Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression Postpartum depression is a disorder that occurs in women after giving birth to a child. Symptoms of the disorder may include: sluggishness, fatigue, exhaustion, sadness, depression, hopelessness, appetite and sleep disturbances, memory loss, over concern for the baby, uncontrollable crying, lack of interest in the baby, fears of harming the baby or self, and decreased libido. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and often leave the women feeling bewildered. Some women …

…selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These can be used in conjunction with anti-anxiety medication to reduce symptoms to manageable levels. A supportive therapeutic relationship is a key factor in educating the mother and her family about the illness, as is taking her through the six to eight months needed to recover. Group therapy has also been found to be a very effective means of treatment. With support and education, postpartum depression is a very treatable illness.