Women Reproductive Health

Dealing with Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Blues is very common and occurs in about 80% of all mothers following childbirth. The symptoms of this condition typically stay for two weeks but if the symptoms last longer it is called Postpartum Depression. Postpartum Depression affects about 15% of women and this is a serious type of depression. It can last for months. When this reaches a higher level, the condition is called Postpartum Psychosis.

Mentioned below are some probable causes and remedies for Postpartum Depression.

Causes:
– Not being able to cope with the increasing responsibilities.
– Not being able to adapt oneself to the changing situations.
– Lack of care.
– Unfulfilled expectations.
– Sleep disturbances.
– Stress about losing weight.
– Stressful delivery.
– Difficulty in breast feeding.
– Fatigue and exhaustion.
– Sudden drop in levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones.
– Child born of unwanted pregnancy.
– Feeling of not being understood by others.
– Panic attacks.
– Feeling over protective for the baby.
– Unexpected and severe health consequences after child birth.
– Low social support.

Remedies:
– Remember that Allah has chosen you to give His most precious blessing.
– Whatever the situation, how much the pain, be glad to be blessed with an offspring.
– Re-organise your priorities. Focus on strengthening the bond between you and your baby.
– Surround yourself with positive people.
– Talk to people. Discuss their experiences.
– Spending time alone is looked forward to the most, but do not go to excess in isolating yourself.
– Keep in mind that every mother has gone through this period.
– Remember that Allah has said that He will not burden any person beyond his capacities.
– Remember that a believer will be rewarded for bearing the pain of even the prick of a thorn; what to say about the enormous pain you have just endured?
– Giving birth to a baby is the second most painful thing in this world (the first one getting burnt). Just consider this period to be its after effects.
– Cut down the digital time and get exposed to fresh air as much as possible.
– Do things that increase your self esteem.
– Follow your elders’ advice regarding diet intake. Though it may not seem so, it is crucial.

Remember that it is just a passing phase.

By Umm Zain