Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a significant mood disorder affecting some individuals after childbirth, characterized by symptoms more severe and persistent than the "baby blues." It involves intense sadness, anxiety, fatigue, irritability, difficulty bonding with the baby, and changes in sleep or appetite, significantly impairing functioning. PPD typically emerges within weeks or months postpartum but can start during pregnancy. It results from hormonal shifts, psychological factors (like past depression), lack of support, and stress. Diagnosis involves screening (e.g., EPDS) and clinical evaluation against DSM-5 criteria for a major depressive episode with peripartum onset. PPD is highly treatable through psychotherapy (IPT, CBT), support groups, and often antidepressant medication (with careful consideration for breastfeeding). Early intervention and strong social support are key to recovery. Thoughts of harm require immediate emergency help.

Schizoaffective Disorder

Schizoaffective Disorder is a serious mental illness featuring symptoms of schizophrenia (e.g., delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thought) alongside major mood episodes (manic or depressive). Diagnosis requires that psychotic symptoms also occur independently for at least two weeks without a major mood episode, while mood episodes are present for the majority of the illness's duration. It has two subtypes: Bipolar Type (if mania occurs) and Depressive Type (only depression). Treatment requires an integrated approach, primarily using antipsychotic medications, often combined with mood stabilizers or antidepressants, alongside psychotherapy and psychosocial support.

Schizoaffective Disorder

Schizoaffective Disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by persistent symptoms of psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking) similar to schizophrenia, occurring alongside major mood episodes (either mania or depression). A key diagnostic requirement is a period of at least two weeks where psychotic symptoms are present without any mood episode, though mood symptoms must be present for the majority of the illness's duration. There are two subtypes: Bipolar Type (involving manic episodes) and Depressive Type (involving only major depressive episodes). Due to its complexity, diagnosis requires careful longitudinal assessment. Treatment involves an integrated approach combining antipsychotic medications with mood stabilizers or antidepressants, psychotherapy (individual, family, group), and comprehensive social support services to manage symptoms and improve functioning.

Self-esteem

Self-esteem refers to your overall sense of personal value and self-worth. While not a formal diagnosis, chronically low self-esteem involves persistent self-criticism, feelings of inadequacy, fear of failure, and difficulty accepting oneself. It's influenced by early experiences, social feedback, achievements, and internal thought patterns, and is closely linked to depression, anxiety, and relationship problems. Healthy self-esteem involves self-acceptance, realistic confidence, and resilience. Strategies to improve low self-esteem focus on challenging negative self-talk (often using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT techniques), cultivating self-compassion, identifying personal strengths and values, setting achievable goals, practicing assertiveness, and engaging in self-care. Therapy can provide structured support for exploring root causes and building lasting self-worth. Persistent low self-esteem significantly impacting life warrants professional help.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) is marked by a significant and persistent fear of one or more social or performance situations where exposure to unfamiliar people or possible scrutiny by others may occur. The core fear is acting in a way (or showing anxiety symptoms) that will be embarrassing or humiliating, leading to negative evaluation or rejection. These situations are actively avoided or endured with intense anxiety, causing clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. It's more severe than shyness. Effective treatments include psychotherapy (especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with exposure) and sometimes medication (like SSRIs or SNRIs).