Page 1 of 21

European Journal of Business &

Social Sciences

Available at https://ejbss.org/

ISSN: 2235-767X

Volume 07 Issue 05

May 2019

Available online: https://ejbss.org/ P a g e | 1327

Depression and Well-being in females during Puerperium:

Psychological Intervention

Deepika* and Madhu Anand**

Abstract

The present research is an attempt to explore the depression level and well-being in

female participants in puerperium stage (the recent four months after the child birth). The

total sample was 400 female participants in the age range of 20-30 years. Out of 400

participants, those females found with high depression and poor well-being were given

psychological intervention in the form of counseling. After the counseling schedule was over

the post test condition was taken and thus the results were analysed using t test and were

discussed. The findings suggest that there is a positive effect of psychological counseling on

females having high depression and low well-being during puerperium stage and thus

counseling helped in reducing the depression level and increasing well-being during this

period.

Keywords: Puerperium depression, mild depression, moderate depression, Well- being, Counseling

*Research Scholar, Department of Psychology, M.D.U Rohtak

**Professor, Department of Psychology, M.D.U Rohtak

The term “depression” has become very common in today’s society. Depression

is a more repeatedly and easily used subject now. The classification of depression

can affect the life in different ways which is based on many factors. It includes the

type of symptoms which are experienced, their severity, and how often they occur.

Page 2 of 21

European Journal of Business &

Social Sciences

Available at https://ejbss.org/

ISSN: 2235-767X

Volume 07 Issue 05

May 2019

Available online: https://ejbss.org/ P a g e | 1328

Sometimes a particular type of depression also cause a temporary spike in the

severity of symptoms.

(a) Mild

(b) Moderate

(c) Severe

Mild depression

Mild depression involves more than just feeling blue temporarily. The

symptoms can go on for days and are noticeable enough to interfere with the usual

activities. These symptoms are:

 Irritability or anger

 Hopelessness

 Feelings of guilt and despair

 A loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

 Difficulties concentrating at work

 A lack of motivation

 A sudden disinterest in socializing

 Aches and pains with seemingly no direct cause

 Daytime sleepiness and fatigue

 Insomnia

 Appetite changes

 Weight changes

 Reckless behavior, such as abuse of alcohol and drugs, or gambling

Page 3 of 21

European Journal of Business &

Social Sciences

Available at https://ejbss.org/

ISSN: 2235-767X

Volume 07 Issue 05

May 2019

Available online: https://ejbss.org/ P a g e | 1329

Moderate depression

Moderate depression is the next level up from mild depression. Moderate and mild

depression share common symptoms. Additionally, moderate depression may cause:

 problems with self-esteem

 reduced productivity

 feelings of worthlessness

 increased sensitivities

 excessive worrying

The greatest difference is that the symptoms of moderate depression are severe

enough to cause problems at home and work.

Severe depression

Severe depression is classified as having the symptoms of mild to moderate

depression. Episodes of major depression last an average of six months or longer.

Sometimes severe depression can go away after a while, but it can also be recurrent

for some people. Diagnosis is especially crucial in severe depression, and it may

even be time-sensitive.

Major forms of depression may also cause:

 delusions

 feelings of stupor

 hallucinations

 suicidal thoughts or behaviors