Post-partum Depression -By Fashina Enioluwafe Dorcas

According to Google, depression is a mental disorder characterized by protracted sadness. It lowers your mood. Given that we all have times when we are not fully ourselves, it is something to which we can all connect. According to the Oxford Dictionary, postpartum refers to the time following childbirth. This is, to put it simply, the aftermath of having a child. It might be viewed as a whole as an emotional and mental condition that follows childbirth.

Although few individuals would want to discuss this subject, it is crucial. Although having a baby is wonderful, it can also elicit other emotions like dread,guilt, exhaustion, and other negative emotions. Peripartum depression is another term for postpartum depression. This issue affects the father, guardians, and even surrogate parents in addition to the child’s mother. One in seven new parents experience it, and it can linger for up to a year following childbirth. A primary health center in Eti osa local government in Nigeria conducted study on 250 women, and 35.6% of them were found to suffer postpartum depression. In contrast to Ethiopia (13.1%), Ghana (3.8%), and Morocco (11.6%), a number of nations have recorded greater percentages, including Uganda (43.0%) and Cameroun (23.4%). 7,8,9,10 Numerous research have been carried out in Nigeria utilizing the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to ascertain the prevalence of PPD (EPDS). The prevalence of PPD was estimated to be lowest and greatest in western Nigeria, with 14.6% and 23.0%, respectively. 11,12 A low incidence of 10.7% in one study and a high prevalence of 30.0% in the other were found in two separate studies carried out in South-Eastern Nigeria. 13,14 The prevalence rates of 44.5% and 21.8% in Northern Nigeria appeared to be high.

Thus, it is a topic that is relatable and not odd. The following are some of the symptoms of postpartum depression: Difficulty bonding with the infant, and in this case, the depressed person won’t be able to establish a connection with the youngster. (A excellent illustration is the situation of mothers who had difficult deliveries who after giving birth started to perceive the baby as a threat to their life and refused to form a link with the child.) Suicidal ideas and withdrawal from friends and family. crying excessively Anxiety attacks, panic attacks, thoughts of harming the baby, restlessness, insomnia, and many more symptoms. Following are a few causes of postpartum depression: Emotional issues: When a parent is worried about their abilities to care for their infant, whether due to a lack of resources or just because they feel unprepared for the kid they have created, the anxiety could lead to depression.

We have all heard stories of fathers and mothers walking away from their children for one reason or another, and many of these situations can be attributed to postpartum depression since the parents are unable to provide for the child in any way. Hormonal problems are another factor to consider. After childbirth, the body’s hormone levels drop, which can cause depression and fatigue.

Additionally, there are genetic aspects, which occur when an illness runs in a certain family. Anyone in that blood relation is at a greater risk of contracting it. Financial difficulties, bipolar disorder, unwanted pregnancies, bipolar disorder, and health issues are additional explanations. Marital discord, etc.

It is clear from what I have said above that this disease can only have a negative impact on a child’s life. Lack of connection or interaction between the parent and the child is just one of many repercussions. The youngster may struggle to form relationships with others, There could be emotional harm to the child. The child may not have been properly raised because the parent or guardian is going through a difficult time, leading to eating, sleeping, and learning disabilities. The child may also have been neglected. There are a number of things we can do to help our new mothers avoid developing postpartum depression, such as: Planning ahead is essential before getting pregnant, which is why people need to be educated about using condoms and family planning if they are not ready.

In Nigeria’s government hospitals, family planning services and condoms are both free. Therefore, there is no justification for having a child if you are not prepared. In addition, feel free to seek assistance after welcoming a new child. You don’t know everything. Keep in touch with people, have reasonable expectations (life is full of ups and downs, nothing can be perfect). There are methods for treating and managing it if you already have it. For instance: Purchase antidepressant drugs such as bupropion, imipramine, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, etc.

Therapy is one effective method of handling the situation; by doing so, you can speak with a licensed therapist and let them know what you are going through. Through your conversation with them, they will be able to suggest ways in which you can handle the circumstance perfectly. There are many therapists and counselors who are willing to assist, Get assistance with stressful household tasks, engage in activities you enjoy doing, such as singing, reading, or watching movies, and try to spend as much time as possible around family and friends. This will lift your spirits and drive away depressive thoughts.

Fashina Enioluwafe Dorcas
Department of English
Lagos state university