Postnatal Depression - aka Postpartum Depression
About the design
Our designer, SKULLSY, has created this design to encourage positive conversation and increase awareness for Postnatal Depression.
The design illustrates the celebrations and gifts which often come with welcoming a new child into the World. Within the design you can also see a young Baby Skull in his cot crying and reaching out for his mother.
Baby Skull can be seen distressed with her back turned unable to cope with the sudden change and demand which is now on her shoulders.
The Condition
A mood disorder or depression that occurs in mothers after the birth of a baby. Usually this will be a short term disorder.
Common (More than 20,000 cases per year in UK)
Doesn't require lab test or imaging
Treatable by a medical professional
Can last several weeks or months
It may occur due to the change in hormone levels, genetics or stress. It is more common after the birth of the first child. The mothers of new-borns encounter the feeling of depression and anxiety during the first few weeks after childbirth. It is usually treatable with counselling and medication.
Symptoms
Though symptoms are most commonly seen in the first few weeks after birth, they can occur anytime within the first year. Emotional, behavioural and cognitive changes may be caused.
-
Feeling of sadness and anxiety
-
Sleeping a lot or too less
-
Eating too less or too much
-
Unexplained aches, pain or illness
-
Anxiety, irritation or anger for no reason
-
Sudden mood changes
-
Poor concentration
-
Difficulty in remembering things
-
Feelings of worthlessness, guilt and hopelessness
-
Recurrent thoughts of death and suicide
-
Lack of pleasure in things that were earlier enjoyable
-
Feeling disconnected with the baby
Treatments
It is usually treatable with counselling and medication.
Medication
Self-care
-
Talk with your loved and dear ones about your problem
-
Try to follow a healthy routine
-
Engage yourself in recreational and enjoyable tasks
Therapies: Psychotherapy
Causes
There's no single cause of postpartum depression, but physical and emotional issues may play a role.
-
Physical changes. After childbirth, a dramatic drop in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) in your body may contribute to postpartum depression. Other hormones produced by your thyroid gland also may drop sharply - which can leave you feeling tired, sluggish and depressed.
-
Emotional issues. When you're sleep deprived and overwhelmed, you may have trouble handling even minor problems. You may be anxious about your ability to care for a newborn. You may feel less attractive, struggle with your sense of identity or feel that you've lost control over your life. Any of these issues can contribute to postpartum depression.
Source - Wikipedia