Postpartum Depression

1 Pages 326 Words

In this paper I plan to discuss the types of depressions associated with postpartum depression listed in the article. I will use examples cited in the article. I will also include observations and information on depression obtained from the text book as well as the instructor.
Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can affect up to eighty percent of new mothers. It is a mild depression that new mothers can experience up to one year after giving birth. If left untreated it can have devastating effects on the mother, child and society. Even though a great deal of research has been done in this area, there is still no universal agreement on what causes it or how it should be treated.
Usually, about three to four days after a new baby has arrived, there is an emotional let down which usually goes away in about two weeks. This is a normal result from having a child. The connection to the fetus is severed both emotionally and physically. There is a surge and drop in hormones which can cause a woman to be on an emotional roller coaster. This usually results in feelings of inadequacy as both a woman and mother. Loss of interest in normal day to day activity as well as impaired concentration and anxiety are present. A feeling of helplessness and constantly being lost is hard to get over. It is especially dangerous if underlying conditions were present beforehand. This can also have a triggering effect and lead to future types of illnesses.
There is a medical distinction made between the diagnosis of postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. There are some emotional reactions to a new mom that may signify depression; however it is not as severe as postpartum psychosis. For example, a mother might have wrong and potentially dangerous thoughts, but she will not act on them. She will be able to recognize the consequences....