Best Malayali Psychologist
for Postpartum Depression Treatment
Postpartum depression, a common experience among parents after childbirth, involves deep sadness. ...read more
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Common signs and symptoms.
Persistent sadness or mood swings.
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities.
Changes in appetite or weight.
Persistent fatigue or low energy.
Difficulty bonding with the baby.
We have got the best Malayali therapists for Postpartum Depression Treatment.
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Our psychologists offer expert counseling that is effective, budget-friendly, and tailored to your specific needs.
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Feeling a bit blue due to an undiagnosed mental health concern.
Personalized sessions with certified Professionals to address your concerns and make gradual progress.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Postpartum Depression Treatment
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How common is depression in Kerala?Depression is a prevalent mental health condition in Keralites. As per the recent study, about 35 per cent of the population were affected by depression and the 20-35 age group, were mainly found suffering from depression.
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Can depression be treated?Yes, depression is treatable. Treatment options may include psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support from healthcare professionals.
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How do I know if I have depression?If you consistently experience symptoms such as sadness, lack of interest, changes in sleep or appetite, and difficulty functioning, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
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Can depression affect physical health?Yes, depression can impact physical health, leading to issues such as sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, fatigue, and a weakened immune system.
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Can lifestyle changes help manage depression?Yes, adopting a healthy lifestyle can complement traditional treatments. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, and social support can positively impact mood.
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Is medication always necessary for treating depression?Not necessarily. The treatment approach varies. Some individuals may benefit from medication, while others may find relief through psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination of interventions.
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Can online therapy be effective for treating depression?Yes, online therapy can be an effective option, providing accessibility and convenience for individuals seeking mental health support. However, the severity of depression may influence the choice of intervention.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is a common experience among parents after childbirth which involves deep sadness and emotional struggles which is similar to other types of depression. It ranges in severity, sometimes escalating to postpartum psychosis. Research suggests that 33% of women in Kerala face some form of postpartum depression.
Who Gets Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is often associated with mothers, but it's crucial to recognize that fathers can also experience it. While the risk factors for PPD in men may be different, the emotional toll of childbirth can affect them as well. Research shows that around 10% of fathers go through postpartum depression. It’s important to recognize and support them by offering understanding and compassion during this challenging time in their lives., highlighting the importance of understanding and compassion during this transitional period in their lives.
What are the Symptoms of Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression affects both women and men. Women may experience sadness, guilt, and fatigue, while men may show irritability, withdrawal, and bonding difficulties. Seeking support is crucial for managing symptoms and promoting well-being.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression for Women:
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Persistent Sadness: Feeling consistently sad or having frequent crying spells without a clear cause.
For instance, a new mother might find herself crying throughout the day, even when things seem to be fine.
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Loss of Interest: Losing interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable or fulfilling.
A woman who once loved going out with friends or doing hobbies might now feel uninterested in these activities.
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Feelings of Worthlessness: Feeling like you're not enough or feeling intense guilt about not meeting expectations as a mother or partner.
An example could be a mother feeling guilty for not being able to exclusively breastfeed her baby.
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Fatigue and Lack of Energy: Feeling constantly tired or lacking energy, even after getting adequate rest or sleep. A new mother may struggle to find the energy to take care of herself or her baby.
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Changes in Appetite or Weight: Experiencing significant changes in appetite, leading to either overeating or loss of appetite. For example, a woman may find herself overeating as a way to cope with stress or emotions related to postpartum depression.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression for Men:
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Irritability or Anger: Feeling cranky, getting frustrated quickly, or having sudden bursts of anger without a clear reason.
For instance, a new father may find himself becoming increasingly impatient with his partner or baby.
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Physical Symptoms: Experiencing physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems, or muscle pains without a clear medical cause. These physical symptoms may be manifestations of underlying emotional distress.
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Difficulty Bonding with the Baby: Struggling to form a strong emotional bond or feeling disconnected from the newborn.
For instance, a father may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of fatherhood and find it challenging to connect with his baby.
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Increased Use of Substances: Turning to alcohol, drugs, or other substances to deal with stress or dull emotional pain.
For example, a new father may start drinking excessively as a way to escape feelings of sadness or anxiety related to postpartum depression.
Symptoms of postpartum depression can differ a lot from person to person, so not everyone will have the same signs. Additionally, both women and men can experience postpartum depression, though how it shows up and how common it is may vary. Seeking support and professional help, like from a psychologist and counseling for postpartum depression treatment, is crucial for managing postpartum depression effectively.
What is the Difference Between Postpartum Depression & Baby Blues?
New moms might find themselves wondering if the emotional rollercoaster they're experiencing is simply the "baby blues" or something more concerning like postpartum depression. While both involve feeling down after giving birth, they're distinct experiences.
Think of the baby blues as a natural period of adjustment. Your body has just experienced a major change, your life has taken a dramatic turn, you’re now caring for a delicate new baby, and your hormones are all over the place. Feeling overwhelmed and emotional is totally expected! These feelings typically only last a few weeks and gradually ease on their own.
Here are some typical signs of the baby blues:
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Bursts of tears
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Difficulty concentrating
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Changes in eating habits
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Feelings of guilt
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Mood swings
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Feeling swamped
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Sadness
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Trouble sleeping
Postpartum depression, however, is much more serious. While some symptoms might be similar, they're usually more severe and last longer than just a few weeks.
Remember, you're not alone in this. If you're having a hard time with your emotions, please don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you understand what you're going through and offer support if you need it. If you're struggling with postpartum depression, a therapist can be a great resource.
When Does the Postpartum Depression Start?
Postpartum depression doesn’t have a specific "start date." It can begin any time after giving birth, though it usually appears within the first few weeks or months. This often coincides with the hormonal changes women go through after delivery, which can affect their emotional health. However, men are not immune either. The reality of fatherhood, the altered family dynamics, and sleep deprivation can all contribute to emotional struggles in new dads.
