Is post partum depression real?

Question

I have 2 kids, my youngest is 13 months...

With my first child, I admit I was sad.
I was sad because nobody told me your body does a 180, and that it looks TOTALLY different (for most women) after you have kids. (stretchmarks, droopy skin, ect.)
I was sad because I excusively breastfed (no formula or bottles of expressed milk) and would have to go 3 or 4 nights in a row without so much as a 20 minute catnap. (my hubby worked OTR)
I was sad because family wasn't available to help ect...
Then when I finished breastfeeding I was sad because everyone who praised breastfeeding failed to tell me my breasts would be reduced to drooping flaps of skin, once I weaned.



BUT I WAS NEVER DEPRESSED, I never felt disconnected from my own children, I never felt angry, and I just don't see how anyone could.

Do you think post partum depression is REAL, or do you think it is just ungrateful, selfish women feeling sorry for themselves and making excuses?

Answer 1

Yes it's real. I was starting to fall into the depression when my son got Jaundice and had to go back to the hospital. Then I realized, I didn't have time to be depressed.

Answer 2

Post partum depression is a condition that affects new mothers both physically and emotionally shortly after giving birth. It is classified into three different categories depending upon the severity of the occurrence.

The first type of Post Partum Depression is sometimes called the "baby blues." This stage is characterized by sudden mood swings, either feeling ecstatically happy or drastically sad. It may last for just a few hours or as long as a week or two. The "baby blues" do not necessarily need to be treated by a physician.

The second category of PPD is Post Partum Depression. This condition is similar to the "baby blues" only much more severe. It can occur after the birth of any child, not just the first one. In addition to mood swings, the sufferer also experiences irritability, restlessness, and an inability to enjoy doing the things she once enjoyed. Her ability to function normally is impaired and the symptoms can last for as long as a year. Treatment by a physician is usually recommended.

The third category of Post Partum Depression is called Post Partum Psychosis. This is an extremely serious form of PPD. Post Partum Psychosis usually occurs within the first three months after delivery. It is marked by hallucinations both auditory and visual. The patient loses touch with reality and can also suffer from insomnia, anger, agitation, and exhibit odd or abnormal behaviors. Post Partum Psychosis always requires treatment.

There are many reasons women suffer from Post Partum Depression but the exact cause is not clear. Some suspected causes are hormonal changes in the body caused by the pregnancy, and a past history of depression. Thyroid levels also change after delivery and this is thought to affect the woman's energy level and mood swings.

Answer 3

Yes it is very real, and varies in intensity from pregnancy to pregnancy. The REAL reason Tom Cruise apologized to Brooke Shileds was because Katie has actully been going through mild bout of it herself. So much for the Tom Cruise theory of Post Partum.

Answer 4

Yes it's real, otherwise tons of women wouldn't be diagnosed with it all the time. Some women are lucky and don't become depressed, but others do and you shouldn't make fun of them. Depression isn't something you bring on yourself--it's just something that happens. Seems to me that you had slight symptoms of it as well.

Answer 5

Yes it is real. It is like other types of depression. There is an actual chemical deficiency in the brain that causes this. It has been proven by medical professionals.

Answer 6

I don't know how you can doubt a scientifically proven condition. Do you honestly think that thousands of women world wide are making it up??? I suppose though, if you went through your whole pregnancy thinking you'd come out as bouncy and firm as you went in, it explains why you are making assumptions like this.

Answer 7

Yes it's real. Just because you don't experience it, doesn't mean other women are making it up.

Answer 8

DAMN RIGHT IT IS!!!! My Mother said she never had it. My step-sister had it though and she would just cry ALL THE TIME!!! It was so annoying but thank God it's over.

Answer 9

yes it's real, just because it hasn't happened to you doesn't make it real. i suppose if you've never heard or seen something then i guess it doesn't exist?

Answer 10

it is very real. i had it with my last daughter.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-partum_depression