Post partum depression meaning

According to a journal article by Maria Muzik, MD, and Stefana Borovska, published in Mental Health in Family Medicine As the authors note, perinatal depression (both prenatal and postpartum) is even more common among mothers facing adverse experiences, such as a history of depression or economic hardship. “The prevalence of perinatal depression is even higher in vulnerable groups with certain risk factors,” the authors explain. “Young, single mothers, experiencing complications, with a history of stress, loss or trauma are far more likely to succumb to depression. Furthermore, one study found that up to 51% of women who experience socioeconomic disadvantage also report depressive symptoms during pregnancy.” It's important to note prenatal depression doesn’t discriminate: You can experience it whether or not you have pre-existing risk factors. Always remember there is no shame in experiencing a serious bout of depression during pregnancy, and you are not alone. Causes Similar to postpartum depression, experts can’t pinpoint one particular cause of prenatal depression, but have hypothesized that it’s likely caused by a confluence of factors—a “perfect storm” of triggers that come to a head for some mothers during their pregnancies. Symptoms Prenatal depression manifests differently for every mom—you may even experience it differently from one pregnancy to another. It’s important to understand that anytime you feel overwhelmed by your emotions, unable to function in your day...

Postpartum or perinatal depression is a form of depression that occurs following the birth of a baby. It’s a relatively common but serious medical condition, affecting up to Postpartum depression can make you feel empty, emotionless, and sad. It can cause changes in mood, exhaustion, and a general sense of hopelessness for a long time after birth. People should not take postpartum depression lightly. It’s a serious disorder, but various treatment programs can help people overcome it. If you’re experiencing postpartum depression, you need to know that you’re not alone and that you can recover. Many people feel sad, empty, moody, or fatigued within a few days of giving birth — a condition nicknamed “ Symptoms of postpartum depression can vary from person to person and even from day to day. While symptoms can develop anytime after childbirth, they often start within Postpartum depression can make you feel disconnected from your baby. You may feel as though you don’t love your baby. These feelings are not your fault. • feeling sad or crying a lot • feeling overwhelmed • having thoughts of hurting the baby or yourself • not having an interest in the baby • having no energy or motivation • feeling worthless, guilty, or like you are a bad parent • sleeping too much or • change in • • having But postpartum depression doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent, and it’s not your fault. If you notice symptoms, you need to tell a healthcare professional and seek treatment to feel better. If yo...

These emotions can occur whether you’ve weaning voluntarily or reluctantly. It can happen whether you’ve nursed for a short time or a longer duration. The problem is that so few women talk about this experience, which can make it all the more confusing and isolating. So, what is post-weaning depression? How do you know if you have it, and what can be done to make weaning a less emotionally tumultuous experience? What Is Post-Weaning Depression? Post-weaning depression is experienced by many mothers after they have weaned their child from breastfeeding. As of now, the phenomenon hasn’t been researched extensively, but there are many anecdotal stories of mothers sinking into intense depressions following weaning, and many Postpartum Depression • PPD is a clinical diagnosis affecting about 1 in 9 women in the first year after giving birth. • Most instances occur within the first month or so after birth (initial onset can begin shortly before or after delivery, or present up to 6 to 12 months postpartum). • Symptoms may include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, disconnection from your baby, irritability, obsessive thoughts, and in severe cases, suicidal ideation (This is not an exhaustive list). • Some cases pass on their own, but most require treatment with therapists or other medical professions. Post-Weaning Depression • Post-weaning depression occurs within a few days or a week after breastfeeding has ceased. • The symptoms can be similar to those associated with postpart...

