Post Natal Depression

Post natal depression is very common in women after six weeks of the birth of the baby. Usually it is a problem seen in women but sometimes men can also be affected. Hormonal changes and rapid weight loss after delivery, causes a lot of stress in women.

Moreover, increased work load and lack of sleep adds fuel to the fire, giving mothers baby blues. Usually this feeling lasts for 2-3 weeks and then goes away on its own, as the hormone levels start getting normal. However, if the feeling of hopelessness continues more than 3 weeks then you need to discuss it with your doctor, may be you are suffering from post natal depression.

There is no single way or test to diagnose post natal depression. Due to so many changes in the body the doctor needs to rule out several other medical conditions that cause depression, for example hypothyroidisim, sleepaenea, etc.  However, if after ruling out all the medical conditions you still feel depressed, sad, difficulty in concentration, insomnia, anxiety or feeling of guilt, you don’t want to take care of yourself or the baby, then you need to be treated for post natal depression.

This problem is further aggravated in women who lack family support or go through some negative life events. Though the reason of this problem is still not clear and you cannot pin point any cause in particular but advancement in medical science has made it very treatable.

The treatment of post natal depression is a combination of 3 stages. First is aimed at remission of symptoms by giving anti depressants and therapy. Second stage is aimed at stabilization and recovery and the third is focused on preventing re occurrence in patients.

Try to be more relaxed and let go of the expectations that you must do everything to perfection. Take as much help and support as you can from family, friends and particularly your spouse.