Christian Worldview on Postpartum Depression (Essay Sample)

Over the last years postpartum depression (PPD) has become a critical issue as one in seven women are diagnosed with the disorder in the first year after giving birth (Wisner, Sit et al., 2013). Most researches describe postpartum depression a mental disorder associated with mood swings, sleep disorder, much crying and sadness, high sense of doubt and fear, suicidal thoughts, change in appetite, and difficulty in concentrating (Norhayati et al., 2015). In cases where individuals with the disorder suffer from severe hopelessness, they get more exposed to suicidal thoughts. According to Fisher. et.al., 2011, postpartum depression has shown patchy global occurrence as higher burdens are felt at low- and middle-income countries like India. Studies indicate that severe and persistent postpartum depression leads to adverse effects in children. Based on a meta-analysis study conducted by Netsi et al., 2018, postpartum depression is highly linked with disorganized attachment, lower grades, delayed language and cognitive development and increased rates of behavioral problems.
In an interview that was carried by Murray on mothers on determining behavioral problems among their children. Murray realized that mothers who had experienced postpartum depression after giving birth experienced higher behavioral problems such as sleeping, eating and temper tantrums issues compared to those who never experienced PPD (Murray et al., 2010). On another interview, carried out by Murray on children cognitive development. It was realized that children who had raised by mothers who experienced PPD had higher chances of failing on the stage V of Piaget exercises compared to those children whose mother never experienced the disorder. On the other hand, a study by Shen et.al., indicated that postpartum depression negatively affects children development and maternal effect is higher compared to paternal (Weissman et.al., 2018). Other systematic and nonsystematic reviews have shown that untreated postpartum depression adversely affect mothers in several ways. For instance, some starts to engage in illicit drug and alcohol use, face breastfeeding and weight problems and social relationship problems (Slomian et.al., 2019).
Several empirical literatures have addressed the mental health implications associated with the postpartum depression. Mental health refers to the state of individual behavioral, cognitive and emotional well-being. Literature shows that most women get into postpartum depression due to various factors such as obstetric, biological, lifestyle and social (Gjerdingen, 2003).. All these factors affect play a significant role in affecting their mental health in one way or the other. For instance, according to Houston et al., 2015, during pregnancy mothers usually have some expectations that they follow like those who had caesarean section in their previous child birth, they usually desire to sire their babies through natural means. As a result, this increases their anxiety levels exposing them to more risks of getting the postpartum depression disorder. Also, the research shows that the type of complications that one gets during pregnancy play a significant role in the mental health implications of PPD (Houston et al., 2015). This is because women who suffer great complications during their pregnancy are seen to suffer from PPD compared to those that had a prenatal period full of excitement.
On the other hand, literature reveals that biological factors play a significant role in affecting the mental health in women leading to PPD. Serotonin is a crucial hormone in people’s body as it is playing a significant role in stabilizing individuals’ moods. Studies have shown that there is a direct relationship between depression, mood disorders and serotonin (Field, 2017). The level of serotonin in the body greatly depends on the on the diet as food rich in proteins reduces it while carbohydrates increase it (Field, 2017). Therefore, while a mother has a nutritional deficiency the rate of postpartum decreases. Other studies have indicated that mental health is also affected by a hormone known as oxytocin as it plays a great role in regulating people emotional responses, social interactions and emotions. In study conducted in 2011 by Skrundz et al., (2011), indicated that increased levels of oxytocin during mid-pregnancy period raised the probability of the mothers suffering on the PDD. On recent research, it was revealed that oxytocin promotes serotonin receptors activities reducing stress, while intranasal oxytocin spraying on individuals increased their positive behaviors such as positive feelings and emotions in female and male (Field, 2017).