Article written for 10zyme internship.

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is something many women go through, it is a process in which mothers have mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, and begin feeling extremely depressed. Depending on how severe the condition is it can cause extreme mental difficulties to the point that everything loses meaning, and many women struggle to do the most basic of tasks due to PPD.

It mostly occurs days after birth and can last weeks if not months afterward if left untreated. These symptoms commonly include crying, hopelessness, sleeping too much or too little, anxiety or panic attacks, or even thoughts of harming themselves or their baby.

Postpartum Depression can also turn into Postpartum psychosis in which the symptoms are much more severe and dangerous to the mother and child. These symptoms include confusion, obsessive thoughts, hallucinations, paranoia, and even attempts to harm themselves or the infant. Postpartum psychosis may lead to life-threatening thoughts of situations that cannot be ignored and need immediate treatment and intervention.

It is a profoundly serious condition that is not something to be embarrassed of, which is why many new mothers feel, that because they need a little bit of extra support, they are bad mothers. It is vital to observe new mothers and constantly check up on their mental health, as giving birth is extremely exhausting and stressful.

Although many women feel like they are hopeless, there are many treatments available that will make them feel better and be able to bond with their newborn. Treatment and recovery are different for all patients as everyone goes through issues differently, however, here are some common treatments: psychotherapy, antidepressants, or other medications. There is nothing shameful about feeling lost and the doctors are there to help their patients get better as soon as possible.

While there is not a single cause for PPD, there are some physical and emotional changes that can play a role. Studies show that genetics can affect how likely it is for a woman to have PPD if she has an elevated risk of depression in her family. Although genetic depression has a chance to increase the odds of PPD, that is not always the case as it can also stem from difficulties at home, health issues, or other stresses in one’s life.

The most important thing to look out for is whether a new or veteran mother needs help, as sometimes when people are at their darkest, they do not ask for help. It is also important to note that PPD is natural, and there is nothing wrong with needing more support than others. It is vital to make sure that people are okay, especially after such an experience of giving birth.