Causes of Postpartum Depression

Causes of Postpartum Depression

Here in this post, we are providing the “Causes of Postpartum Depression”. You can discuss more your concerns about mental health in our community, and we will provide you with tips and solutions in a short time. Keep visiting Mental Health.

Causes

There’s no single cause of postpartum depression, but physical and emotional issues may play a role.

Causes of Postpartum Depression
Causes of Postpartum Depression

Physical changes

After childbirth, a dramatic drop in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) in your body may contribute to postpartum depression. Other hormones produced by your thyroid gland also may drop sharply which can leave you feeling tired, sluggish and depressed.

Emotional issues

There are the following emotional issues

  • Lack of sleep 
  • Anxiety 
  • Self image 

Lack of sleep

When you’re sleep-deprived and overwhelmed, you may have trouble handling even minor problems. 

Anxiety

You may be anxious about your ability to care for a newborn.

Self-image

You may feel less attractive, struggle with your sense of identity, or feel that you’ve lost control over your life. Any of these issues can contribute to postpartum depression.

Other factors that causes PPD 

Some things that can raise the chances of postpartum depression include:

  • A history of depression prior to becoming pregnant, or during pregnancy.
  • Age at time of pregnancy (the younger you are, the higher the chances)
  • Ambivalence about the pregnancy
  • Children (the more you have, the more likely you are to be depressed in a later pregnancy)
  • Family history of mood disorders
  • Going through an extremely stressful event, like a job loss or health crisis
  • Having a child with special needs or health problems
  • Having twins or triplets
  • Having a history of depression or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
  • Limited social support
  • Living alone
  • Marital conflict

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