What is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is a depression seen in mothers who have just given birth. It is also known as postpartum depression (PPT). It is all the physical, emotional and behavioral changes seen in women who have just given birth. Postpartum depression can be confused with “baby stress.” When diagnosing postpartum depression, not only the relationship between birth and observed symptoms is taken into consideration, but also the severity of depression and the duration of symptoms.

During pregnancy, women’s hormones undergo a major fluctuation. With birth, hormone levels return to pre-pregnancy levels. This sudden change in hormones means a chemical change in the body. It is known that hormone change does not directly cause postpartum depression. However, social and psychological changes and responsibilities associated with being a mother are also added to this. Postpartum depression may develop due to the personal characteristics of the new mother and the influence of social expectations.

The physical and emotional changes experienced by women during this process and their reflections on behavior are defined as postpartum depression. Symptoms of postpartum depression begin to appear within 2 weeks. Postpartum depression occurs within 3 months after giving birth. Although rare, it may also occur later. Symptoms may also have started during pregnancy. However, to be considered postpartum depression, it must continue after birth. It is seen in 10-20% of women who have just given birth. However, since they do not express their feelings to those around them, it is thought that the real rate is higher than known.

What are the Symptoms of Postpartum Depression?

Below are the symptoms of postpartum depression. If you are a new mother with several of these symptoms and they have been present for more than two weeks, you may be experiencing postpartum depression. Getting help from an expert may be beneficial for you to go through this process more easily and for your baby’s development. Depression symptoms and postpartum depression symptoms are similar. This means that positive results can be obtained with treatment in postpartum depression, as in depression.

Symptoms That Can Be Seen in Emotions

emotional changes

Emotional changes that may occur in postpartum depression   are as follows:

1. Feeling sad and unhappy,
2. Feeling of helplessness,
3. Feeling of worthlessness,
4. Decreased interest and desires,
5. Feelings of inadequacy and guilt,
6. Depressive mood,
7. Feeling of tension and anxiety,
8. Constantly changing mood,
9. Crying a lot or not being able to cry.

Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms  that may be seen in postpartum depression  are as follows:

1. Extreme fatigue, decreased energy,
2. Sleep disorders (wanting to sleep but not being able to sleep or being constantly sleepy),
3. Eating disorders (eating too much or too little),
4. A general state of slowness or restlessness,
5. Being tense and unable to relax,
6. Decreased libido and withdrawal from sexual intercourse.

Symptoms That Can Be Seen in Thoughts

Thought changes that may be seen in postpartum depression   are as follows:

1. Don’t criticize yourself,
2. Don’t blame yourself,
3. The thought that she is not enough for her baby,
4. Jumping to conclusions or having difficulty making decisions,
5. Don’t despair,
6. Fear of the worst happening
7. The idea that others are less successful,
8. The feeling of being seen as worthless by others,
9. Confused and unclarified thoughts,
10. Concentration disorder
11. Thoughts of death and suicide.

Behavioral Symptoms

Behavioral changes that may be seen in postpartum depression   are as follows.

1. Staying away from people,
2. Not leaving the house,
3. Lack of self-care,
4. Inability to perform or overdo the requirements of daily life,
5. Inability to do things that he/she could do with pleasure before,
6. Losing control,
7. Do not argue, do not shout.

Who is at Risk for Postpartum Depression?

1. Those who have previously experienced depression,
2. Those who experience depression during pregnancy,
3. Diabetes, hypertension, orthopedic and neurological disorders in the expectant mother,
4. Early or late pregnancy,
5. Unwanted/unplanned pregnancy,
6. Early or late marriage, unwanted marriage,
7. History of sexual trauma,
8. Having many children,
9. Those who have difficult births,
10. Premature birth, traumatic birth,
11. The baby needs intensive care,
12. The baby has a developmental defect,
13. Baby losses,
14. Those who have problems in their relationships,
15. Those who have other difficulties in their lives that they are trying to overcome,
16. Those who live alone,
17. Not getting enough support from friends and relatives after birth and being isolated
18. The woman giving birth cannot receive support from her mother,
19. Insufficient socioeconomic conditions,
20. Having a psychiatric history during pregnancy and postpartum in a first-degree relative.

These features increase the risk of postpartum depression. However, it cannot be said that every new mother with these characteristics experiences postpartum depression. Most women experience birth melancholy after giving birth, but one in every 10 women experiences more severe and long-lasting postpartum depression. Birth psychosis may occur in one in every 1000 women   .

Postpartum Depression Treatment

Treatment for postpartum depression varies depending on the severity of the woman’s depression and the type of symptoms. Joining a support group, receiving therapy, or taking postpartum depression medications may be necessary for treatment. You may not want to use medication during breastfeeding. It is better to consult your doctor on this issue and use medication under his supervision. If your doctor recommends you use depression medication, you should remember that the medication will start to work in two weeks. Cessation of medication use should be done under the supervision of a doctor and upon your doctor’s recommendation. Medicines may have some side effects such as dry mouth and fatigue. To reduce these effects, which will pass over time, you can drink plenty of water and consume sweets when you start taking the medication. Getting psychotherapy or joining support groups are also ways your doctor may recommend to treat postpartum depression. During this period, talking treatment provides great improvement.

When Should a New Mother Seek Professional Treatment?

Not treating postpartum depression reduces the quality of life of both the baby and the mother. It negatively affects the baby’s psychosocial development. If postpartum depression symptoms last longer than two weeks, if she cannot cope with daily tasks, if she thinks of harming herself or her baby, if she spends most of her time in panic and fear, it is recommended that she consult a specialist.

For postpartum depression treatment,  you can apply to Ankara Psychiatry Center: erdempsikiyatri.com . To make an appointment,   click https://www.erdempsikiyatri.com/randevu .

Other Postpartum Problems Women May Face 

Eight out of ten women who give birth may experience a condition called “baby stress” or “birth melancholia.” Sudden mood changes may occur. Emotionality, crying for no reason, anxiety, and tension may be observed. Treatment is usually not needed for this. Joining a support group or talking to women who have just given birth helps to feel understood. Resting may help to reduce the effects of postpartum hormonal changes and increased responsibility.

In postpartum depression, the symptoms of birth melancholia are much more severe and long-lasting. It may develop not immediately after birth, but also within a few months. If a woman has difficulty in fulfilling even her daily obligations, she should consult her doctor. Birth psychosis is a rare and much more serious problem than postpartum depression. It is usually noticed by serious mood and behavioral disorders within two weeks after birth. These women, who experience a lot of tension and confusion, have false beliefs about themselves and their babies that are disturbing and can damage the mother-baby relationship.

Suggestions for Those Experiencing Postpartum Depression

1. It may be difficult to talk about your feelings. But you should share your feelings with your spouse so that you can go through this process more easily and your relationship with your spouse is not affected. Since postpartum depression will also cause you to experience alienation from sexual intercourse, your partner’s understanding of the process you are going through will prevent him or her from feeling isolated. It will make him help you.
2. Be careful not to be alone all day. It will be good for you to meet other mothers or your friends. Your health visitor can refer you to support groups. This allows you to get help with both practical and emotional issues.
3. Accept offers of help that come to you. Do not hesitate to accept our situation and ask for help. It’s normal to need support with housework and childcare. This workload is a difficult situation for women and men who do not experience postpartum depression. Don’t feel guilty for getting help.