One of the most joyful—and saddest—moments in life is when you become a parent.

The first few days after giving birth are typically an emotional roller coaster for new mothers. Moments of exhilarating delight and happiness are abruptly cut short by descending into depressed symptoms, including crying, worry, wrath, and despair. 

These "baby blues" often peak two to five days after birth and, for most mothers, disappear just as swiftly as they appeared. Except that occasionally, they don't go away.

Some women experience depressive symptoms during the initial two weeks or the following few months after giving birth.

What is Postpartum Depression? 

Behavioral, emotional, and physical changes are common symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD). The DSM-5, a guide used to identify mental disorders, classifies PPD as a type of severe depression that starts within four weeks of giving birth. In order to diagnose postpartum depression, the intensity and length of time between delivery and onset are taken into account.

Chemical, social, and psychological changes after having a baby are associated with postpartum depression. The phrase refers to various mental and emotional adjustments that many new mothers go through. Counseling and medication are two options for treating PPD. 

After birth, hormone levels rapidly decrease as a result of chemical changes. Still unclear is the precise relationship between this decline and depression. However, the female reproductive chemicals progesterone and estrogen are known to increase tenfold in concentration during pregnancy. After delivery, they immediately decline. After giving birth, women's hormone levels return to normal within three days.

Additionally, having a baby increases the risk of depression due to social and psychological changes. After giving birth, most new mothers experience "baby blues." One in ten women will experience a more severe and protracted depression after giving birth.

A more dangerous illness called postpartum psychosis affects about 1 in 1,000 women. This is not an issue exclusive to dads. According to research, roughly 1 in 10 new fathers experience depression the year after their child is born.

What Causes Postpartum Depression? 

Postpartum depression's causes are not entirely known. It is believed that the sudden drop in hormone levels following childbirth might cause postpartum depression among women predisposed to it.

Furthermore, we cannot definitively identify the factors predisposing a woman to postpartum depression. We know that having a personal history of a mood disorder or anxiety, mainly if present and untreated throughout pregnancy, is the best indicator of postpartum depression. 

In actuality, postpartum depression is seven times more likely to be severe in women with a history of depression during pregnancy. A lack of family support and financial anxiety may also contribute to postpartum depression.

Understand the Postpartum Depression Risk Factors

Any pregnant woman, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic situation, is at risk for PDD. However, if you have ever experienced postpartum depression or have a family history of depression, you are at a higher risk of developing it.

Other risk factors, according to the National Institute for Mental Health, include:

• A traumatic life event occurs during pregnancy or soon after giving birth, such as losing your job, losing a loved one, experiencing domestic violence, or being ill.

• Medical issues during labor include premature birth or a baby with health issues.

• Mixed emotions over the pregnancy, whether it was intended or not.

• Your spouse, partner, family, or friends are not providing enough emotional support.

• Issues with drug or alcohol usage.

Types of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum mood disorders basically come in three variants:

1. Baby Blues or Postpartum Blues

After delivery, between 50% and 75% of people experience the baby blues. If you have the baby blues, are unhappy, or are anxious, you will frequently cry for long stretches of time and seemingly for no cause. The illness often shows symptoms one to four days following delivery in the first week. Despite the terrible circumstance, it usually resolves itself within two weeks. The best course of action is to ask your spouse, family, or friends for help and support.

2. Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression, a much more deadly disorder than the baby blues, affects about 1 in 7 new parents. If you've had postpartum depression in the past, each pregnancy increases your risk by 30%. You can experience mood swings, uncontrollable crying, irritability, weariness, and feelings of guilt, anxiety, and impotence when it comes to caring for your child or yourself.

A week after delivery or progressively up to a year later, mild to severe symptoms may manifest. Psychotherapy or antidepressants are two highly successful ways of treatment, even if the effects can last for several months.

3. Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is a highly severe form of postpartum depression that requires immediate medical attention. This sickness affects only 1 in 1,000 postpartum individuals, making it extremely rare. In most cases, the symptoms appear soon after delivery, are severe, and last for weeks to months.

Severe agitation, confusion, feelings of helplessness and shame, insomnia, paranoia, hallucinations or delusions, hyperactivity, slurred speech, or mania are a few symptoms.

Postpartum psychosis needs immediate medical attention due to the increased risk of suicide and potential harm to the pregnant child. Treatment options include medication, counseling, and hospitalization.

Prevention of Postpartum Depression

As soon as you learn that you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, let your doctor know if you have a history of depression.

Throughout pregnancy: Your physician can keep an eye out for signs. With the help of therapy, counselling, or support groups, you can manage the symptoms of mild depression. Even if you are pregnant, your doctor may still prescribe medicine.

Once your child is born: Your doctor may recommend an early postpartum checkup to look for signs of depression. The sooner you receive a diagnosis, the sooner you can start therapy. Your doctor might suggest starting treatment as soon as you deliver the baby if you have a history of postpartum depression.

After Childbirth:

Here are some suggestions to assist you in adjusting to having a baby at home:

• Request assistance. Inform people of how they can assist you.

• Be reasonable in your expectations for the baby and yourself.

• Exercise while adhering to your doctor's limitations on your activity level; go for a walk to get some fresh air.

• Be prepared for both happy and bad days.

• Adopt a healthy diet and stay away from coffee and alcohol.

• Make time for your partner to strengthen your bond.

• Please don't cut yourself apart from family and friends; stay in touch with them.

• When you first return home, limit visitors.

• Examine incoming calls.

• When your infant sleeps, you should also rest.