Postpartum depression (PPD) is a medical condition that affects women after giving birth to a child, causing them to experience prolonged feelings of sadness, anxiety, and fatigue; Despite being a severe condition that can threaten the woman’s life, many people do not take it seriously, in this article, we will explain everything related to postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is a common form of depression that affects women after giving birth to a child, with more than one in ten women experiencing depression during the first year of the baby’s life.
It is important to note that there may be confusion between baby blues and postpartum depression. So, what sets them apart?
Baby blues is a psychological condition characterized by feelings of fatigue, anxiety, and sadness immediately after childbirth, it typically resolves within a few days to two weeks after giving birth without any specific treatment.
On the other hand, Postpartum depression is a condition characterized by the appearance of symptoms similar to baby blues. Still, it lasts for a more extended period and is more intense and pronounced. It may also affect women after a long period from childbirth, not just immediately after it (i.e., during the first year of the baby’s life).
Symptoms of Postpartum depression
The symptoms of this condition are similar to general depression and include:
- Continuous feelings of sadness and mood disturbances.
- Crying excessively without an apparent reason.
- Loss of pleasure and interest in the surrounding world.
- Lack of energy and feeling tired all the time.
- Difficulty sleeping at night and feeling sleepy during the day.
- Difficulty in taking care of oneself and the baby.
- Isolation and lack of communication with others.
- Problems in concentration and decision-making.
- Unexplained weight loss or gain.
- Loss of appetite.
- Feeling that life is not worth living.
- Lack of sufficient care for the baby.
- The feeling of detachment or lack of bonding with the baby.
It is worth noting that in rare cases, women may experience postpartum psychosis, a severe condition in which symptoms of depression after childbirth are accompanied by thoughts of self-harm or harm to the baby.
It is important to note that many women may not realize they have postpartum depression until a considerable period has passed, during which they have been experiencing the previously mentioned symptoms because this condition develops gradually over time.
Causes of Postpartum depression
The exact cause of postpartum depression is not yet clear, but there are several possible factors that may contribute to its occurrence, including:
Genes
The presence of a family history of depression increases the likelihood of experiencing postpartum depression, as genes can be passed down from parents to children.
Changing hormone levels after childbirth
During pregnancy, the levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones increase, but within the first 24 hours after childbirth, these hormones return to their normal levels rapidly; the rapid decrease in these hormone levels may lead to depression.
Low levels of thyroid hormones
The decrease in thyroid hormone levels after childbirth can lead to the emergence of depression symptoms, it is worth noting that the thyroid gland, located in the neck, helps the body use and store energy produced from food.
Other causes
Other causes of postpartum depression may include:
- Sleep deprivation.
- Underlying medical conditions.
- Drugs and alcohol use.
- Experiencing psychological stressors, such as recent divorce, the death of a family member, or facing financial pressures.
Diagnosing postpartum depression
It is recommended to consult a doctor if you notice any symptoms of postpartum depression during the first year after childbirth and if they persist for more than two weeks.
The doctor will assess the symptoms and the patient’s medical history. They will also talk to the patient to gather more information that can help with the diagnosis, such as:
- Symptoms of depression.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Decreased energy levels.
- Feelings of irritability.
- Recent stressors or life events.
- Medication history.
Additionally, the doctor may order a blood test to assess the thyroid gland and check for nutrient deficiencies, as these factors could potentially contribute to the development of depression.
Treatment of postpartum depression
Postpartum depression can be discouraging and frightening, but following some guidelines and taking certain medications can help you recover.
1- Psychotherapy
Seeking help from a doctor or a mental health specialist to discuss concerns can be advantageous. These professionals can assist patients in finding effective ways to cope with depression, problem-solving, and responding to situations in a positive manner.
As examples of psychological treatments used to address postpartum depression include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy; furthermore, family therapy sessions can be beneficial for the patient.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that aims to help individuals cope with their problems by changing their thinking and behavior.
2- Medications
Antidepressants are among the most common types of medications used to treat postpartum depression, These medications help alleviate many symptoms of depression, but they usually require 6 to 8 weeks to show their effects.
Some types of antidepressants that the doctor may prescribe to treat postpartum depression include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
- Atypical antidepressants.
- Tricyclic antidepressants.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
- Brexanolone.
3- Hormonal therapy
As previously mentioned, estrogen and progesterone significantly decrease after childbirth, which can lead to postpartum depression; therefore, hormone therapy may be beneficial in managing postpartum depression.
4- electroconvulsive therapy
The doctor may use electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to treat severe cases of postpartum depression.
5- Lifestyle modification
Following some lifestyle practices, in addition to depression treatments and medications, may help improve the condition, such as:
- Adopting a healthy diet.
- Engaging in light exercises.
- Practicing meditation or yoga.
- Spending time in nature.
Complications of postpartum depression
Untreated postpartum depression can lead to various complications affecting the entire family, including:
- Increased risk of the mother developing a chronic depressive disorder.
- Increased risk of the father experiencing depression.
- Negative impact on the child and raising the risk of the child experiencing:
- Sleep and eating problems.
- Excessive crying.
- Delayed language development and learning challenges.
- Behavioral issues.
- Stunted growth and an increased risk of obesity during preschool age.
- Difficulties in coping with stress and adapting to school and other social situations.
Postpartum depression prevention
Preventing postpartum depression ultimately is not always possible, but some tips and guidance may help reduce the chances of developing it, including:
- Receiving support from family and friends before and after childbirth.
- Attending educational classes before and after birth on how to care for the newborn.
- Managing time and creating a plan for baby care.
- Maintaining a balanced diet.
- Trying to engage in some physical exercises daily.
- Getting enough rest and sleep.
Psychological therapy during pregnancy, after childbirth, or taking antidepressant medication after consulting a doctor can sometimes help reduce the risk of postpartum depression, especially for those with a family history and a higher predisposition to depression.
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