system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
Eli5 : What causes post partum psychosis/depression?
gpt
Your body needs a massive influx and change of hormonal balance in order to have a baby. That’s why tons of women, as well as the general pregnancy stereotype, are prone to mood swings, hyper-awareness, scrutiny, and general emotional moments. It‘s a driving force that attaches mother to baby emotionally and triggers instincts like nesting, or causes them to “glow”.

Now imagine your body is flooded with more hormones that cause your body to push the baby out. And now all those hormones have nothing to do so their levels start steadily dropping after birth. The “high” becomes a “crash”.

The shock - along with a very real change of responsibility, lack of sleep, stress - is enough to make anyone experience fear and discomfort. PPD/Psychosis is just a very strong manifestation of these symptoms post-birth. It makes you doubt your instincts and emotions because some are charged thoughts purely based on imbalance.

IMO all women should receive post-partum mental care.