POSTNATAL DEPRESSION

Postnatal Depression

Postnatal Depression

Introduction

For most women, putting a child in the world is a very intense experience, both physically and emotionally. It is natural for many new moms to experience mood swings after delivery, feeling happy and sad at times. These feelings are sometimes called "baby blues" or "baby blues". In most cases, they disappear about 10 days after delivery. However, some women may experience a deep depression and continues to last much longer. This is the post-partum depression (Aikawa, 2006).

Despite the fact that this state has been known for a long time, it has not always been recognized as a disease. Therefore, postnatal depression is still misdiagnosed. It is a treatable disease successfully. Plus it is detected early, treatment is more effective.

It is important to identify and recognize the symptoms of postnatal depression as early as possible, whether you or another person. This can be difficult because the depressive feelings are often accompanied by intense feelings of fear and irrational. Mom may fear losing control or being seen by others as being unfit to be mothers.

Women with postnatal depression may feel for being bad mothers and be reluctant to seek help. Do not despair nor forget that treatments are available to women in need. Researchers have identified three types of postnatal depression: the baby blues (baby blues), postnatal depression and puerperal psychosis (Bhutta, 2008).

Baby Blues

The baby blues is the mildest form of postnatal depression. It usually occurs between the first and third day after birth and is manifested by crying, irritability, poor sleep, mood swings and feelings of vulnerability. These blues may last several weeks and an estimated 50% to 80% of mothers know them. The "baby blues" occur mostly in the first days after delivery, and symptoms last from a couple of days until one or two weeks more. A new mother can have moments mood swings, sadness, mourn without reason, lack of appetite, difficulty sleeping, feeling irritable, feeling anxious, and feeling lonely. Symptoms of "baby blues" no are severe, and are not needed any treatment physician. What if you can do to feel better during this stage is to sleep when the baby sleeps, ask for help from the couples, family and friends and above all, to join as before a support group for new mothers (Chen, 2005).

Postnatal depression is more debilitating than the baby blues. Women who are infected experience the following symptoms: depression, tearfulness, and feelings of not being up to snuff, guilt, anxiety, irritability and fatigue. Physical symptoms include headaches, numbness, chest pain and hyperventilation. A woman suffering from postnatal depression may experience feelings of ambivalence, negativity or disinterest toward his child. Such feelings can have a negative impact on the development of the emotional bond between mother and child. As this disorder is still unclear and little studied, it is not always stated. It is estimated that it occurs in 3% to 20% of deliveries. Depression can occur at any time during the six months following childbirth and may last for several months ...