Objective: A comparative analysis on susceptibility of postpartum depression in working women
and non-working women.
Postpartum depression (PPD), a type of depression that affects 9-16% of women around the world after
conceiving a baby can develop within 4-6 weeks after giving birth, but can sometimes take several months to
appear. According to the DSM-IV the symptoms of PPD are diminished interest/pleasure in activities, weight
loss/gain, Insomnia /Hypersomnia, agitation, fatigue, sadness & anxiety. “Baby Blues” are often confused as
PPD and vice-versa but there is a distinct difference amidst the two; Baby blues last maximum till a week
whereas PPD lasts for a longer duration and usually the symptoms are more severe in nature. Some of the
causal reasons of PPD are hormonal changes, depression in the family history, lack of support from
family/friends, trouble in adapting to changes, stress while dealing with the child and poor health of the child.
Treatment methods vary from joining social groups, consulting a psychologist, taking medication to therapies.
This research attempts to analyze the susceptibility of PPD in working & non-working women as their duties
and roles vary and also the environment in which they function is different due to which the stressors are
different in working and non-working women.
Conclusion: Susceptibility for Postpartum Depression higher in Non-working Women in comparison with
Working Women.
Value/Implementation: Policy Making, Psychological Well Being, Social Development |