Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a mental health disorder that occurs around the time of birth for some women, causing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair. This form of depression is due to hormonal changes, and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates 15% of women will suffer from it.

Postpartum Depression is sometimes classified as Perinatal Depression (source), which is a form of depression that occurs during pregnancy and for a year after birth.

The Cause

March of Dimes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the health of mothers and babies, states that while there is no definitive cause of PPD, possible causes can include genes, changing hormones in pregnancy, and low levels of the thyroid hormone.

"Hormones are chemicals in your body. Some help control your emotions and mood. During pregnancy, your body has higher levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. But in the first 24 hours after giving birth, these hormones quickly go back to their normal levels. This rapid drop in hormone levels may
lead to PPD."

The Symptoms

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression include, but are not limited to, the following and occur for longer than two weeks:

Emotional Changes:

  • Feeling depression most of the day, every day

  • Panic or fear

  • Shame, guilt, or a sense of failure

  • Severe mood swings

Changes in Daily Life:

  • Constantly feeling tired

  • Little interest in doing things you once enjoyed

  • Changes in appetite

  • Changes in weight

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much

Changes in Thoughts About Yourself
and Your Baby:

  • Difficulty bonding with your baby

  • Thoughts of suicide

  • Thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby

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