Reproductive health and post-delivery maternity care are essential aspects of a woman's overall wellbeing, especially after she delivers a baby. A woman can feel as if she has climbed a rollercoaster with no relief due to the emotional surges and physical aches and pains she has to endure during her term. Also, the pain during labor is incomparable. We often look at pregnancy as a 9 months-long journey, and that's all there is to it. However, once the baby is born, the mother’s health is once again put on a back burner while everyone flutters around the child. It is not a widely known fact that women are still undergoing a transition post-delivery and are extremely sensitive. Physically, their bodies heal, but sometimes, their mental health is adversely affected.
Suicidal thoughts are not uncommon as postpartum depression does not get the highlight it needs, which is why several women succumb to it every year, which is why Mojocare is here to address it today to connect with the best sexologist doctors.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Post childbirth, there is a dramatic drop in hormones like estrogen and progesterone in a mother’s body, which contributes to postpartum depression. Other hormones produced by their thyroid gland can also drop sharply, making them feel tired, sluggish, irritated, and depressed.
Postpartum Depression May Look Like:
- Bouts of irritability
- Lack of bonding with the baby
- Refusal to socialize for a prolonged period
- Extreme mood swings
- Outbursts that may arise on several occasions
- Excessive anxiety or worrying
- Loss of appetite
- Lack of sleep or poor sleep cycles
- Loss of interest in sex or intimacy
- Trouble concentrating or with memory
- Trouble in decision making
Postpartum Depression in Fathers:
The majority of our focus goes only to mothers when we speak about parenting problems and postpartum depression, but did you know new fathers can go through the same? Expecting dads to be who may or may not have underlying anxiety or depression before can also develop the same symptoms due to stress and sudden changes in the family dynamics, role shift, and additional responsibility.
Treatment for Postpartum Depression:
If the symptoms are on the extreme end of the spectrum or persist for more than two weeks, it’s time to get help from a professional. You can visit a psychologist or psychiatrist that specializes in parenting therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, maternity counseling, and behavioral counseling for help. The course of treatment may involve medications to alleviate the symptoms or offer support in group therapy, which can speed the healing process.
Conclusion:
One in every seven women is susceptible to postpartum depression, which can be on a scale of mild to severe. To cope and heal, they need therapy and psychological assistance along with familial support. We advise you or your loved one to seek help if faced with such struggles, as it can manifest as full-blown depression if left unchecked. We wish you a speedy recovery so you’re able to enjoy the journey of parenting.
