little overwhelmed and even a bit sad when they have given birth. This emotional vulnerability is quite common as the hormones in a
woman?s body are agitated and trying to find their place again. These ?baby blues? commonly last for up to two weeks and include
irritability, insomnia, anxiety, weepiness and moodiness. However, if these ?blues? don?t lift after two weeks, you may be experiencing
postpartum depression.

Symptoms of postpartum depression include:

Insomnia: The inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, even when the baby is asleep, is one of the key signs to postpartum depression.

Sadness and weepiness that persists throughout the day.

Feeling disinterested in activities that you normally enjoy and even those you don?t are another factor to consider in PPD.

Finding it difficult to concentrate.

Drastic changes in appetite.

Irritability and moodiness or mood swings.

Feelings of guilt to excess.

Anxiety or panic attacks.

Suicidal thoughts.

The medical industry is constantly missing diagnosis of postpartum depression in mothers. Between 10 and 20 per cent of mothers will

develop postpartum depression and many times it is ?sloughed off? as adjusting to being a new mother and feeling a little anxious about
having a new baby. In most cases, where these ?blues? have lasted longer than a couple of weeks, the mother is actually experiencing
true postpartum depression.

PPD can be mild to severe, from simply feeling weepy and moody to having thoughts of suicide and/or harming the baby.

If you think you may be suffering from PPD, seek help immediately. Be honest with yourself, your significant other and your healthcare
professional that you fear you may be suffering from postpartum depression and clearly state the symptoms you have been having.

within the first couple weeks after the mother gives birth. Crying jags, insomnia, mood swings, and feelings of loneliness, inadequacy,
and anxiety characterize the problem. No formal treatment is necessary, as it can be alleviated with simple mood enhancers like
sleeping whenever the baby does, asking for help, or joining a new mother’s group.

Postpartum depression, on the other hand, is an entirely different animal. It comes on anytime during the child’s first year and lasts
anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. The symptoms are similar to baby blues, but their intensity is increased exponentially. No
energy and feelings of shame and insignificance are added to problems of sleeping, constant anxiety, sadness, and lack of energy.

Postpartum depression needs formal treatment. A doctor should absolutely be seen. Counseling and other forms of support of a
psychiatric nature like group therapy are a good idea. If not breast feeding, the new mother may be prescribed antidepressants.

However, postpartum depression, as awful as it is, is not the worst that can happen to a new mother’s state of mind after birth.
Postpartum psychosis is considerably more disturbing. A rare occurrence, postpartum psychosis usually shows up within the first six

weeks after the child is born. When it does happen, it is women who suffer from serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar
disorder who will most likely develop postpartum psychosis. Symptoms include obsessing on the baby and violent mood swings from
elation to rage and extreme depression.

All of the above disorders can be treated, but first, it needs to be diagnosed. See a doctor immediately if symptoms are exhibited.

extremely common among infants and that there is still only a small amount of information toward deciding whether or not it is linked to
postpartum depression in the mother.
The study was conducted with 78 mothers who had given birth within a month. They were asked to take tests that were standardized
across the board that had as their goal the detection of postpartum depression. Meanwhile, each of these mothers’ babies was also

tested ? for colic.
Of the 78 mothers, 10 were in a high risk category for postpartum depression. Of the 78 infants, 17 had colic. The percentage of
mothers at high risk for postpartum depression that also had colicky babies was significantly higher than mothers not at risk.
The possible link between colic and postpartum depression may be found in the fact that women with the problem often don’t form a very

strong bond with their new babies. The lack of attachment may be a contributory factor to the baby’s colic. The mothers who tested as
having attachment disorder, a relative of postpartum depression, were much more likely to have a baby with colic.
The possibility that colic may be linked to postpartum depression is not without its solution. Early diagnosis and treatment of the
mother’s state of mind can decrease the possibility of detachment between mother and child as well as colic. Of course, further studies
are necessary to definitively determine whether or not postpartum depression and colic are linked.

being pregnant, they can also be signs of depression. Depression can be a feeling of sadness, unhappiness, or just feeling miserable
for a period of time. Although these feelings are normal and happen to almost every pregnant woman, if the feelings last for an extended
period of time then it is more severe. Some of the symptoms can be crying a lot, feeling worthless, no energy, loss of interest in
different activities, and being withdrawn from family and friends. When those symptoms persist for extended periods of time, then it is a

good sign of upcoming postpartum depression, and it is time to get them under control.

