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The Differences Between Baby Blues And Postpartum Depression |
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The differences between baby blues and postpartum
depression are huge. Baby blues are a few days of sadness that come and
go 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.
On the other hand, Postpartum depression is an entirely different
disorder. It can afflict anytime during the first year of child's birth
and lasts anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. The symptoms of it
are similar to baby blues, but their intensity is more 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 be attended as soon
as possible. Counseling and other forms of support of a psychiatric
nature like group therapy are a good idea. The new mother may be
prescribed antidepressants if not breast feeding.
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.
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