Diagnosis Your health care provider will usually talk with you about your feelings, thoughts and mental health to help determine if you have a short-term case of postpartum baby blues or a more severe form of depression. Don't be embarrassed — postpartum depression is common. Share your symptoms with your provider so that you and your provider can create a useful treatment plan. Treatment Treatment and recovery time vary, depending on how severe your depression is and what your individual needs are. If you have an underactive thyroid or an underlying illness, your health care provider may treat those conditions or refer you to the appropriate specialist. Your health care provider may also refer you to a mental health professional. Baby blues The baby blues usually fade on their own within a few days to 1 to 2 weeks. In the meantime: • Get as much rest as you can. • Accept help from family and friends. • Connect with other new moms. • Create time to take care of yourself. • Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, which can make mood swings worse. • Ask your health care provider about getting help from a health professional called a lactation consultant if you're having problems with producing milk or breastfeeding. Postpartum depression Postpartum depression is often treated with psychotherapy — also called talk therapy or mental health counseling — medicine or both. • Psychotherapy. It may help to talk through your concerns with a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental h...

Having a new baby brings on a lot of big feelings – love, joy, excitement, frustration, and nervousness to name a few. Experiencing highs and lows in the first weeks and months after birth are to be expected given the big emotional and physical changes that come with having and caring for a new little one. But for many, feelings of depression and anxiety can overshadow the celebration of welcoming your new family member. We spoke to Dr. Alison Stuebe, maternal-fetal medicine sub-specialist and professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, about postpartum depression and the steps you can take to find support. The topic of experiencing mental health challenges may be difficult for some readers. If you or a loved one is struggling with their mental health, please seek support by accessing the following resources: What are the “baby blues”? About two to three days after giving birth, feelings of depression and anxiety are common. You may experience crying for no reason, having trouble sleeping or questioning your ability to care for your new baby. “This is largely due to the shift in levels of progesterone” Dr. Stuebe explains. But changes in hormones are unlikely to be the only cause. Beyond these hormonal changes, there are other factors that can lead to these feelings such as extended periods of tiredness or exhaustion, challenges with breastfeeding and other postpartum complications. Other factors might include: • Previous ...

Symptoms The symptoms of postpartum depression are similar to a major depressive episode. In the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-5), the description of postpartum major depression is a "major depressive episode with a peripartum-onset specifier." Postpartum depression tends to develop within several weeks of delivery. • Change in weight or appetite • Crying • Depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure • Difficulty making decisions • Feelings of inadequacy • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt • Insomnia or hypersomnia • Loss of energy or fatigue • Problems with concentration • Restlessness or agitation • Sadness Causes Researchers are uncertain about exactly why postpartum depression occurs—and why it affects one person and not another. However, some potential causes that are believed to contribute to this mental health condition include genetics, lack of sleep, low thyroid hormone levels, and rapidly changing hormonal levels following childbirth. • Diabetes (pre-existing or gestational diabetes) • • Health issues with your baby • Life stressors, such as unstable relationships, illness, or financial troubles • Limited support from family or friends • Negative feelings about being a mom • Past experience of depression or postpartum depression • Pregnancy complications, such as Postpartum psychosis may be preceded by agitation, confusion, memory problems, irritability, worsening insomnia, and anxiety. Postpartum psychosis is distinguished from p...

How is PPD Diagnosed? Postpartum depression presents different signs and symptoms that may change throughout the course of the disorder. Because the symptoms of are numerous and broad, it can be difficult at first to achieve a diagnosis. There is no single diagnostic tool or test that physicians use to reach a postpartum depression diagnosis or a diagnosis of any other type of postpartum mood disorder. Instead, doctors will diagnose a mother with PPD by: • Assessing the patient’s signs and symptoms • Interviewing their patient • Performing initial psychological screenings • Testing for other medical conditions or physical ailments In addition to the diagnostic process used by the family doctor, women can seek the support of a mental health professional who can conduct a psychological assessment and reach a diagnosis. Recording Signs and Symptoms The first critical step in reaching a Pay close attention to emotional, mental, physical and behavioral symptoms. Record dates so you know when the symptoms first started. Keep journal to note these symptoms and any other characteristics, such as shifts in sleeping and eating patterns. Doctor’s Visit Once the initial signs and symptoms of Doctors will look at past medical history, such as a history of mental illness, depression or anxiety. They will also likely look into family medical history, including a history of mental illness within the family. Finally, the doctor will ask about other medical conditions that may cause symptom...

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