Unfortunately, most women don?t seek help when this happens because they feel ashamed or embarrassed. Women can deal with
these symptoms by taking a few steps in the right direction. First of all, women can talk to their husbands, mates, or close friends

instead of keeping feelings bottled up inside. They can also do only as much as they can and leave the rest of the work for someone
else. They shouldn?t feel like they have to do it all. They should try not to be alone all the time and talk to some other mothers that
seem to be going through the same things. Finally, they can avoid unneeded stress and not make any immediate life changes until
some more time has passed by. Even with all these suggestions, however, it is imperative that pregnant women whose lives are
negatively affected by these feelings consult their physicians.

with postpartum depression or pregnant women concerned about developing it, wonder about the causes of postpartum depression.
However, the causes of postpartum depression are not cut-and-dry. While there is no surefire way to prevent postpartum depression,
there are various explanations, as well as risk factors that are linked to the causes of postpartum depression.

Many doctors believe that postpartum depression can be triggered by major biological and hormonal changes that occur immediately
after pregnancy and childbirth. Other possible causes of postpartum depression are associated with risk factors. This means that some
women are more likely than others to develop postpartum depression.

For example, if you have a personal history of depression, or if you experienced high anxiety during your pregnancy, you may be at
higher risk of postpartum depression. Other risk factors that may increase your likelihood of getting postpartum depression include
age?very young or older mothers may be at higher risk; an unplanned pregnancy; an unsupportive partner; marital or financial
difficulties; a recent serious life change; and a family history of depression, anxiety, abuse or addictions.

Other causes of postpartum depression seem to be situational. A long or traumatic labor and delivery, obstetric complications, a difficult
recovery or a frustrating breastfeeding experience, as well as insufficient sleep, lack of help from others and no breaks from the baby
can all contribute to postpartum depression.

However, it is important to remember that there are no guaranteed causes of postpartum depression. Women who don?t have any of the
?risk factors? can still get postpartum depression. Similarly, a woman may have a short, uncomplicated labor, a great bonding
experience with an easygoing baby and plenty of help, yet still develop postpartum depression.

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conditions may not want to admit. Overcoming postpartum depression and anxiety can be very challenging, but it can be done.

Overcoming postpartum depression and anxiety begins with admitting it to yourself so you can actively seek help. It?s also important for
you to tell someone and share your feelings?your partner, your mother, a close friend, a mom?s support group?so they can help you

on the road to overcoming postpartum depression and anxiety. Having these support people available, even if it?s just on the phone, can
do a world of good in overcoming postpartum depression and anxiety.

Furthermore, ensure you get adequate help. Delivered meals, help with the baby and cleaning the house will all aid in overcoming

postpartum depression and anxiety. In addition, getting enough sleep and rest is critical to your success in overcoming postpartum
depression and anxiety. If you can?t sleep when the baby sleeps, find someone to watch the baby. Getting out of the house with your
baby and getting away from your baby regularly is also essential for overcoming postpartum depression and anxiety. Run errands, go for
a walk, have coffee with a girlfriend or visit a relative.

It?s also critical to talk to your doctor who will be able to further advise you in overcoming postpartum depression and anxiety.
Counseling and other forms of therapy may be recommended. For some women, medication may be beneficial and even necessary for
overcoming postpartum depression and anxiety, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety pills.

Finally, remember that comparing yourself to other moms might only aggravate your symptoms of depression and anxiety. All moms
experience hard times, especially in the beginning. The bottom line for overcoming postpartum depression and anxiety is to talk about it
and get all the help you can.

hormonal changes after pregnancy. Other possible causes of postpartum depression include a combination of sleep deprivation;
complications with the birth, recovery or breastfeeding, a challenging baby; loss of control; and a general, overwhelming feeling of stress
and frustration.

Symptoms of postpartum depression include no or little interest in the baby, fatigue, restlessness, sadness, a major change in appetite,
withdrawal from people, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, excessive crying and being afraid of hurting the baby or oneself. Instead
of feeling joy at the birth of their baby, many women with postpartum depression feel sadness, pain, indifference, fear, isolation,
resentment, anxiety, frustration, anger and as a result, guilt.

