During the Decent Conversations Mental Health Forum held on 11th May 2018 one of the topics discussed was on perinatal mood and anxiety disorder commonly known as baby blues.
The presentation was done by Franciscah Nzanga, Founder and Managing Director - of Mama Mzazi Mommy & Me.
Also check out: 7 Issues that Women Deal With at Different Points in Life
Perinatal
mood and anxiety disorders are related to mood and anxiety symptoms that
occur during pregnancy and up to 1 year after birth.
These symptoms include (but are not
limited to):
1. Exhaustion and difficulty
sleeping
2. Anxiety
3. Irritability, easily angered or agitated
4. Feelings of hopelessness, despair,
worthlessness
5. Having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of
harming one's child
Types of perinatal mood and anxiety
disorders include:
1. Postpartum depression
2. Postpartum psychosis
3. Postpartum anxiety
What is
Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is when one goes into a state of severe depression happens shortly after giving birth or within 4 – 6 weeks after.
Common signs and symptoms of postpartum depression are similar to those mentioned under perinatal mood and anxiety conditions.
Other symptoms include (but are not limited to):
1. Feeling overwhelmed
2. Frequent panic attacks
3. Lack of appetite
4. Difficulty bonding with one baby
5. Feelings of guilt and/or inadequacy
6. Seclusion and difficulty interacting with
others
7. Sadness and frequent crying
Also Read: 5 Common Causes of Back Pain in Women
The
exact cause of postpartum depression is unknown; however, biological, emotional, and environmental factors do play a role. Factors
that make one more susceptible to postpartum depression include (but are not
limited to):
a. History of mental illness in the family
b. Lack of proper support structures
c. Complicated pregnancy and/or childbirth
d. Lack of sufficient sleep
e. Financial difficulties
f. Excessive worry about the pressures of
parenthood
g. Hormonal changes which lead to an imbalance after
birth
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| Courtesy: thenation.com |
Treatment Methods
The
treatment method often depends on the severity of the depression. They include:
1. Counseling
2. Medication
3. Electroconvulsive therapy – for extreme
cases
Related Article: Top 5 Reasons Why I Love My Mum and So Should You
There are also a lot of organizations that offer
support groups with a counselor. Where different mothers can share their
experiences and learn how to cope with their day-to-day challenges.
More
often than not, it helps to have a good support system around you. Someone who
understands what you are going through, can help out with the baby from time to
time or even checks up on you from time to time. This might be one person or a
group of people.
Reach out to us for Counseling Services or to be part of a Support Group. Call or Text
0786404432 / 0724569526
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