What is Post Natal Depression?

Post Natal Depression (PND) is a depressive illness that women experience after childbirth. If complications occur in the process or times are stressful during pregnancy, PND is more likely. It occurs in one out of ten mothers. The known cause of this illness is that the hormonal changes in the woman’s body after giving birth. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is used to detect the onset. PND often happens when the score is thirteen or higher on this scale. Symptoms of this depression include but are not limited to the following: sadness, low self-esteem, fatigue, reduced libido, crying episodes, anxiety, irritability, guilt, sleep and eating disturbances, exhaustion, low energy, lost of interest in sex and panic attacks. With this type of depression, anxiety is a frequent symptom. The anxieties that are normal after childbirth increase to the point of being overwhelming. Panic attacks might also strike, whereby the mother feels something awful will happen, like a heart attack. Even without any special treatment, most women will recover within six months. However, roughly a quarter of sufferers are at risk of remaining depressed as their child grows. Much suffering can result. The experience of motherhood may be ruined. Relationships with the child and family are damaged. The behavior and progress of the baby may be caused detriment. Obviously, the shorter the period of illness, the better. Mothers need to be taken seriously when the symptoms of PND occur. Treatment for this depression could possibly reduce the length of suffering and its severity. There are a number of methods to successfully treat the PND. Many options for treatments include: medical evaluation to rule out physiological problem, cognitive behavioral therapy, home visitor and healthy diet. Treatment is dependent on the severity of the condition. The mother should be made aware of benefits and risks in order to make the best choice for herself and baby. A mother will often fear that they could harm or neglect their baby when PND is involved. Usually, however, they take care of their child just like any mother would. Unfortunately, some family members do harm the babies sometimes. These people may have a history of being harmed or mistreated when they were still young but this does not relate directly to Post Natal Depression. If you feel concerned for the safety of any child, you should contact a doctor or health visitor promptly.