There are many things you can do if you?re dealing with postpartum depression. The first?and hardest?step is admitting it and telling
someone so you can get help for postpartum depression. Next, it?s important for you as a new mom suffering from postpartum
depression to get some help with the baby and around the house. Something else that helps with postpartum depression is getting
some rest and taking it easy?whether it?s sleep, watching TV, lying down with a good book or taking a bath.

Furthermore, getting out of the house can help alleviate symptoms of postpartum depression, whether you go for a walk with your baby,
go shopping together, visit someone nearby or run some errands. In addition, it?s important to get away from your baby, whether it?s for
some alone time, a date night or a girl?s night out.

If you?re dealing with postpartum depression, you also need to avoid comparing yourself to other moms. It might also be helpful to join a
postpartum support group or other mother?s group. Finally, talk to your doctor, who may be able to further advise you. Some cases of
postpartum depression require medication, like antidepressants, and counseling.

pregnancy these hormones increase rapidly and within the first 24 hours of childbirth they decrease rapidly to pre-pregnancy levels.
These hormones also change during the women?s menstrual period. These two hormones are steroid type hormones that support
reproduction. Postpartum Depression is a form of a major depression that must not go untreated or it can lead to severe
consequences.

Hormonal changes before the menstrual cycle, those that are sufficient enough to cause premenstrual syndrome, and severe hormonal
changes during the menstrual period can lead a woman to react unpredictably to different situations. The same can happen during
postpartum depression. For instance, she may begin to cry profusely or she may suddenly seem angered for no sufficient reason.

Likewise, depression can result from rapid hormonal changes. This can be due to the hormonal changes that have rapidly occurred in
her body and this can be postpartum depression; this is why some researchers say that postpartum depression stems from hormonal
changes. The same symptoms of postpartum depression seem to occur during menstrual periods in which the estrogen and
progesterone rapidly increase and decrease, albeit the symptoms produced by hormonal changes during menstruation are far less
severe.

When experiencing postpartum depression, a woman normally shouldn?t spend a lot of time secluded from others as this can intensify
feelings associated with the onset of depression. Further, if a woman suspects that she is experiencing postpartum depression, she
needs to seek outside assistance as soon as possible: the sooner she gets help in managing the symptoms, the better off she will be

in terms of psychological health.

goes untreated? First and foremost, an attachment problem between mother and child can develop if postpartum depression goes
untreated. Mother and child, not given the chance to bond properly, may be in store for significant problems down the road.
Postpartum depression is not an issue that will go away on its own and women who go untreated may find an increased sense of
alienation developing between the baby and themselves.

The mother may also have trouble being a good parent to her child. She may undergo times of irritableness, have less energy, and
show signs of lack of concentration. These symptoms can cause her to feel guilty and question her ability of being a good mother. All
of these can cause the mother to become withdrawn from her child and give the child an uneasy feeling of neglect. This will enhance

the depression and cause it to deepen and worsen.

In some cases, we have seen on the news where mothers have killed their children in one shape or form due to depression that has
gone untreated. Research says that postpartum depression can affect the baby by causing it to have language problems, emotional
bonding issues, and behavioral problems. The baby will feel these affects first and then this will carry over into the family because it will

become harder to raise the baby. All of this and more can be avoided with a little proactive attention.

at best. Hormones, most likely, which cause chemical changes in the brain, but there is no definitive research to prove this one way or
the other.

However, it has been shown that certain factors may mean that you are more likely than others to get postpartum depression. If you’ve

had it before, or if you suffered from depression or severe PMS before you got pregnant, or if your emotional support system isn’t the
greatest or you’ve gone through some tough times recently, you are more likely to suffer from postpartum depression.

Take heart. Postpartum depression doesn’t last forever. Anywhere from a few weeks to a year is average, with those who have

experienced emotional difficulties or stressful situations or who were suffering from depression before they got pregnant may find that
the symptoms last longer.

While you wait for it to pass, there are plenty of resources at your disposal if you feel that you need help. There are support groups and
one-on-one therapy at your disposal. Most areas have a 1-800 numbers that you can call in an emergency, and there are quite a few

forums and places online for you to talk to others who are experiencing postpartum depression as well.

Try to make sure that you get out of the house everyday, even if it’s just for a short walk. Set up a routine so that you have a plan for
your day, and try and meet friends for tea if you have time. Anything to break the doldrums of life with a demanding baby will help you

get through your postpartum depression until it passes.