Postpartum depression Symptoms, cause, cure and mental health related to it

When Carol Coronado killed her three young daughters on May 20, 2014, no one could believe it. Carol had always been a model mother — loving, attentive, and engaged. But like hundreds of other mothers who’ve killed their children or themselves each year, Coronado was suffering from Postpartum Psychosis at the time of her crime.

We often have come across this word “Postpartum depression” In India, the prevalence of PPD is estimated to be 22%. Women health is often overlooked in India especially in rural India. Due to prejudice specially by the women toward the women lead to overlook this issue across India.

Symptom’s:

• Delusions and hallucinations – these are most common symptoms which you will came across suspicions, fears, thoughts or beliefs that are unlikely to be true, hearing, seeing, smelling or feeling things that are not there.
• Mania – feeling very “high” or overactive, for example, talking and thinking too much or too quickly, restlessness or losing normal inhibitions
• A low mood – Showing signs of depression, being withdrawn or tearful, lacking energy, having a loss of appetite, anxiety, agitation or trouble sleeping
• Feeling very confused

Cause: Postpartum is not start in a single day, it starts often after few weeks of giving birth, during pregnancy, oestrogen and progesterone levels reach their peak. However, within the first 24 hours after childbirth, these hormone levels rapidly decline to their pre-pregnancy state. Researchers believe this sudden hormonal shift may contribute to depression. This process is similar to the hormonal changes that occur before a woman’s period but on a much more intense scale.

Emotional Factors and Stressful experience: Emotional factor may be not visible but it harms you in equal proportion of physical factor, raising children can be emotionally exhausting , it take a lot of emotional investment without getting tired feelings of overwhelming sadness, hopelessness, guilt, anxiety, irritability, difficulty bonding with the baby, low self-esteem, feelings of inadequacy as a mother, fear of harming the baby, extreme mood swings, and a loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed, often stemming from the significant life change and increased responsibilities of caring for a new born. 

Financial worries: Children need a lot of resource just to be born ion this earth, often we underestimate financial burden of birth of babies on average to raise a child till graduation cost around 56 lakhs, even before birth of child expense start to pile up on the shoulder of parents, that also cause financial worries in Parents.

Physical Factors

Hormone Changes: Child rearing is a complex process, it intensifies mood swings and hormonal changes in the body, a woman’s body goes through many changes to support the baby’s growth. Changes in hormone levels can sometimes cause serious problems during pregnancy. Estragon and progesterone are important hormones during this time, and a woman’s body produces more of them during pregnancy than at any other time in her life.

Lack of sleep: One of the major changes comes in the life of new mother, they compromised sleep on daily basis for the sake of children, After the baby is born, sleep deprivation often gets worse. New-born’s wake up every few hours for feeding, diaper changes, and comfort, leaving little time for mothers to rest. Hormonal shifts, stress, and the demands of caring for a baby can make it even harder to get proper sleep. Many mothers experience extreme tiredness, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating due to lack of rest. Poor sleep can also increase the risk of postpartum depression and affect overall health. It weakens the immune system, raises stress levels, and makes daily tasks more challenging.

Drug and Alcohol use:  Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy have a higher chance of developing postpartum depression (PPD). This shows why it is important to raise awareness about health, create better rules about alcohol use, and find ways to prevent and help mothers who drink. These steps can support better mental health for mothers.

Cure

Here are bullet points addressing postpartum psychosis, focusing on treatment and management:

• Immediate Medical Attention:
  • Postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency that requires urgent evaluation by a healthcare professional.
  • Contact a doctor or go to the nearest hospital if symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, or mania appear.
• Hospitalization:
  • In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to ensure the safety of the mother and baby.
  • Inpatient care provides close monitoring and access to specialized treatments.
• Medications:
  • Antipsychotics: Used to manage symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and agitation.
  • Mood Stabilizers: Helps stabilize mood swings, especially in mothers with bipolar disorder.
  • Antidepressants: May be prescribed if depression is present alongside psychosis.
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT):
  • For severe cases unresponsive to medication, ECT can provide rapid symptom relief.
  • Safe and effective, especially for mothers with severe mania or depression.
• Psychotherapy:
  • Counselling or therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), helps address emotional challenges.
  • Provides coping mechanisms and addresses potential triggers for psychosis.
• Family Support:
  • Family involvement is crucial to create a supportive environment.
  • Educating family members about the condition can improve understanding and reduce stigma.
• Breastfeeding Considerations:
  • Discuss with a doctor whether medications are safe for breastfeeding.
  • Alternatives may be provided if breastfeeding isn’t compatible with treatment.
• Follow-Up Care:
  • Regular psychiatric evaluations are essential to monitor recovery and adjust treatments.
  • Ensures long-term stability and prevents relapses.
• Self-Care Strategies:
  • Encourage proper sleep, balanced nutrition, and stress management techniques.
  • Build a support network to share caregiving responsibilities and reduce isolation.
• Emergency Preparedness:
  • Develop a crisis plan with the help of healthcare providers and loved ones.
  • Include emergency contacts and strategies for managing acute episodes.

Recovery from postpartum psychosis often involves a combination of these approaches, tailored to the individual’s needs under professional supervision.

Here are few things listed which you can do apart from medication and treatment:

• Rest as much as you can. Sleep when the baby is sleeping.
• Don’t try to do too much or to do everything by yourself. Ask your partner, family, and friends for help.
• Make time to go out, visit friends, or spend time alone with your partner.
• Talk about your feelings with your partner, supportive family members, and friends.
• Talk with other mothers so that you can learn from their experiences.
• Join a support group. Ask your doctor or nurse about groups in your area.
• Don’t make any major life changes right after giving birth. More major life changes in addition to a new baby can cause unneeded stress. Sometimes big changes can’t be avoided. When that happens, try to arrange support and help in your new situation ahead of time.

It can also help to have a partner, a friend, or another caregiver who can help take care of the baby while you are depressed. If you are feeling depressed during pregnancy sor after having a baby, don’t suffer alone. Tell a loved one and call your doctor right away.