What is postpartum depression? What is her treatment like in England?

Childbirth in England has a risk of postpartum depression similar to that of pregnancy termination in Poland. A woman’s poor well-being may be most affected by the lack of direct contact with relatives who live in another country and cannot always help with new responsibilities. It is estimated that postpartum depression affects 1 in 10 women. However, the percentage may be higher because not every mother admits to having a problem.

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is a disorder associated with lowered mood that occurs within 3 months of childbirth. It occurs in 1 in 10 women. It also happens to be contracted by men. It is a disease that is still little talked about, hard to come to terms with, and makes mothers feel guilty and ashamed, because the common belief is that the time after the birth of a child should be a time of joy and happiness. 

Worth reading: Pregnancy and physical activity – benefits AND contraindications.

It is not always possible to determine the specific causes of postpartum depression. Environmental and psychological factors are known to influence the development of the disease. The number of births attended or social status does not matter. The risk of postpartum depression increases:

• A history of depressive episodes,
• pregnancy at risk,
• The birth of a sick child,
• Insufficient support from loved ones,
• marriage crisis,
• mother’s young age,
• unwanted pregnancy.

Symptoms of postpartum depression are not only sadness, depression and crying. The woman is also accompanied by emotional tension, fear and anxiety, resentment toward the child, weakened bonds with the child, insomnia, excessive fatigue, loss of appetite, inability to cope with responsibilities, negative thoughts and guilt. Characteristic symptoms of postpartum depression are intrusive worries about the baby’s health, the possibility of harm or death.

When does it start and how long does postpartum depression last?

Postpartum depression begins within 3 months of the day of delivery. Its symptoms can build up gradually or appear suddenly. The duration of the disease varies. In some women, depression and other symptoms of postpartum depression are a temporary condition and subside within a few weeks. In other mothers, they can persist for months.

How to treat postpartum depression in England?

When symptoms of postpartum depression appear, a woman should see her primary care physician or psychiatrist. It is a disease that requires proper diagnosis and treatment. Hiding it (even from yourself) can have very serious consequences. If left untreated, postpartum depression can recur, have a bad effect on the child’s development or lead to tragedy (suicide of the mother or harming the child).

Treatment of postpartum depression in England depends on the severity of the condition’s symptoms. Usually the support of loved ones is enough. A woman can also benefit from psychotherapy. If postpartum depression is very severe, the doctor may decide to treat it with medication.

Postpartum depression – how to help a woman?

Postpartum depression is a serious illness. A woman who suffers from it requires not only professional help from a doctor and psychologist, but also from her loved ones. Above all, the partner should listen to her and take her seriously when she talks about her bad feeling about the birth of her child. It is also important to help with daily chores and care for the infant. Relatives of a woman suffering from postpartum depression can also go to a doctor for help.

See also: Pregnancy in the UK – advantages AND disadvantages of giving birth in the UK. Contraindications.