What is Postpartum Depression and How is it Treated?

Giving birth is one of the most exciting times in the life of any woman. There are so many emotions to be experienced. Along with joy, some women experience sadness as well. You may have heard of the baby blues, which is a normal response to childbirth and is attributed to hormonal changes. Sometimes, these baby blues continue for an extended period of time and become something more serious -- postpartum depression. As its name suggests, this type of depression occurs after childbirth.

Depression is recognized by a series of different symptoms lasting longer than two weeks in duration. Symptoms may include sadness, fatigue, irritability, loss of interest in favorite activities, a dramatic decrease or increase in appetite and sleeping patterns, and an overall feeling of hopelessness and despair. It is sometimes difficult for women to know if they are experiencing depression after childbirth because this time is filled with mental, physical and emotional changes.

If you think you are suffering from this type of depression, professional help is of utmost importance. After all, a new mother needs to feel her best not only for herself, but for her baby as well. Depression can overshadow what should be a happy and exciting time. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and decide whether or not they are indicative of depression. If a positive diagnosis is reached, treatment may include medication and counseling. Popular medications for the treatment of depression include SSRIs, or selective serotonin reputake inhibitors. Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft are all examples of SSRIs.

There are other ways women can deal with postpartum depression. In addition to following doctor's orders in regards to medication and therapy, other measures can be taken to minimize symptoms. Getting plenty of rest, eating a healthy diet, turning to loved ones for support and joining a support group for new mothers are all examples of potentially helpful strategies. Also, make sure you're getting enough rest. Most new moms are sleep deprived, which can make the symptoms of depression even more prevalent. Try to enlist help for middle of the night feedings if possible, and do your best to nap when your baby does. Taking good care of oneself can help enhance the effects of medication and therapy, and can help an overwhelmed new mother recover more quickly.

Copyright 2007 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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