PPP, or postpartum psychosis, is a severe condition that isn't discussed enough. Most of us have heard of postpartum depression, where mothers (and, more rarely, fathers) feel low energy, anxious, and downright sad after the birth of their child. Much like garden variety depression, it can make it challenging to complete essential tasks and is much more impactful than everyday bouts of sadness. PPP is an extreme but reversible condition that can occur after birth. Some symptoms of PPP include hallucinations, delusions, out-of-body experiences, and thoughts of harming oneself or their newborn. In cases of PPP, early intervention is the most important thing because, without it, serious harm could come to the mom or her baby. When moms get treatment for PPP, it often means they'll be separated from their baby for several months, which is the best thing for both of them, given the circumstances. Unfortunately, not everyone understands the stakes of such a situation.
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