Postpartum depression is a form of psychological depression, and it occurs in most cases within the first four weeks after childbirth. In this article, here is some information about postpartum depression.
My experience with postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is not a weakness or personality defect, but it is sometimes a complication of childbirth.
It is also called peripartum depression;
In fact, there is no specific cause for postpartum depression, but some characteristics may play a role, for example:
- Genetic characteristics
Studies indicate that having a family history of postpartum depression increases the likelihood of developing it.
- Physical changes
A severe decrease in the hormones estrogen and progesterone in the body after childbirth may contribute to postpartum depression.
Some thyroid hormones also decrease sharply, leading to feelings of fatigue, sluggishness, and depression.
- Emotional problems
Sleep deprivation and extreme fatigue make it difficult to deal with even small problems.
Some women may feel anxious about their ability to care for the newborn, and may feel a loss of control over their lives, and the presence of these problems may contribute to postpartum depression.
There is a difference between postpartum depression and baby blues, as the symptoms of postpartum depression are more severe and last longer.
Ultimately, these symptoms may affect your ability to care for the baby and perform other daily activities.
تعرف علي : Pregnancy depression
Symptoms of postpartum depression include the following:
- Feeling severe mood swings and depression.
- Excessive crying.
- Isolation and staying away from family and friends.
- Difficulty attaching to the infant.
- Eating more than usual or losing appetite.
- Insomnia or sleeping for long periods.
- Feeling extremely tired or losing energy.
- Severe anger and irritability.
- Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt, or helplessness.
- Poor ability to think clearly, concentrate, or make decisions.
- Severe panic and anxiety attacks.
- Thoughts of harming yourself or the child.
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
You can also read about The most dangerous type of depression
Postpartum depression how long does it last?
Symptoms of postpartum depression last longer than baby blues.
Symptoms of postpartum depression often begin after the first to third week after giving birth. These symptoms may last up to a year and are more severe than the baby blues. You should talk to your doctor if these symptoms appear.
Book your consultation now at مركز صحة المرأة At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital
Postpartum depression test
It is a questionnaire called the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), which includes 10 questions about mood and feelings of anxiety.
The doctor may ask other questions in addition to the questionnaire questions about some of the symptoms that the patient feels.
The doctor may also order some blood tests to check the levels of some hormones, for example: thyroid hormones, and also to detect the level of some vitamins, the deficiency of which may lead to depression.
You can also read more about it here مقياس الاكتئاب وأهميته
Treating postpartum depression without medications
Treatment for postpartum depression combines psychotherapy and medications. In developing an appropriate treatment plan for the mother, the doctor depends on several factors, including:
- Severity of depression.
- The extent of response to treatment.
- Having a history of depression.
- Suffering from other diseases.
- Breastfeeding the baby.
It is worth noting that in addition to following the treatment plan, obtaining the support of family and friends and assistance in caring for the child is an essential pillar of treatment.
Methods for treating postpartum depression without medications include:
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is usually the first choice for treating postpartum depression, either alone or in combination with medications.
The American Psychiatric Association recommends that treatment for postpartum depression be without medications, and that it be limited to psychotherapy in mild cases, especially in breastfeeding women.
Common psychotherapy methods include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
It is a type of talk therapy and is useful in treating depression after a caesarean section or natural birth.
The doctor evaluates the mother’s irrational thinking patterns, such as: a constant feeling of guilt and negligence, and not allowing herself to make any mistakes, which leads to depression and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to correct these concepts in the mother and encourage her to behave in a more positive manner.
The duration of treatment for postpartum depression with this type of treatment is usually three to four months.
- Interactive psychotherapy
This type aims to improve the woman’s relationship with her family, friends, and those around her, as this helps provide the moral support she needs at this stage.
Interactive psychotherapy is also useful in solving the problems that cause her to feel depressed, and treatment sessions often take three to four months.
Guided self-help
The idea of guided self-help therapy is to teach women to help themselves and treat at home.
This is done by following instructions that help identify the problems you are experiencing, learn how to deal with them, and find solutions for them.
These directions are usually obtained through specialized books, with the help of a doctor, or through an online training course.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation
It is considered one of the alternative options for treating postpartum depression, and it is suitable for breastfeeding women who refuse to take medications for fear of the child’s health.
Transcranial magnetic therapy is safe and effective, and works by activating nerve cells through magnetic waves.
This treatment is usually conducted over 5 sessions per week for 4 to 6 weeks.
How to get rid of postpartum depression?
There are some ways that allow the mother to support herself and also obtain family support if she suffers from postpartum depression, for example:
- Verify that the mother is receiving adequate care from those around her.
- Ensuring that she gets enough sleep, that she eats enough meals, and getting nutritious, protein-rich meals helps the mother feel that she has returned, even if just a little, to her usual self.
- Resorting to psychological treatment through dialogue with a psychologist.
- Take medications appropriate to the condition under the supervision of a specialist doctor. There are a number of effective medications used to manage and reduce the symptoms of postpartum depression.
- Talking to mothers who have gone through the same experience. It is also important to talk to friends and family members about these feelings.
- A mother should be kind to herself.
- The husband can ask the doctor about the type of support and assistance he can provide to help the mother overcome feelings of depression.
- Exercise regularly and avoid isolation.
In conclusion, if you suffer from postpartum depression, even if it is mild, do not hesitate to seek help, and you can Book a consultation immediately at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital With the best experts in mental health
Frequently asked questions
When do a woman's hormones stabilize after giving birth?
Hormones usually begin to stabilize during the first six weeks after giving birth, but return completely to hormonal balance within a few months, and it varies from one woman to another.
What is the husband's role in postpartum depression?
The husband has a major role in supporting the wife psychologically and emotionally, as containment, understanding, and providing assistance contribute greatly to reducing the severity of postpartum depression and accelerating improvement.
