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Post-Partum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the mental health complications that may arise following childbirth. 

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) defines postpartum depression as a depressive episode with moderate to severe severity that begins four weeks after delivery and can last up to 12 months after childbirth.

Risk factors:

  • History of depression
  • Stressful life events
  • Low social support
  • Antenatal anxiety
  • Preference of infant’s gender
  • Low income
  • Marital problems
  • Emergency delivery

Symptoms:

  • Feeling sad, low mood, tearful most of the time
  • Loss of interest in things that used to give pleasure.
  • Feeling tired all the time
  • Trouble at sleeping 
  • Loss of appetite or overeating
  • Problems concentrating and making decisions.
  • Feeling hopeless, guilty, self-blame

If you think you or someone you know may be depressed after delivering a baby, please seek help or direct them to the support they need.

 

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