Dubai Health Authority: One in nine women experience post-partum depression

Health authority explains the signs and symptoms one must be aware of

Last updated: March 29, 2022 | 13:36

Karishma H. Nandkeolyar, Parenting Editor

2 MIN READ

PPD is depression that occurs after childbirth. It involves feelings of extreme sadness, indifference and/or anxiety as well as changes in energy, sleep and appetite.

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One in nine women experience postpartum depression (PPD), Dubai Health Authority (DHA) wrote on its social media channel on Tuesday.

It explained in its Instagram post that PPD is depression that occurs after childbirth. It involves feelings of extreme sadness, indifference and/or anxiety as well as changes in energy, sleep and appetite. It is a serious but treatable medical illness.

What are the symptoms of PPD?

DHA lists the symptoms as:

Severe mood swings

Excessive crying and restlessness

Intense irritability, anxiety and panic attacks

Eating and sleeping too little or too much

Feeling guilty about not being a good mum

Doubting your ability to care for the baby

Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions

Loss of interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy

Withdrawing from family and friends

Recurrent thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

What causes PPD?

DHA explains that PPD is caused by a two-pronged tussle. These are:

Physical stressors

A dramatic drop in hormones after birth.

Emotional stressors

Sleep deprivation

Feeling less attractive

Loss of identity, and

Feeling a loss of control over your life.

What are the common types of treatment for postpartum depression?

Rehabilitation may require one or both of the following, it adds:

Psychological therapy

Medications (Anti-depressants)

When should you seek help?

DHA recommends seeing a professional if signs and symptoms:

Do not fade after two weeks.

Are getting worse.

Make it hard to you to care for your baby or complete your everyday tasks.

Include thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.

Dubai Health Authority: One in nine women experience post-partum depression

What are the symptoms of PPD?

What causes PPD?

Emotional stressors

What are the common types of treatment for postpartum depression?

When should you seek help?

Also Read: Dubai resident and mum of two: ‘The second time I had post-partum depression I couldn’t breathe’

Also Read: Living with postpartum depression: ‘I love my baby, but I just want to be alone,’ says UAE-based mum

Also Read: After being caught off guard with postpartum depression, Emirati begins an online counselling platform