Depression may occur even at anytime, even during when you least expect it.
Depression is usually caused by life events that caused extreme negative feelings or emotional trauma too an individual.
Unexpected change can completely destroy our defenses, thus letting the symptoms of major depressive disorders take place.
In postpartum depression, or PPD, the change that triggered the condition may be viewed as positive, or even welcome, change.
A baby's birth usually signals the start of a new life.
Nevertheless, some people still suffer from postpartum depression.
The symptoms of this condition is almost identical to major depression.
Symptoms include anxiety, sadness, and restlessness.
A new mother may also feel guilt, decreased energy levels and motivation, and an intense feeling of worthlessness.
These behaviors may become so severe that new mothers lose the opportunity to develop a bond with their child.
Postpartum depression may become difficult to diagnose because of its similarity in symptoms with pregnancy.
It is common for new mothers to experience fatigue, sleeplessness, or a drop in energy levels even without depression.
When making a diagnosis for PPD, it is important to consider the other behaviors illustrated above.
Postpartum depression may be mistaken as "baby blues," or low moods that the mother experiences for a short while after birth.
The main difference between the two is the length of time that the low mood persists.
If the symptoms become more severe or if they remain for more than a few weeks, a mental health professional should already be consulted.
The cause of PPD is found to be the radical change in the levels of the mother's hormones immediately after birth.
Pregnancy entails extreme levels of progesterone and estrogen throughout the woman's body.
Once the child has been born (or if there had been stillbirth or miscarriage), the levels of these hormones quickly drop to their normal amounts.
This change can occur in as short as one day.
Depression may be caused by this sudden drop.
It can also be caused by low levels in the thyroid hormones.
Through a simple blood test, this can be diagnosed and treated through medication.
PPD has shown to be very responsive to treatment.
As with all other manifestations of depression, antidepressants and counseling are typically used to treat the condition.
For mothers who are breast-feeding, let your doctor know so that he or she can prescribe medication that is safe for the baby.
Dealing with this condition also requires you to get plenty of rest, plenty of nutrition, and exercise.
It also helps if the new mother feels the support of her family and friends.