POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION IN UGANDA

                                              POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION IN UGANDA

Having a baby is a life-changing experience and being a parent is exciting but can also be tiring and overwhelming. It’s normal to have feelings of worry or doubt, especially if you are a first-time parent. According to Kayden Foundation Uganda, after child birth vulnerable mothers may experience mental health issues which include their emotional, psychological, and social well-being getting affected thus changing how they think, feel, and act. Mental health is very important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Over the course of one’s life, many factors can contribute to their mental health problems, including: biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry, Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse, family history of mental health problems, etc.

A recent Ugandan study reported a PPD prevalence of 27.1% among 6 weeks postpartum mothers, though the experiences these vulnerable mothers go through and how they cope with PPD is unknown. A deeper understanding of what this phenomenon means from a mother’s perspective can suggest possible interventions through policy development against PPD.

A vulnerable mother ought to give herself permission to reach out to others. Around 1 in 8 people experience symptoms of postpartum depression according to the CDC. It is extremely vital to know and recognize the numerous signs and symptoms of PND in order to gain access to help as early as possible. The severity of PND depends on the number of symptoms, their intensity and the extent to which they affect your day today life.

Symptoms are; low mood for two of more weeks, loss of interest in oneself of the baby, changes in appetite/ weight, insomnia, consistent tiredness, tearfulness, despair/ feeling trapped, little or no motivation, loss of focus, anxiety, guilt, irritation, isolation, tension, body aches and suicidal thoughts, etc.

Anxiety keeps the mother awake and makes the heart race; overwhelming feelings of guilt/ worthlessness could also indicate that help is needed.

Postpartum psychosis is an extremely severe form of postpartum depression and requires emergency medical attention. This condition is relatively rare, affecting only 1 in 1,000 people after delivery whose symptoms occur quickly after delivery and are severe, lasting for a few weeks to several months. Symptoms include severe agitation, confusion, feelings of hopelessness and shame, insomnia, paranoia, delusions or hallucinations, hyperactivity, rapid speech or mania.

Hormones from giving birth and breastfeeding can combine with the exhaustion and responsibility of parenting to make for a difficult psychological experience. While the ‘baby blues and clinical postpartum depression share many symptoms, though they are not the same thing. Its normal to feel tearful, emotionally fragile and tired during the first days after child birth since it can be averted and the mother goes back to their original normal self again.

Who is affected by postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is common as 75% of the world population experience baby blues after delivery. Up to 15% of these people will develop postpartum depression. One in 1,000 people develop postpartum psychosis. These include; biological mothers, surrogate mothers, fathers and newly born babies.

 

How to know if a vulnerable mother has baby blues or postpartum depression?

Millions of people have baby blues after giving birth. Baby blues and postpartum depression have similar symptoms. However, symptoms of baby blues last about 10 days and are less intense while postpartum depression symptoms last weeks or months and are more severe. Symptoms for baby blues include; crying spells, feeling overwhelmed, Lost appetite, sudden mood changes and insomnia.

 

Certain factors that increase the risk for postpartum depression:

Having a personal or family history of depression such as postpartum depression or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), fighting at home (verbal, emotional and sometimes physical abuse) , overwhelming domestic chores, limited social support, relationship conflict, pregnancy complications like health conditions, difficult delivery or premature birth, teenage pregnancy or single parenthood, having a special needs baby or a baby that cries a lot.

 

Solutions for postnatal depression as proposed by Kayden Foundation Uganda;

Postpartum psychosis requires immediate medical attention since there is an increased risk of suicide and risk of harm to the baby. Treatment will usually include hospitalization, treatment with psychotherapy or antidepressants is very effective and other kinds of medication.

The best help a parent or biological mother can have is to find support and ask for help from friends, family or partner.

Being realistic about after birth expectations for the mother and her baby, limiting visitors at home after childbirth, ask for help thus letting others know how they can help you, sleep or rest when the baby sleeps, Exercise like taking a walk, keeping in touch with family and friends, fostering a partnership relationship, etc.

Through Kayden Foundation Uganda with aid from medical professionals, almost all vulnerable mothers who experience postpartum depression can overcome their symptoms.