You may feel depressed if you are going through the hormonal changes of childbirth
Most people feel sad or low at some point in life, but
feeling depressed for most of the day for many days after giving birth to a
child can be a warning for a dangerous problem. Although both conditions share
some common symptoms, clinical depression and post-partum depression (PPD) also
have some major differences. For instance, timing and gender both
play an intricate part in these problems. Furthermore, when diagnosed with
either form of depression, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed,
exhausted, have difficulty concentrating and even starting to withdraw from
both loved ones and activities you once enjoyed.
However, if you know the warning signs of what to look for,
then you can better understand your condition and seek appropriate help. In
short, learn how your symptoms may have started, because then you can get and
stay well for the long run.
Differences Between Clinical Depression and Post-Partum Depression
However, clinical depression and PPD share a number of common
symptoms, but clinical depression is unrelated to childbirth, while the latter
occurs after delivering a baby. However, PPD is typically diagnosed within that
first year of childbirth, even though the time for diagnosis can extend beyond
that time. The following symptoms may cause a woman to develop PPD:
- Sleep-deprivation
- Transitioning
to motherhood
- Hormonal
changes
- Breastfeeding or weaning
If you or a loved one has these problems, then seek help as soon as possible.
On the other hand, you may feel depressed and be uncertain if
you have some problems and are going through the hormonal changes of giving
birth. Although many similarities exist between PPD and clinical depression,
the main and most significant difference is that PPD occurs after you have a
baby, while the other problem can occur at any time. It is difficult enough to
struggle with clinical depression, let alone when you have an infant, toddler
or even multiple children, because then your situation may seem unbearable.
However, these problems are treatable if you know how to respond.
First, seek medical help, because your doctor can prescribe
the same antidepressants along with anti-anxiety medications for PPD as for
depression. However, with PPD, experts also encourage supportive psychotherapy
to address your specific needs while learning to balance your new
responsibilities with your emotions. In other words, it is completely natural
to struggle with depression, but the time your symptoms arrive may be directly
related to childbirth rather than some problem you have in life. In other
words, then seek help immediately to begin recovery as soon as possible.
Depression ranges in seriousness from mild and temporary to
severe and persistent. Clinical depression is the most severe form of
depression, also commonly referred to as major depression or major depressive
disorder, but you or a loved one must have five or more of the following
symptoms that last a two-week period for most of the day, nearly every day:
- Significant
weight loss when not dieting, significant weight gain or drastic increase
or decrease in appetite
- Insomnia
or increased desire to sleep
- Restless
behavior or slowed behavior
- Fatigue
- Feelings
of worthlessness
- Trouble
making decisions or concentrating
- Recurrent
thoughts of death, suicide or suicide attempt
The symptoms of clinical depression may be severe enough to
cause noticeable problems in relationships, day to day activities and even your
professional life. Your symptoms may be based on your own personal feelings or
on someone else’s observations. Clinical depression can affect people at any
age, even including children. However, it can usually improve with either
psychological counseling, antidepressants or even a well-balanced combination
of the two. You can recover if you have the right help.
Regardless of which form of depression you or your loved one
suffers from post-partum or clinical depression, it is best to consult your
family physician to see what the best treatment option is. Reaching out to
others and trying to find a coping mechanism to move beyond a depressive moment
can be tremendously beneficial for both you and your loved ones. Life is full
of constant ups and downs and when you suffer from depression in any form,
which means that you can find yourself stuck at the down moments and become
unable to rebound. This problem can cause numerous issues that slowly trickle
into others. Use the tools at your disposal, research your symptoms and then
try to find the right treatment option for yourself. There is no reason to
struggle with depression, as you can treat your symptoms and be the mom you
always wanted to be.
Drug Addiction and Mental Illness Treatment
If you or someone you know and love struggles with a form of
depression (despite her attempts to get better), then please call our toll-free
helpline now. Our admissions coordinators are available 24 hours a day to
answer your questions and to help you find the best treatment for your
depression. It only takes one call to save your life, so reach out for help
right now to receive instant, professional support.
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