Abstract
The current discourse hereby aims to present a description of a psychological disorder, specifically, postpartum depression. The discussion would provide the origin of the term, including an explanation of the disorder, the apparent causes, as well as relevant symptoms. In addition, the recommended treatment methods and approaches would also be expounded, as deemed needed. In sum, it was revealed that mothers who were afflicted with the disorder could recover through professional consultation, as well as through the holistic support of loved ones.
The word ‘postpartum’ is a Latin term which means after childbirth and the origins of which were traced in the mid-19th century . According to research, mothers who gave birth have tendencies of developing postpartum depression, defined as a kind of mental or psychological disorder that affects the mood of the mother. As explained, after childbirth, mothers’ level of hormones were found to drop significantly which could potentially lead to chemical changes in the brain . The changes in chemical levels apparently trigger mood swings where mixed feelings of anxiety, extreme sadness, and exhaustion allegedly hamper the ability of mothers to resume regular and routine daily activities. Concurrently, the symptoms are diverse and varied, including irritability, changes in appetite, feelings of isolation or withdrawn, exhaustion, lack of focus, sleeplessness, suicidal thoughts or guilt feelings . The mother could exhibit intense worry for not being able to attend to the needs of the baby in the most appropriate and effective manner. Insodoing, the mother also manifests inability to take care of herself.
In terms of treatment, depending on the severity of the exemplified symptoms, the mother should be admitted for professional consultation and appropriate administration of needed interventions. As learned, postpartum depression is “a psychiatric emergency. The woman may need to be admitted to hospital for treatment” . Moreover, there were identified medications which could be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms, such as antidepressant, antipsychotic, as well as mood stabilizing drug .
In sum, women who could experience postpartum depression could eventually recover and re-establish a strong bond with their babies. The essential aspect to acknowledge is the need for holistic support from their family and relatives, as well as from highly qualified and
competent medical practitioners.
References
Google. (2016, July 10). Postpartum definition. Retrieved from google.com: https://www.google.com.ph/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=postpartum+definition
National Health Services. (2014, September 19). Postpartum psychosis. Retrieved from nhs.uk: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/postpartum-psychosis/Pages/introduction.aspx
National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Postpartum Depression Facts. Retrieved from nih.gov: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/postpartum-depression-facts/index.shtml
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2016, June 7). Postpartum depression. Retrieved from nlm.nih.gov: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007215.htm
