Depression Health Feed

Pregnancy is that wonderful and beautiful phase that most women rejoice about. However, many may find it hard to believe that pregnancy can bring with it a condition known as ‘antenatal depression’. This is a common condition in expecting mothers and should not be ignored.

Depression during pregnancy like regular depression is a clinical condition and requires further investigation and management. Pregnancy is related to the female hormones and therefore, mood swings are common (as during PMS and menopause). However, depressed pregnant women would typically have the following associated symptoms too.

1. Altered eating habits

2. Altered sleeping patterns (too much or too less)

3. Loss of attention/ability to focus

4. Losing interest in activities which usually interest the person

5. Feeling very anxious

6. Constant feeling of sadness

7. Uncertainty about the future

8. Feeling of worthlessness

9. Suicidal tendencies

It has been noted about 25% of women can get depressed during pregnancy for varying periods of time. Some potential reasons for this are as below.

1. Strained relationships: One of the most important factors for a healthy pregnancy is a happy relationship, not just with the partner, but with immediate and close family members with whom there is a high level of regular interaction.

2. Work stress: For working women, a stressful office environment could take a toll on their moods.

3. Previous miscarriages: This can cause anxiety and depression about possible repeat incident.

4. Potential complications: If the periodic examinations showed up possibility for complications in pregnancy, the chance of depression in the mother increase.

How it affects pregnancy?

A depressed mother would not be able to care for herself and  therefore, the baby may not get adequate nutrition for its development. Additionally, the potential for nicotine and alcohol abuse increases, which also negatively impacts the baby’s growth. There could be low birth weight, premature birth and developmental delays after birth.

How it can be managed?

While the hormonal changes during pregnancy causes mood swings, diagnosing if it is depression is important. A consultation with a psychiatrist may be required for some women.

Some of the options available for treatment include support groups, individual counseling, and medications.

1. It is important to understand that this is a common condition and you are not the only one going through this. Talking to other women who feel depressed can help in mood uplifting of all involved.

2. If you are too shy about it, individual counseling could be the next best thing.

3. Stress management including light exercise, music, meditation, rest, diet, and support from close friends and family are highly recommended.

4. Since most antidepressants would reach the baby, it is advisable to avoid these less you need them as a last resort.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

"More than ever before in human history, we share a common destiny. We can master it only if we face it together. And that, my friends, is why we have the United Nations." - Kofi Annan

Kofi Annan passed away in Switzerland, at the age of 80. He was Secretary General of United Nations from 1997 - 2006. He was the only Black African to have served at this coveted position. Apart from being Secretary General, he was also a winner of Nobel Peace Prize, which he shared with UN itself.

What World Leaders said about his sad demise:
Leaders all over the world are shocked over his death. Here are some of the statements made by popular leaders:

UK PM Theresa May:
"Sad to hear of the death of Kofi Annan. A great leader and reformer of the UN, he made a huge contribution to making the world he has left a better place than the one he was born into. My thoughts and condolences are with his family."

​​​​​​UN Chief Antonio Guterres:
"In many ways, Kofi Annan was the United Nations. He rose through the ranks to lead the organization into the new millennium with matchless dignity and determination"

Ex-US President Barack Obama:
"Annan had always pursued 'a better world'."

A quick timeline of Kofi Annan’s life and career

• Born on 8th April 1938 in Kumasi, Ghana.
• Completed his schooling in 1957 from Cape Coast.
• Got his first job at UN in 1962
• Graduated from MIT in 1972
• Becomes UN Secretary-General in 1997
• Got Nobel Peace prize in 2001
• Became head of the delegation to find a resolution to Syria conflict in 2012
• Bids farewell to the world in 2018

Cause of Death of Kofi Annan

Kofi Annan was in Switzerland, with his family by his side, during his last days. The details of his death are still sketchy, and his family has not yet released official information about the cause of death; except that he died of a short sickness. However, some of the publications believe that he died due to a Protracted Illness.

A protracted illness is a type of sickness that typically lasts a few months. This is different from a Chronic illness that could last for a very long time. There could be multiple reasons for a Protracted illness, like pneumonia, bronchitis, etc. An example of a Chronic illness is Diabetes.

The statement released by his family about his death did not divulge many details about what type of sickness he was suffering from and there are only theories at this time. However, the details would probably be available soon that what caused the death of this peacekeeper.

What Next
Kofi Annan worked towards making the world a better place. His work encapsulated all the corners of the world, with a special focus on the African continent, where he worked tirelessly for the upliftment of all the countries. He ensured that his work would not stop, even in his absence. For this, he set up Kofi Annan foundation in 2007. This foundation is now taking forward the causes he was working on. 

Here is a parting quote from this visionary leader who will be forever missed:

"To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for, where you want to go and why you want to get there."