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Postpartum depression (PPD) is a temporary depression that occurs after a woman gives birth. It affects around 10 up to 20 percent of new mothers, and usually appears between two and eight weeks after they give birth. This condition can occur after any birth, being the new mother’s first child or tenth child. Postpartum depression can last anywhere from a couple of weeks clear up to a year.
Postpartum depression can be quite intense. It can be frightening for a woman to develop the condition because it comes on so quickly. Feelings of having postpartum depression would be feeling unable to take care of themselves, or their baby. Doing simple tasks such as daily chores like dressing, cooking, and working around the home or the work place can seem quite impossible. Some women feel too ashamed to share their feelings with others, even their spouse or partner. Thoughts that may go through a woman’s head that is going through postpartum depression could be thoughts of harming the baby, which would enable the baby to be taken out of the home, thus a desire to keep the thoughts a secret. Although with professional help, almost all women who suffer PPD are able to overcome their feelings and take good care of themselves and their children.
Women most at risk of suffer Postpartum depression are those who have a history of depression or are suffering depression at the time of birth. Women are at far greater risk this way because they have tendencies to slip into being depressed. If a women suffers from anxiety disorders she is also at a higher risk because of the inability to deal with high stress situations. Also women that have suffered Postpartum depression are more likely to get it again then women who have not suffered it before. Such things as a history of moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome, a family history of depression, anxiety disorder, or alcohol abuse is also putting the woman at a potential risk.
New fathers are at risk to also get postpartum depression. They are not as likely as the new mother to get it, but there is a risk. It occurs more often in fathers if the baby’s mother is not with him. It also can happen if their partner is depressed or to those who are unemployed, poorly educated, socially isolated, or under severe stress with or in a physically aggressive relationship with the new mother.
Some symptoms after a new mother has her baby to watch for. There are many possible symptoms, but here are just a few. Extreme concern or extreme lack of concern about the new baby. Feeling unable to love the baby or the family. Anger towards their baby, the spouse, or family members. Anxiety or panic attacks. Fear of harming your the baby. The thoughts may be obsessive and you may be afraid to be left alone in the house with the baby. Sadness or excessive crying. Difficulty concentrating or remembering. Feelings of doubt, guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, or restlessness. Loss of interest in hobbies or other usual activities. Mood swings and feeling emotionally numb.
These symptoms are all eased with medical help, whether with counseling or with medication, it can be fixed.
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