POST NATAL DEPRESSION

Depression is a major public health issue which is twice as common in both men
and women during childbearing years. Postnatal depression is a kind of non-
psychotic depression which include complex mix of emotional, physical and
behavioural changes that occurs in a woman after delivery of a child.
Symptoms include:
 Changes in appetite
 Difficulty in sleeping
 Excessive fatigue
 Instant mood swings
It can be treated with a counselling or medication.
Focus on the mother
Postnatal depression is a major public health problem for every mother
from different cultures that often remains undiagnosed. However, several measures
have been developed in order to detect symptomatology in women who has
recently deliver a child. A careful consideration is required in order to reduce the
effect of depression in mother.
 During the first few weeks after the birth of a child, a mother needs to take
care of her basic needs like eating, sleeping and hygiene.
 In post-depression phase, social support must be provided weather in an
emotional way or through an instrumental way. It is proved to be key need
for mother during post-depression period.
 In addition to clinical care and suggestions for social and other kinds of
services, nurses and other clinical practitioners must provide education and
information to mother.
POST NATAL DEPRESSION