Following childbirth it is natural for women to feel low moods. This can be mild, normal or severe. About 10 to 15% of mothers feel post natal depression. For something like substance induced depression symptoms, you are feeling low and tearful, irritability, anxiety, lack of appetite etc. Postnatal depression occurs in mothers with previous history of the same. It is good to meet the doctor at the early signs of postnatal depression. The doctor will run a postnatal depression test by asking a series of symptomatic questions. It is more like a screening quiz. The doctor will decide on how severe the case is and prescribe a line of treatment accordingly.  The likely questions in this screening quiz goes like this:- •    Signs of irritability, depression or crying a lot •    Lack of energy •    Not able to sleep even if very tired •    Overeating and gaining weight •    Lack of interest in sex or pleasure activities •    Feeling guilty •    Headaches, chest pains, hyper ventilation The doctor will go on to the next step depending on how the answers are.  Although the exact trigger for postnatal depression symptoms is not known hormonal changes can be one good reason. During pregnancy the levels of the estrogen and progesterone increase and it falls rapidly 24 hours after birth and continues to do so. Doctors feel this could be one reason. Once you go through postnatal depression test, doctors will begin the treatment accordingly. The treatment is based on how severe the ...

Postnatal depression or baby blues is a mild temporary anxiety syndrome after the birth of a child.  It lasts for a few days or weeks. During this time a the mother experiences some symptoms like irritability, mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, sadness, crying etc. most often these symptoms go away but in some cases in can extend beyond two weeks causing severe mood swings, intense irritability and anger and not being able to bond with your baby. Causes of Postnatal Depression Physical, emotional as well as lifestyle changes cause postnatal depression symptoms.  After delivery, the estrogen and progesterone levels drop dramatically. This contributes to depression symptoms. The thyroid may also fluctuate making you very tried. Changes in blood pressure, metabolism and immune system can cause mood swings. There are herbal supplements for post natal depression. Choose a good brand if you want to use them. Sleepless nights drain the mother emotionally. Sleepless nights also mean looking tired and even less attractive. Anxiety creeps in and also some mothers question their capability to look after the child.  The mother knows all this but is unable to cope. Support from spouse is important during these times. He should understand what post natal depression is about and step in to help. This is especially important if there is an older sibling. Financial constraints and breast feeding difficulties may lead to post natal depression. If the pregnancy was unwanted or a difficult one throughout the entire period, post natal depression symptoms sets in. Consult your ...