying episodes and difficulty in sleeping. Usually, baby blues start within the first two to three days after birth and can last up to two weeks. It is normal to feel exhausted as a new mom but feeling hopeless for a very long time can be critical. If the studies must be believed new usually 10 per cent of new mothers undergo this condition. 

Many women have mood swings after delivering a new-born. They feel joyful one minute, and they start crying the next. Sometimes, they can feel a little sad while the baby is sleeping, have a hard time concentrating, lose their appetite, or find that they cannot sleep well. Typically, these symptoms begin around 3 to 4 days after delivery and can last for several days. 

Postpartum depression is not a defect in character or weakness. Often it is just a complication of giving birth. Here are some postpartum depression signs that you need to look out for explained by Dr Ruth Fernandes,  Consultant Clinical Psychiatrist, Motherhood Hospitals.

Depressed mood or severe mood swings.

Excessive crying.

Difficulty bonding with your baby.

Withdrawing from family and friends.

Intense irritability and anger.

Loss of appetite or eating more so than normal. 

Hamper the ability to think clearly. 

Inability to sleep (insomnia) or to get too much sleep.

Overwhelming fatigue or energy loss.

Reduced participation and satisfaction in operations you used to enjoy. 

Fear that you are not a good mother. 

Hopelessness.

Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt, or inadequacy.

Restlessness.

Severe anxiety and panic attacks.

Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. 

Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

Treatment 

Psychotherapy: Supportive counselling and cognitive behaviour therapy are recommended 

As antidepressants affect the brain directly. They change the mood-regulating chemicals. However, they will not work right away. Before you notice a change in your mood, it can take several weeks for the drug to work. It is important you discuss all your concerns with your Psychiatrist about medication When taking antidepressants, some patients have side effects. This may include tiredness, reduced libido, and dizziness. Tell your doctor right away if side effects appear to make your symptoms worse. 

If you are breastfeeding, some antidepressants are safe to take, while others might not be. If you breastfeed, be sure to tell your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe hormone therapy if your oestrogen levels are poor. 

When to see a doctor?

You may be hesitant or ashamed to admit you feel sad after the birth of your infant. However, if one experiences these signs for a longer duration a medical intervention may be the need of the hour.

If any of these traits are present in the signs and symptoms of depression, it is important to call your doctor as soon as possible: 

Not to fade after two weeks. 

Growing worse.

Make it impossible for you to care for the baby. 

Making it impossible to complete daily tasks. 

Include thoughts of hurting the child or yourself.

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