How Long Does Postpartum Depression Last?
Postpartum depression symptoms can last up to a year, but the impact on your mental health may linger. Don't wait for a specific timeframe to pass - seek help if you're struggling.
Why Does Postpartum Depression Happen?
Postpartum depression (PPD) isn't caused by one single thing, but rather a mix of factors that can make new parents feel overwhelmed. Imagine trying to keep a million balls in the air while running a marathon—that’s what it can feel like! Here are some common contributors:
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Hormonal roller coaster: After giving birth, hormone levels can drop quickly, which might affect your mood and emotional balance. It's like your body's thermostat going haywire!
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Birth trauma: A tough or frightening childbirth can have a lasting emotional effect, raising the chance of postpartum depression.
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Feeling like you're drowning: The constant pressure of caring for your fragile baby, combined with sleep deprivation and the fear of making mistakes, can feel incredibly stressful. Think of it like being constantly on high alert, with no time to catch your breath.
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Lack of support: Not having a strong network of family and friends to lean on can make it harder to cope with the challenges of parenthood. It's like trying to scale a mountain on your own when a helping hand would make all the difference.
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Personal history: If you or someone in your family has faced depression or anxiety, you might be more likely to experience PPD.
These are just a few examples, and the experience can vary greatly. Remember, if you're feeling overwhelmed, seek help from a healthcare professional. You don’t have to face this alone—help is here with our Malayali psychologists and online counseling.
Managing Postpartum Depression: Helpful Tips and Strategies
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Take a breath: Breathing exercises and meditation can be calming and stress-reducing, helping you manage those overwhelming emotions.
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Go outside: Get some fresh air and sunshine! Spending time in nature can work wonders for improving your mood and reducing anxiety.
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Move your body (when okayed by your doctor): Even gentle exercise like walking can boost your mood and energy levels.
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Fuel your body right: Eating healthy meals and snacks packed with fruits, veggies, and whole grains will give you the energy you need to cope.
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Quiet the chatter in your head: Mindfulness practices like meditation can help you stay present and avoid getting lost in negative thoughts.
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Don't forget about yourself: Schedule time for activities you enjoy, even if it's just reading a few pages or taking a warm bath.
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Sleep is golden: Try to get as much sleep as you can, even though it can be tough with a newborn.
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Yoga: Gentle yoga stretches and deep breathing exercises can help you relax and improve your sleep.
How to Reduce the Risk of Postpartum Depression?
While you can't guarantee prevention, there are steps you can take to improve your chances:
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Prioritize Your Mental Health:
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It's a good idea to start therapy early if you've had mental health issues before
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Attend Antenatal and Postnatal Classes:
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These classes offer important information and support to help you handle the emotional challenges that come after childbirth.
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Engage in Support Groups:
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Joining support groups can give you a feeling of belonging and empathy from others who are experiencing similar challenges.
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Seek Support from Friends and Family:
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Don't hesitate to lean on your loved ones for support and assistance during this time.
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Consider Getting Household Help:
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Outsourcing tasks can help reduce stress, letting you focus more on taking care of yourself and spending time with your baby.
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When is Postpartum Depression Considered an Emergency?
If you're experiencing thoughts of harming yourself, the baby, or others, hallucinations, or severe insomnia and mood disturbances, it could be signs of postpartum psychosis. This is a serious medical emergency, and it's crucial to seek help immediately.
Why is Talking About Postpartum Depression Important?
Women often face immense societal pressure to be the perfect mothers. Sadly, because of fear of judgment and the stigma around mental health, many struggle with postpartum depression in silence. This not only takes a toll on their physical well-being but also impacts their emotional health significantly.
Therefore, having open discussions about the nature of postpartum depression, its effects, and available treatments is essential. By discussing it openly, women can feel less isolated and realize that reaching out for professional help, like through Koott, is not just okay but actually encouraged.
How to Recover From Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression treatment typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, or a blend of both approaches.
Medication: Doctors may prescribe antidepressants such as SSRIs to help manage postpartum depression symptoms. Hormone therapy might also be recommended in some cases.
Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown effectiveness in treating postpartum depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown effectiveness in treating postpartum depression. Koott makes it easy to access therapy services, helping you find psychologists for postpartum depression from Kerala with the right expertise. This is especially useful for new parents who might struggle to attend in-person sessions. Koott offers a budget-friendly option, and its messaging dashboard lets parents reach out to therapists anytime they feel overwhelmed.
Combination Therapy: Combining therapy with medication is often considered an effective approach to treating postpartum depression.
Here are some top online Malayali psychologists for Postpartum Depression treatment 👇
Aswathi Usha Raman, Counseling Psychologist
Aswathi is a Counseling Psychologist and a Counselor with an M.Phil in Clinical
Psychology and an ongoing Ph.D. from the prestigious Christ University, Bengaluru, and 7+ years of experience in the field of Psychology
Shuhaima Hanna Katti, Health Psychologist
Shuhaima Hanna Katti is a Health Psychologist with a master's degree in Health Psychology with extensive training in Counselling Psychology from the University of Hyderabad. She has been working in different fields of mental health awareness sectors along with her studies for the past 3 years. She has gained field experience through her internships and workshops for therapy techniques. Her research area is the health and well-being of children and adolescents.
Related Conditions for Keralite's
Here are some interesting blogs for Malayalees on Postpartum Depression
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Why do you need a Malayali psychologist to tackle depression better?
In a world where Malayalis are spread across many countries, the importance of mental health support that understands their unique experiences cannot be overstated. This article explores why having Malayalee psychologists is crucial for addressing the mental health needs of the global Malayali community, with a focus on conditions like depression.