Postpartum depression – when motherhood is not a joy

Today we increasingly hear the phrase “postpartum depression”, but not everyone understands the meaning of these words. This is not often talked about, and many mothers are afraid to admit to themselves that something strange is happening to them.

What is it?

Postpartum depression is a mental disorder that affects women after childbirth or pregnancy that did not end with the birth of a baby. About 10-15% of women face this. The causes of this condition are still not exactly known. The development of depression is characterized by certain risk factors, such as:

• a history of mental illness;
• problems in the family;
• problems in relations with her husband;
• severe course of pregnancy;
• complicated deliveries;
• the child’s illness;
• postpartum depression, after previous childbirth.

This disease does not depend on social status, financial status, lifestyle. In rare cases, postpartum depression develops in newly minted fathers.

Each disease is characterized by symptoms. Depression is no exception.

Signs of depression

• irritability;
• sudden mood swings;
• apathy;
• unwillingness to spend time with the child, take care of him;
• crying for no reason;
• headaches;
• sleep and appetite disorders;
• feeling of anxiety, longing, despair.

Taking care of the baby does not bring joy, moreover, there is a desire to run away somewhere far away. These symptoms may appear already in the hospital or after a few days, and sometimes mothers “cover” a year after the birth of the child. Among other things, depression does not fit into social norms. A young mother should feel unconditional love for her baby, feel exclusively the joy of motherhood, in no case complain. All this only aggravates the course of depression, adds a sense of guilt. If you do not take measures in time, depression can turn into a severe, protracted form. There are also frequent cases of suicide.

So how can help be provided?

Firstly, relatives and friends should understand that depression is not a whim, not a fleeting fatigue. This is a disease that cannot be started, it must be treated. Secondly, if signs of depression appear, it is necessary to consult a psychotherapist. Do not be afraid of this. A competent specialist will easily choose a method of treatment. Treatment includes:

• psychocorrection. This is a conversation that will help you sort yourself out, calm down, teach you to cope with stress, not to lose your temper and not to break down on the family and the child.
• medications. Now there are medications that are compatible with breastfeeding. And it’s not just antidepressants.

In addition to the doctor, close people can also help. The support of loved ones is very important, their understanding and care will be more appropriate than ever. Part of the household chores can be taken over by the husband or one of the relatives, thereby unloading the mother. No need to be afraid to ask for help. You can ask for help from other moms, argue about how they coped, ask for advice. Know that you are not alone.

In the case of depression, do not forget prevention. It includes:

• try to get tired less. Do not load yourself with chores around the house. When the baby sleeps, you go to bed too. Get some rest, don’t let the lack of sleep accumulate.
• eat right, balanced. Don’t starve. If you are breastfeeding, remember that this is not a hindrance to a varied diet.
• physical education. Moderate physical activity helps to release endorphin – the “hormone of happiness” and serotonin, and they in turn regulate your sleep and appetite.

May motherhood bring you only happiness.