PPD FAQs

What is Postpartum Depression? (From WebMD )

“Postpartum depression (PPD) is a complex mix of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that happen in some women after giving birth. According to the DSM-5, a manual used to diagnose mental disorders, PPD is a form of major depression that begins within 4 weeks after delivery. The diagnosis of postpartum depression is based not only on the length of time between delivery and onset but on the severity of the depression .

“Postpartum depression is linked to chemical, social, and psychological changes that happen when having a baby. The term describes a range of physical and emotional changes that many new mothers experience. PPD can be treated with medication and counseling.

“The chemical changes involve a rapid drop in hormones after delivery. The actual link between this drop and depression is still not clear. But what is known is that the levels of estrogen and progesterone, the female reproductive hormones, increase tenfold during pregnancy. Then, they drop sharply after delivery. By 3 days after a woman gives birth, the levels of these hormones drop back to what they were before pregnancy.

“In addition to these chemical changes, the social and psychological changes of having a baby create an increased risk of depression.

“Most new mothers experience the "baby blues" after delivery. About 1 out of every 10 of these women will develop a more severe and longer-lasting depression after delivery. About 1 in 1,000 women develop a more serious condition called postpartum psychosis.

“Dads aren't immune. Research shows that about 1 in 10 new fathers get depression during the year their child is born.”

Other PPD Information Resources

Where to go if you or your loved one has PPD?

We will soon be providing care to those suffering PPD, but in the meantime please find below some options you can reach out to:

In Thailand:

In the UK:

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