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Depression in babies and young infants

Could you ever imagine a tiny baby being depressed? Although hard to believe, researchers have noted classic signs of depression in young babies, even those under the age of six months. Although most people associate the occurrence of depression with a series of negative life events, it has now been recognized that even babies as young as six months can display symptoms of depression. In particular, infants of depressed mothers exhibit depressive behaviors, such as a lack of responsiveness and interaction with others, lack of interest in their environment, unhappy facial expressions (as opposed to outright crying), and slow movements. … Continue reading →

Postpartum psychosis: What is it?

Postpartum psychosis is the most severe of the three postnatal conditions as outlined in Postpartum depression: What are the symptoms? It affects roughly one in 500 new mothers and generally manifests within the first fortnight after giving birth. The two predominant symptoms of postpartum psychosis are major depression and manic episodes. Severe manic or depressive episodes, often involving psychosis where the individual loses contact with reality, are a feature of the illness. It should not be confused with the milder depression symptoms experienced with postnatal depression. The symptoms typically begin 2 to 3 days after delivery but may occur as … Continue reading →

Postpartum depression: Effects on the marriage

Postpartum depression can be one of the significant factors involved in marital friction and divorce. Despite the prevalence of the condition, women are reluctant to talk about the effect it has on their marriage. In previous blogs, we have discussed the symptoms of postpartum depression and requirements for recovery. Today we will look at the impact of the condition on the mother’s primary relationship: the one she shares with the father of her child. Since the myths surrounding having a baby are all largely positive, it can come as a rude surprise to the mother to discover that the baby … Continue reading →

Postpartum depression: Effects on relationships (3)

In this blog, we continue with looking at how postpartum depression affects the mother, her partner and family and friends as discussed in Postpartum depression: Effects on relationships (1) and (2). Antidepressant medication may or may not be required, depending on medical advice. Whether medication is indication or not, there will be periods where the new mother is well and functioning, and other times when the old symptoms return. This is normal. As previously discussed, household help will be required so that the mother can turn her limited resources towards the baby. She will also need time out from her … Continue reading →

Postpartum depression: Effects on relationships (2)

In Postpartum depression: Effects on relationships (1), we looked at this disturbing condition from the mother’s point of view, explaining that the lack of interest in the newborn and the inability to adequately care for the new baby is simply the effect of the illness, not a reflection of mothering ability. Today we will look at how postpartum depression affects other family members and how partners, friends, and grandparents can best act to assist in the mother’s speedy recovery. First, it is important that the mother, despite her transient unwellness, is not deprived of her mothering rights by well-meaning relatives. … Continue reading →

Postpartum depression: Effects on relationships (1)

Postpartum depression affects roughly one in 8 women and is much more than a feeling of unhappiness or sadness. It is a real illness, is beyond the mother’s control, and requires medical intervention. Postpartum depression may develop as a result of a pre-existing depression which worsens after birth, or it may come entirely out of the blue. The condition may occur immediately after the birth, develop suddenly in the days and weeks following the birth. Alternatively, it may slowly manifest over a period of weeks and months so that mother and family alike are initially unaware of the presence of … Continue reading →

Relationship Rescue

911, relationship rescue required at Maple and Oak Lawn to resuscitate a bored couple who have ceased having anything to talk about and meet more because it’s a habit than out of any real desire. Specialists are en route to the scene now, please stay on the line until they’ve arrived. The above paragraphs seem a bit absurd, but in the age of reality television it’s more likely that somewhere there is a show just like this. With shows like the Bachelor and Wife Swap out there doing cattle calls to create tension or allowing couples to see how good … Continue reading →