Written by Editorial Team
Mood swings, also referred to mood fluctuations is defined as an evident change in a person’s attitude or emotional state or expression. It is a state of rapid mood changes. This could be in form of extreme depression which happens daily or at frequent intervals. Actual mood swings happen when a person becomes sad from being happy in no time and often without an explicable reason. A postpartum depression on the other hand includes symptoms as mood fluctuations, crying for no reason, emotional vulnerability, irritation, feeling sad and lonely, feeling of incompetence, but the symptoms are more serious and it is more enduring. These symptoms sometime need medical supervision.
Let us first see the causes of mood swings and ways to control it. Then we will discuss the causes of postpartum depression, and managing it, after which we can list the differences between the two.
A strong mood swing is noticeable in women who undergo pre-menstrual disorder. Sometimes it’s just a passing phase. But at times these mood swings can get very intense and require medical attention. People who undergo mood swings develop detachment qualities and unfavourable fondness, and also exhibit suicidal pre-disposition quality. There could be two broad causes for mood swings:
So it is seen that there are many reasons that may cause mood swings. General mood changes are quite common in everyday life, but under some situations, the mood variations can be very acute and can even have an adverse effect on one’s well -being, health and the capability to execute day to day operations.
Mood swings are a result of a combination of causes and thus the ways to handle them also differ. Here are some ways to get a grip over your mood swings:
Now that we have an fair idea about mood swings and the causes, let us look at Postpartum Depression.
Postpartum depression refers to an acute condition which is more dominant than a mood swing and more enduring. It is generally triggered in mothers who have had a difficult pregnancy or delivery. However, it may even affect mothers who had relatively easy pregnancies and childbirth. It leads to ruthless mood swings, fatigue and a sense of despair. This is a serious ailment and can be treated by proper medical care. Postpartum depression usually arises around the first 2 or 3 months right after a baby is born but can happen at any time once delivery takes place.
Let us study the causes that lead to postpartum depression:
Physical reasons- After delivery, hormone levels change abruptly. Estrogen and progesterone which were earlier on the higher side during pregnancy suddenly drop leading to a depressed state accompanied by weepiness and irritability.
Some ways to manage postpartum depression are:
Mood swings and postpartum depression are not the same things. The basic differences are as follows:
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❖ Weeping and lamenting | ❖ Lack of sleep |
❖ Feeling of being lonely and isolated | ❖ No energy bursts |
❖ Lack of concentration | ❖ Very low urge to have sex |
❖ Irritation and frustration | ❖ Alterations in food intake and diet |
❖ Anxiety | ❖ Extreme concerns |
❖ Grief and sorrow | ❖ Feeling hopeless |
❖ Very low levels of concentration | ❖ Panic attacks and getting overly disturbed about the baby’s health. |
Now that you know quite a bit about these two conditions, you have to learn to overcome them. Life is full of difficult turns and times, and one of the toughest journeys is that of a mother. But if you wish to overcome these challenges, don’t give in to negative feelings. We all experience a depressed state of mind and feel hopeless some time or the other. But you have to remember that it shall all pass. Cast aside all negativity and prepare for a fresh new battle. That is life and it is beautiful, only if you can look past the momentary sorrows and troubles.
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