How Long Does Postpartum Depression Last?
I was wondering, how long does postpartum depression last? I had my baby a couple of months ago, but I am still feeling blue. Is this normal or is it a reason for me to be concerned?
It is not uncommon for a new mother to experience a rush of emotions after delivering her child. These emotions can range from joy to anxiety and ultimately depression. While the number of people actually affected by this condition is not really known, most people associate postpartum depression with women. However, this condition can affect a substantial amount of men as well.
There is also a transition period known as the “baby blues” that can affect both men and women. A majority of new parents will usually suffer from this condition in one form or another and it can cause bouts of insomnia, irritability, and even plenty of crying. It usually will last for a few days or in some cases a couple of weeks. However, this should not be mistaken for postpartum depression and is not a precursor to developing the condition.
Those who are suffering from postpartum depression may have this condition for several months or even a year and beyond. In rare cases this type of depression may turn into postpartum psychosis, which happens in only about .01% of all births. Postpartum psychosis is a very severe disorder that usually develops in the first couple weeks after birth, and may cause hallucinations, paranoia and lead to suicidal feelings.
Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression
While some of the symptoms of postpartum depression can be similar to the baby blues at first, they are usually much more severe and will inhibit your ability to properly care for your baby and manage your daily life. Some of the symptoms may include:
- severe mood swings
- feelings of anger towards your baby
- bouts of insomnia
- hopelessness
- feelings of guilt
- low self-esteem
- withdrawing from all social interaction
- panic attacks
- loss of interest in sex
What Causes Postpartum Depression?
There can be a significant reduction in the hormones in your body after giving birth, which can lead to this condition. This can also have an effect on your blood pressure, metabolism and your immune system which can lead to feelings of fatigue and dramatic changes in your overall mood.
Having a new baby can also have a big effect on how much control you are feeling over your own life, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-worth. Many parents may suffer from a lack of sleep and may be feeling overwhelmed by the demands of their baby. In other cases a new mother may be feeling a lack of support from those around her, including her partner, and develop a sense that a great burden has been placed upon her shoulders.
It is believed that heredity also play a role in how susceptible you are to postpartum depression.
Postpartum Depression Help
Getting help for postpartum depression early on is one of the most important ways to help prevent it from developing into something more significant.
This means trusting your feelings and making them known to your partner and your primary care physician. After these feelings are made known to your doctor he may recommend various treatments which include:
- behavioral therapy
- joining a support group
- following a healthy diet and exercise regimen
- forming healthy sleep habits
- medications
Don’t for yourself into thinking that postpartum depression will go away on its own, if left untreated. There’s no shame in developing this condition and it is highly treatable, especially when you are willing to recognize the symptoms and seek help.
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