Postnatal depression, also known as postpartum depression, is a type of depression that affects women after giving birth. This condition affects approximately one in ten new mothers, making it a very common mental health issue.

Postnatal depression can have a serious impact on a mother’s health, as well as her relationship with her child and partner. Here, we will discuss the causes and symptoms of Postnatal depression.

Causes of Postnatal Depression

There is no single cause of postnatal depression, but various factors can contribute to its development. Here are some of the most common causes:.

Hormonal Changes

After giving birth, a woman’s hormone levels rapidly drop. This change can lead to mood swings, which, in severe cases, can turn into postnatal depression.

Furthermore, changes in hormone levels can affect the production of certain neurotransmitters that regulate mood. This imbalance can lead to depression.

History of Depression

Women who have had depression before, or who have a family history of depression, are more likely to develop postnatal depression.

This risk increases if the woman has previously experienced a traumatic life event, such as the loss of a loved one or relationship breakdown.

Social Isolation

Women who feel unsupported or isolated during and after pregnancy are at higher risk of developing postnatal depression.

Isolation can arise from a lack of support from a partner or family members, living in a new city or country or moving away from friends. Also, being emotionally or physically isolated from a partner or loved ones during pregnancy and childbirth can increase feelings of loneliness and contribute to postnatal depression.

Childcare Stress

Looking after a new baby can be stressful, especially for first-time mothers. The lack of sleep, constant demands from the baby, and worries about their health and well-being can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.

Furthermore, difficulties in bonding with the baby can feed into the mother’s negative feelings, exacerbating the depression.

Symptoms of Postnatal Depression

The symptoms of postnatal depression might not appear immediately after giving birth. In fact, some women report feeling “fine” for the first few weeks, only to start experiencing depression later in the postpartum period.

Here are some typical symptoms to look out for:.

Low Mood

Sustained feelings of sadness, emptiness, or feeling “flat” are typical of postnatal depression. This feeling might manifest as frustration, irritability, guilt, or a lack of interest in things that previously brought joy.

Anxiety

Postnatal Depression can cause intense feelings of fear, panic, or worry in a new mother. The worrying might be about anything from the baby’s health, the future, or the mother’s ability to cope with parenting.

Sleep disturbances

Sleeping difficulties are common in those experiencing Postnatal Depression. The affected person might experience trouble falling asleep or staying asleep or might sleep excessively.

The person may have difficulty relaxing and unwind, which can lead to ongoing issues with sleep or disturbed sleep.

Changes in appetite

Postnatal Depression can cause eating disorders, such as overeating or under-eating. Depending on the individual, some mothers might experience changes in appetite, with some struggling to eat food, and others reaching for comfort food.

Difficulty Bonding with Baby

Some mothers might find it challenging to bond with their baby when experiencing Postnatal Depression. As a result, the mother may isolate themselves and feel lonely. Seeking support and building a strong connection with the baby can be helpful.

Conclusion

Postnatal depression is a common yet debilitating condition that can have a significant effect on new mothers. Understanding the causes and symptoms is essential to recognize how it develops and how it can be effectively managed.

If you believe that you or someone you know may be experiencing Postnatal Depression, it is vital to seek advice from a healthcare professional.