• Postpartum depression is highly common in new mothers
• Specialised, tailor-made treatment alternatives are available to help manage postpartum depression
• Postpartum depression is a serious medical condition and should not be attached with guilt or shame

Pregnancy and childbirth are among the most joyous and exciting times in a woman’s life. These events can, however, increase anxiety and stress levels, sometimes leading to depression. 

Postpartum depression meaning implies the depressive state of mind new mothers experience after the birth of their baby. Postpartum depression is a mix of emotional, mental and physical changes in mood and behaviours.

Postpartum depression is also known as “baby blues”. It is a highly common condition. However, everyone shows different postpartum depression symptoms. These include:

• Anxiety
• Mood changes
• Sadness
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Crying spells
• Lack of concentration
• Appetite problems
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Irritation
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Feeling of isolation or withdrawal from friends
• Sleeping too much
• Complete loss of energy or extreme tiredness
• Reduced interest and excitement in activities you usually enjoy
• Anger problems
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Inability to think clearly
• Panic attacks

Postpartum depression symptoms are usually misunderstood for feeling blue or exhausted due to childbirth. However, these symptoms develop within a week of delivery and persist for a long period of time. 

Sometimes postpartum depression can develop into postpartum psychosis. It is a rare condition that has extremely severe symptoms such as confusion, sleep disturbances, agitation, paranoia, thoughts of self harm. 

There is no single reason for this condition. Postpartum depression causes is a mix of various factors. Common postpartum depression causes include:

Physical changes

After childbirth, you are likely to experience a massive drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone (pregnancy hormones). These hormonal changes can trigger postpartum depression. 

Emotional changes 

Pregnancy can leave you being sleep deprived and exhausted along with various other emotions such as joy, nervousness and anxiety. It is natural to feel overwhelming emotions post delivery. However, these emotions can sometimes change into postpartum depression.

Any new mother can develop postpartum depression. However, some women have higher risk factors for postpartum depression than others. Common risk factors include: 

• History of depression
• Suffering from a mental health condition such as bipolar disorder
• Postpartum depression after previous pregnancy
• Family history of depression
• Health defects or problems in newborn
• Multiple pregnancies
• Difficulty in breastfeeding

Your healthcare provider will discuss your symptoms with you in thorough detail. He/she will also ask you about your personal and family medical history. 

Postpartum depression treatment varies on the symptoms, overall health of mother and child and the primary cause. Your doctor will develop a personalised plan to help you cope with symptoms and address the core issues. 

Postpartum depression treatment methods as are follows: 

• Medicinal approach
• Self-care and resting for the mother 
• Psychotherapy
• Antidepressants
• Lifestyle changes