Postpartum depression is characterized by constant sadness

Postpartum depression has been found to occur in more than 15% of new mothers. There is good reason to believe that this could be on the lower side due to the number of instances where this condition goes untreated. More commonly found baby blues last probably a few weeks, but post partum depression is different and more disturbing.

It is characterized by constant sadness, guilt, weight loss, insomnia, fatigue, hopelessness, irritability, anxiety, forgetfulness and crying for no apparent reason. These symptoms may be moderate or severe. But if such symptoms are shown it is best that professional help may be approached. Left untreated it can lead to various undesirable mental and physical conditions.

For some women, who have this illness can be extremely hard to encounter. They can be sinking into the darkest corners of despair, unable to cope with her child, the biological changes surging through her body and the severe effects of this illness overwhelming her brain. She can be extremely anxious over her ability to care for her newborn, and her brain's chemical changes can produce intolerable levels of panic.

The condition is classified as a mental illness and at times to the point of severe psychosis and should be treated as soon as the early symptoms manifest. It should be understood that a significant percentage of women suffer more serious symptoms though fatalities are few and far between. As in all cases of this kind of illness, early identification and treatment are the keys to successful therapy. The doctor is the best person to identify the severity of symptoms and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Medications are determined by the severity. Most cases can be treated on an outpatient basis. For moderate to severe cases, psychotherapy is used in conjunction with specific anti depressant drugs. Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and heterocyclic antidepressants are among the most commonly used for patients with moderate to severe symptoms.

Whether they are scientifically effective, alternative therapies, by providing forms of relaxation and relief from stress, have a place in healing and general health and well-being. Alternative therapies include acupuncture, guided imagery, chiropractic treatments, yoga, hypnosis, biofeedback, aromatherapy, relaxation, herbal remedies, massage, and many others. In general, alternative therapies by themselves are effective for mild, but not more severe forms of depression.

Also read our article about Female Depression