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Continuation
In case you missed first part, read it from here :
Is postpartum depression real? Absolutely—and It's time we talk about it
Previously, we discussed postpartum depression, a condition that primarily affects a mother’s mood. Today, we explore a more severe but rare mental health disorder: postpartum psychosis — a condition characterized by a profound distortion of reality. Postpartum psychosis is considered a psychiatric emergency because women affected by it are at a significantly higher risk of harming themselves, dying by suicide, or harming their children. It occurs in about 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 mothers and is also referred to as puerperal or postnatal psychosis. The two major symptoms that define postpartum psychosis affect a person’s sense of reality and understanding of the world:
READ THE FIRST PART HERE: Is postpartum depression real? Absolutely—and It's time we talk about it
Delusion: These are false beliefs that are not grounded in reality. In postpartum psychosis, delusions are often grandiose or persecutory. For instance, a new mother might believe that her husband or newborn are imposters, or that her midwife and doctor are spies. She might even believe she was never pregnant or that she never gave birth.
Bizarre, isn’t it? But for someone experiencing psychosis, these beliefs feel very real.
Hallucinations: Hallucinations involve sensing things that aren't present. A mother might hear voices instructing her to harm her newborn or feel sensations that have no physical cause.
Other symptoms of postpartum psychosis include: Insomnia (severe difficulty sleeping), Agitation and irritability, Depersonalization (feeling detached from oneself), Rapid mood swings, Mutism (complete silence), Aggressive behavior, and thoughts of self-harm or harm to others.
One of the most challenging aspects of postpartum psychosis is that mothers affected by it often cannot recognize their symptoms. They may not believe they need medical help and might misinterpret attempts to assist them as threats.
If a loved one is showing signs of postpartum psychosis, seek emergency medical help immediately. Do not argue or attempt to reason with them, Do not leave them unsupervised with the newborn. And please — while prayers are important — seek medical attention first!
Learn or perish!
The writer is a clinician
