This is depression that women get after giving birth to their little angels. It is quite common, but at times, it goes unnoticed or is taken for granted. It has led to many mothers having suicidal thoughts and and some execute the thoughts to completion. There are many ways of knowing if your spouse or friend has post-partum depression depending on whether they elicit the following signs:

  • Inability to continue with normal tasks

The lady will have trouble concentrating on usual normal tasks previously performed with no difficulty such as cleaning of the home. She might even neglect her own health or neatness making personal hygiene strained.

  • Unexplained cases of anger outbursts

The woman might become angry and even have dramatic reactions over issues that do not call for such reactions. She might elicit signs of pilled up anger that she conveniently vents out once provoked.

  • Thoughts of harming the baby

In extreme and severe cases, the mother might have thoughts of harming the baby. She might stop breastfeeding them leaving them starve. They might even go ahead and kill the little angel. This is why the family should get very supportive to avoid such extreme cases that could even harm the mother too.

  • Abnormal behavior such as speaking to herself

Depression can trigger signs and symptoms that would completely mimic psychosis. This is when it is highly advanced and is causing a disruption in the normal thought process of the mother.

  • Isolation

They might also isolate themselves and prefer to stay locked up at home all alone. This might even exacerbate the condition as they are all alone most of the time. When asked about the baby, they do not have the joy that mothers show when they speak about their children.

Causes

There are many causes that could be attributed to post-partum depression. They include:

-Having a baby from an unwanted pregnancy.

-Having an unsupportive father who leaves the mother alone and depressed.

-Giving birth to a child who has congenital and birth abnormalities.

-Feelings of falling short of the standards set on being a good parent.

-Criticism on one’s parenting abilities.

-Financial challenges on bringing up the baby.

Solution

This is a common health condition that has solutions as anything out there in the world. So, take it easy and know that it is not the end of life! You can get help from friends and relatives by surrounding yourself with happy people who make you see the brighter side of life. Also one can affirm their own capabilities as a mother and know that they are doing their very best. They can also see a counselor who will talk to them and see a way forward on psychologically solving the problem. They could alternatively see a psychiatrist who will listen to them and prescribe some antidepressants.

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Lots of Love,

Ruguru Kimani.