Causes of Postnatal Depression

The exact cause of postnatal depression is yet to be ascertained, however, the following could be the major contributing factors:

• Physical changes - Although there has been an easy birth, each pregnancy and process of child birth is an overwhelming experience for the female human body. The sudden depletion of some pregnancy hormones due to child birth affects the neurotransmitters contributing to depression.
• Emotional changes - Adapting to the new scenario and to the newest member of the family can be a little tricky. Dealing with the constant demands of the baby, the resulting changes in her relationship with the child’s father and the loss of independence while recovering from the physically traumatic child birth can result in depression.
• Social changes - The social demands a new mother has to cope with coupled with workplace demands or loss or work can add to the already developing symptoms of a postnatal depression.

The following salient points would keep a new mother in good stead:

• Postnatal depression has no fixed time to develop. It can happen anytime during the first year.
• The Postnatal depression can range from a mild feeling of sadness to an acute depression.

Contacting a counselor or a doctor is the best alternative in these conditions.

What if your partner has postnatal depression

The following links help explain the problem in more detail

What is Postnatal Depression?

What causes Postnatal Depression?

What are the symptoms of Postnatal Depression?

How is Postnatal Depression treated?

What can partners/friends/relatives do to help?