The birth of a child is a happy time, but there are instances where women can experience postpartum depression after childbirth. It has even been known to occur in men, but not as frequently. This type of depression may take place in the first few months after the child has been born and may last for months or up to one year.

The symptoms may vary among women but can include any of the following:

  • Sadness.
  • Hopeless feelings.
  • Lethargy.
  • Anxiety.
  • Decreased sex drive.
  • Angry feelings.
  • Inability to experience joy from enjoyable activities.
  • Guilty feelings.
  • Extreme fatigue.
  • Lack of self-esteem.
  • Frustration.
  • Feelings of inadequacy in caring for the baby.
  • Inability to write and/or speak clearly.
  • Problems with sleeping.
  • Little or no appetite.

When depression occurs after the birth of a child, there can be a number of reasons for it. It may be due to a lack of vitamins, as some researchers believe, but a more likely cause is the change in hormones that take place in a woman’s body after giving birth. Low thyroid levels can contribute to a number of depression symptoms. A new mother may also experience feelings of inadequacy and depression simply because she is a new mother. It can be overwhelming to take care of a life, and a woman will have stress that she did not have before due to her new baby. Lack of sleep, changes in routine, little or no control over time, feelings of being unattractive due to the loss of her figure and even identity issues can all contribute to a woman experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression.

There is a more serious form of depression known as postpartum psychosis. This condition can cause the mother to act very strangely to the point where she may hear and see things that do not exist. She may actually be a risk to herself or to her new child as she may experience feelings of committing suicide or of harming her child and feel that she has to act on them. Postpartum psychosis has a greater chance of occurring in women who have Bipolar Disorder or have had previous episodes of psychosis. Women who experience this condition need to get immediate professional help.

Postpartum depression can make it very difficult for women to function normally. They will also have problems bonding with their new baby and giving the child the care that he or she needs, which can have a profound effect on the child’s development. The proper treatment for this condition is very similar to the treatment for regular depression. It may consist of psychotherapy, medication and hormone therapy. When taking medication, be very careful with breastfeeding, as medication can be passed to the baby through the mother’s milk. This is an issue that should be discussed with the doctor.

There are also different things that a woman can do for herself to help with postpartum depression. It is always good to have people to talk with that will offer support and love. Family and friends can play a big part in helping a woman to recover from depression, and a support group consisting of other women going through a similar experience will also be very beneficial. It may be helpful to keep a daily journal of feelings and thoughts. And women should not expect themselves to be perfect when taking care of their children and handling all of their other responsibilities. If they allow themselves to be human, they will feel much better.