Emotional Resilience: A Phenomenological Exploration of Mothers with Postpartum

Depression

Albarico, Fiona Belle, Cula, Robelle Grace, Culango, Cristene Joy, Lepaopao, Xyza Lee,
Redira, Raven, Tabura, Tj

Senior High School Department, University of Cebu - Banilad Campus

Review of Related Literature

Postpartum depression is the most common adverse effect of motherhood in tens or hundreds

of millions annually within the first three months after giving birth (Cai et al., 2021). The

postpartum time appears to be crucial and a chronic episode. 10% of occurrences of pregnancy-

related violent deaths—were defined as infanticide or suicide (Langdon, 2023). Postpartum

depression has a profound impact on mothers' psychiatric disorders. This chapter will evaluate

and state the various theories that have been advanced to explain the origins, changes and

symptoms, stages of Postpartum, and management and prevention techniques.

Origins

Excitation, delight, dread, and other strong emotions can all be sparked by the birth of a

child, but it can also result in something you might not expect — depression (Mayo Clinic,

2022). It started with progesterone and estrogen levels tenfold increase during pregnancy but

dramatically decrease after delivery, and these hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels three

days after delivery (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). Despite its multifactorial etiology, it is well-

recognized that genetics play a significant part in the development of this condition (Aguiar et

al., 2015). Intense epigenetic alterations were seen in the genes most responsive to estrogen in
women who had postpartum depression, indicating that these women are more susceptible to the

hormone's effects (Hopkins, 2013). Postpartum depression is a condition that can arise after the

delivery of a child and was identified with common significant risk factors for PPD, including a

history of depression, high life stress or stressful life events, lack of social support, current or

past abuse, prenatal depression, and marital or partner dissatisfaction (Hutchens & Kearney,

2022).

Changes and Symptoms

A mother's mental health can have significantly impacted by the physical and psychological

changes of pregnancy and childbirth. These can result in a wide range of emotions that most

people are unaware of warning signs (Mayo Clinic, 2021). It causes harmful and risky feelings

that eventually interfere with the mother's capacity to look after her child, perform other

everyday duties, form bonds, and meet her baby's cognitive, social, and physical needs

(Cleveland Clinic, 2022). Some more common symptoms include melancholy, hopelessness,

exhaustion, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and changes in appetite. A combination of hormone

changes, inherited factors, and environmental stressors may lead to PPD (APA, 2022).

Stages of Postpartum

Untreated postpartum depression increases the risk of future depressive episodes, creates

further challenges for moms (Johnson, 2022). The first stage is known as the "baby blues," which

is extremely common and mild but exhibits mood fluctuations, crying, worry, and difficulties

falling asleep (Mayo Clinic, 2022). The second stage of depression is postpartum depression, a

more severe type that affects 15% of new moms and is characterized by persistent feelings of

sadness, hopelessness, shame, and worthlessness, as well as trouble sleeping, appetite loss, and
lack of interest in the infant. These symptoms frequently call for medical attention and might

continue for weeks or months. Postpartum psychosis is the third stage, and its symptoms include

hallucinations, delusions, disorientation, and a great deal of agitation or anxiety. This problem

needs to be treated by a doctor right now (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).

Coping and Prevention

Most mothers experience a breakdown after giving birth since it is strenuous and exhausting.

The first-line treatment for women with mild to severe peripartum depression is psychosocial

and psychological counseling, especially if moms are apprehensive to start taking medicines and

plan to nurse the baby (Azhar et al., 2022). Additionally, speaking with your doctor should be the

initial step in obtaining therapy (CDC, 2022). Recent systematic evaluations, however, have

concentrated on PPD prevention strategies that work. According to the evidence from this

systematic review, six out of thirteen studies involving psychological and psychosocial

interventions—including home visits, prenatal, antenatal, and postnatal education programs,

CBT psychoeducational, the REACH program based on interpersonal therapy, and infant

massage training—were successful in lowering PPD symptom rates in adolescent mothers in the

intervention group compared to those mothers in the control group (Sangsawang et al., 2019).

When a woman becomes a mother, she faces the challenge of dealing with the effects of

postpartum depression. By finding the impact of postpartum depression among mothers, this

study established that postpartum depression does indeed have profound consequences on

mothers' psychiatric disorders evaluating and stating the various theories that have been

advanced to explain the origins, changes and symptoms, and stages of Postpartum. However, the

strength of this effect doesn't outweigh the light of recovery, highlighting its management and
prevention techniques. Future research into postpartum depression should focus on establishing a

clearer picture of overall maternal outcomes of maternal postpartum depression, how these

management techniques will make a world of difference in the overall well-being of a mother,

and how various mothers cope with their circumstances. The postpartum period seems to be a

significant and persistent phase that makes a study worthwhile.

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%20based,som e%2C%20but%20not%20all%20interventions%20produced%20positive

%20outcomes.