The story about Wanja and her 8 year old baby boy has sparked a stir online. People have come out to ridicule her, criticize her and other to an extent of insulting her.
Well it might be true or not. But here's a fact about PPD..

Thread.

Postpartum depression or Postnatal Depression isn't a character flaw or a weakness. PPD is a complex mix of PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL and or behavioral changes that happen in some women after delivery. In most cases,it's onset begins immediately between for weeks after delivery

Most women who're new to motherhood, suffer from postpartum Baby blues. This should not be confused with PPD. Why?

Baby blues usually last for up to two weeks after delivery while PPD may be a long lasting severe form of depression... Such as #wanja case...

In rarely cases, an extreme mood disorder also may develop after childbirth. (Postpartum psychosis.)

Baby blues may be misdiagnosed as Postnatal Depression. The only factors that rule out or makes a difference btn the two, is the DURATION and SEVERITY of the symptoms. i.e

Baby blues signs last for up to 2 weeks after child birth, with PPD lasting longer than 4weeks...

Baby blues symptoms may include;
Mood swings
Anxiety
Feeling unhappy or sadness
Irritability.
Feeling Overwhelmed
Crying at times for no reason
Reduced concentration
Appetite issues
Troubled sleep.

REMEMBER: 'Baby blues' signs last for only a week or two after birth.

Postpartum depression symptoms.
This where the #wanja narrative lies.
PPD signs and symptoms usually begin developing within the first few weeks after giving birth, in some women, the signs may begin earlier during pregnancy or later up to a year or MORE after birth...

Severe mood swings
Stressed mood
Excessive crying
DIFFICULTIES in Bonding with your baby
Withdrawing from family and friends
Loss of appetite or a lot of appetite
Insomnia or sleeping too much
Overwhelming fatigue, or feeling always weak
Reduced interest in interesting things...

Intense irritability and anger.
FEAR THAT YOU'RE NOT A GOOD MOTHER.
Hopelessness.
Feelings of shame, guilt or inadequacy.
Poor decision making.
Restlessness.
Severe anxiety and panic attacks.

If left untreated, some severe signs may be

Recurrent thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

What causes PPD?? It is linked to chemical, psychological and social changes, that occur when having a baby.

Chemical Change. Any dramatic drop in the female reproductive hormones (estrogen and progesterone), are believed to contribute in causing PPD

A woman is at RISK of suffering from PPD if:
1. She has an history of depression.
2. She's new to parenthood.
3. Is she has bipolar disorder
4. You have twins, triplets or other multiple births
5. The pregnancy was unwanted.
6. She has financial constraints
7. She has......

Continuation..

If she has relationship problems or with her spouse or significant other.