For Elizabeth

Posted by Rowena on October 05, 2003 at 23:38:43:

In Reply to: Re: SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF POST-PARTUM DEPRESSION posted by Elizabeth on October 05, 2003 at 00:30:56:

Hi Elizabeth

PPD is a common condition that affects as many as 1 in 10 women. Sorry to hear you too suffered with PPD. Did it take you long to recover?

I know a lot of women worry about using anti-depressants, but they shouldn't. Contrary to popular belief anti-depressants are not addictive. (However you do need to wean off them slowly to prevent a rebound effect, which can result in a return of symptoms). Anti-depressants increase the body's level of Serotonin, a chemical essential for brain function, which is often depleted during periods of prolonged stress.

Anti-depressents are only useful when the depression in due to endogenous (from within) reasons e.g. when a person becomes run down and stressed or anxious for reasons that are not always clear. Anti-depressants are not as helpful when the depression is due exogenous (from without)reasons, when the cause of the depression can be identified e.g. following a divorce or relationship problems or following the death of a loved one.

Cheers Rowena

Follow Ups:

• Re: For Elizabeth Elizabeth 00:09:03 10/06/03 (4)
  • Re: For Elizabeth Rowena 16:01:55 10/06/03 (3)
    • Re: For Elizabeth Elizabeth 19:06:17 10/06/03 (2)
      • Re: For Elizabeth Rowena 20:50:38 10/06/03 (1)
        • Re: For Elizabeth Elizabeth 21:37:23 10/06/03 (0)

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