Post-Partum Depression

[Name of the Institute]

Post-Partum Depression

Introduction

Post partum depression, also known as the postnatal depression is a cognitive disorder, which is caused among parents a shortly after the birth of the child. The females are predominantly affected by this form of clinical depression; however the entire family is impacted by this psychological dilemma. In the male occurrences the depressive tendency is developed predominantly for the new fathers. The mothers on the other hand suffer from post partum depression due to the substantial psychological and physical effort in the child birth and the pregnancy phase. The mothers have to cope with a massive change in their lifestyle and undergo several emotional changes during the entire childbirth process. The labor phase itself is one of the most physically challenging periods in the life of a mother. In this perspective the females might develop certain depressive tendencies after the birth of the child, as they seek to continue with their normal lives.

This paper would seek to critically analyze the nature the phenomenon of post partum depression, among the new parents, and its impact on the family dynamic. It is important to consider that the depressive tendencies of the parents have a substantial impact on the entire family, and the rest of the children (Dennis & McQueen, 2009). The symptoms and the impact on the health factors would also be analyzed and the adequate treatment alternatives would be analyzed. This form of depression has a massive impact on the new parents and their relevant family dynamics; hence the causes and the treatment processes would be highlighted. This disorder has to be treated with adequate care and vigilance, so that the health of the parents can be enhanced. The depressive tendencies impact the ability of the parents to adequately care for the child.

Health Issues

Post partum depression most commonly develops in the primary months, after the child birth process. It is most common among the mothers who have recently conceived children; however it can also emerge in other cases as well. Fathers who have developed new roles as parents also suffer from the post partum depressive tendencies. This form of depression is not only associated with parents after the birth of the child, in certain cases it developed in the families where the mother experience miscarriage. The depressive episodes emerge as the parents experience a stressful emotional state, which in the majority of the cases is caused by the birth of the child. The relevant symptoms of the depressive state start to emerge as soon as 3-4 weeks of the birth of the child. The predominant symptoms of the depressive disorder are given as sadness, feeling of hopelessness and lack of general motivation, low self esteem, social withdrawal, decreased sex drive, sleep and eating dysfunctions and various other negative impacts. The parents develop several tendencies which do not allow them to develop a positive lifestyle. The face issues in eating and sleeping, and their general levels of energy fall drastically. The diminishing nature of the health standards ...