Postpartum depression- symptoms and treatment

What is postpartum depression and how does it affect women?

Postpartum depression is a serious mental illness that affects women after the birth of a child. It is a condition that persists for an extended period of time – usually from one to six or even several months after childbirth.

Postpartum depression has various symptoms, significantly affecting a woman’s daily functioning. What they have in common is that they often directly lead to difficulties in establishing relationships with a partner and family. They also negatively affect child care or spending time with the child. A woman suffering from postpartum depression may find it difficult to feel the joy of motherhood. She often feels overwhelmed and unable to cope with her daily responsibilities. This, in turn, not infrequently causes conflicts in the relationship with the partner. The disease also makes it difficult to build a bond between mother and child, leading to problems with the toddler’s emotional development.

Postpartum depression – causes that can affect its development

The development of postpartum depression is the result of various factors. Research conducted in this area points to several potential causes of the disease.

The first is the impact of a history of mental illness on the risk of postpartum depression. Women who have had previous problems with depression are more likely to develop it after giving birth. In addition, it is important to remember that women who are ill or struggling with other mental disorders are also at risk. Here we mean, among other things. bipolar affective disorder, or the occurrence of depressive episodes after previous births.

There is also a link between the occurrence of postpartum depression and the course of pregnancy – for example, if a woman experienced distressing mental states during her pregnancy, such as anxiety or persistent depression. In addition, the difficult course of pregnancy is not insignificant here. Traumatic events, health problems and other complications not infrequently leave a distinct mark.

Other causes – postpartum depression

The causes of postpartum depression are also related to lack of support and acceptance. Women who receive various forms of support during pregnancy from their partner, family and friends often have a lower risk of developing the disease. On the other hand, stigma or rejection of mother and child by those closest to them unfortunately not infrequently increase the chance of postpartum depression.

Symptoms of postpartum depression

Symptoms can be both emotional and physical. It is important to pay attention to these symptoms and recognize them as soon as possible. If neglected, this can have serious consequences for a woman’s mental health and her relationship with her child.

Symptoms of postpartum depression include lowered mood, feelings of sadness, guilt, impaired concentration and loss of interest in life, and difficulty feeling joy . A woman may also experience anxiety about the baby’s health, irritability and tearfulness. There is also often a reduction in self-confidence and a negative assessment of one’s own competence as a mother. In extreme cases, suicidal thoughts occur.

Physical symptoms of postpartum depression can include fatigue, sleep disturbances (both excessive sleepiness and insomnia), appetite problems (losing it or overeating), as well as headaches, muscle aches and lack of energy.

How to distinguish between postpartum depression and baby blues?

It is worth noting that baby blues, or so-called “baby blues. Postpartum sadness, is a short-lived condition and milder than postpartum depression. Symptoms of baby blues occur after the birth of a child most often from the 3rd. to 5. postpartum day. They include symptoms such as mood swings, tearfulness, anxiety about the baby’s health, tantrums, apathy and a sense of lack of connection with the newborn. They usually resolve spontaneously about 2 weeks after delivery. In the case of postpartum depression, symptoms last longer and have a greater impact on a woman’s daily functioning.

How do you recognize postpartum depression?

To diagnose postpartum depression, there are special diagnostic tools, such as the Postpartum Depression Symptoms Screening Scale (PDSS) Questionnaire and the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). They allow to assess the severity of depression symptoms and help diagnose and monitor a woman’s mental state after childbirth.

The PDSS consists of 35 statements that the subject rates on a 5-point scale based on his or her experiences over the past two weeks. On the EPDS scale, meanwhile, each claim is rated on a scale of 0 to 3, and the maximum number of points possible is 30. The higher the score, the more depressive symptoms and the greater the severity in the subject. 

Postpartum depression – treatment

Postpartum depression requires treatment with the help of specialists. For less severe symptoms, psychotherapy is usually recommended. It can make it easier for women to understand and deal with their emotions, reduce symptoms and improve their overall mental state.

In some cases, when the symptoms of depression are more severe, antidepressants may also be necessary. These help regulate mood. In this case, it is best to conduct treatment in two ways, including psychotherapy. However, the decision to start pharmacotherapy should be made together with the doctor, who will assess the benefits and risks for the patient.

Sometimes group therapy support is also an important part of treatment for postpartum depression. Women can use it and share their experiences with people in a similar situation.

How long does postpartum depression last?

Postpartum depression can last a few months, but in some women symptoms persist for up to a year or more after delivery. The timing and severity of symptoms vary from person to person. It is important to consult a doctor if postpartum depression is suspected.

What are the consequences of untreated postpartum depression?

The consequences of postpartum depression can have a negative impact on the health and development of a toddler. Prolonged exposure to stress, neglect of child care and difficulties in establishing an emotional bond often lead to problems in the child’s emotional, cognitive and social development. There is also a risk of learning difficulties, behavioral disorders and health problems in the children of mothers suffering from postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression can also negatively affect the relationship between mother and child. A woman affected by the condition has difficulty forming an emotional bond with her toddler, which can lead to problems in the child’s emotional and social development.

The interaction between mother and child plays a key role in building a safe bond and healthy development of the toddler. Therefore, it is important that women suffering from postpartum depression receive adequate support and treatment.

Are you or your loved ones struggling with postpartum depression? The most important thing is the reaction

If you feel that postpartum depression has affected you or a loved one, it is important to seek professional help and support. There are many sources of support available for women suffering from postpartum depression.

However, the most important thing here will be the reaction, especially if the problem affects someone close to you. Remember that you can’t take on the burden of treating such a person – this must be handled by professionals. You can only support her, for example, in daily activities.

Presence will often be the best form of assistance, especially if the woman’s partner is very busy or she is raising her child alone. Cooking a warm dinner, cleaning the apartment or going out for coffee together are steps that many mothers will appreciate. If, on the other hand, you are struggling yourself, never be afraid to ask for help. After all, your health is the most important thing.

FAQ:

• Postpartum depression – what is it?

Postpartum depression is a serious mental illness affecting women after the birth of a child. Its symptoms are mainly lowered mood, mood disorders, overpowering feelings of sadness, guilt, lack of concentration, difficulty in feeling joy, negative assessment of one’s competence as a mother, anxiety and panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, and restlessness.

• What are the main causes of postpartum depression?

The causes of postpartum depression can be varied. They include both biological and psychological factors. These include mental health problems before pregnancy, difficulties during pregnancy, and lack of support from loved ones such as a partner. Women who have been affected by postpartum depression after a previous birth are also at risk.

• How to effectively treat postpartum depression?

Treatment for postpartum depression most often includes psychotherapy to help women cope with their emotions and reduce symptoms. In more severe cases, antidepressants may be used. Psychological support in the form of group therapy is also an important part of the treatment process.

• How to distinguish between postpartum depression and baby blues?

Baby blues is a short-lived and milder condition whose symptoms appear from 3. to 5. day of confinement and resolve spontaneously after about 2 weeks. Postpartum depression has symptoms that last longer and more strongly affect a woman’s daily functioning.

• Postpartum depression – how long does it last?

Postpartum depression in some women can persist for several months or even more than a year after the birth of a child. Its duration and intensity of symptoms are individual to each person. If appropriate treatment measures are not taken, it can last even longer.