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Postpartum depression symptoms and how to treat it
Childbirth is a unique experience that engulfs the mother with a range of emotions. But after delivery, there may be a change in mood which is often reflected in crying, anxiety, excessive irritability etc.
This phenomenon is known as postpartum depression, and it can occur in most women after childbirth, usually between the fourth and tenth day. It is important to realize that postpartum depression can reappear in the next pregnancy in 50-100% of cases. In addition, women who are more likely to develop depression not related to childbirth are also more likely to develop postpartum depression.
?Who are the women most likely to enter into postpartum depression
There is a group of women who are more likely to develop postpartum depression, as follows:
Women under the age of 20 who do not receive regular medical treatment.
Women who have given birth to more than six children.
Women who did not get enough care and affection from their families
Symptoms of postpartum depression
At first, you might mistake what you experience after giving birth as postpartum depression, but the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression are more severe and last longer.
The situation may develop until you lose the ability to take care of your baby and find it difficult to do other things in life. Symptoms of postpartum depression usually appear during the first three months after giving birth.
These symptoms share many characteristics with other depressive conditions that are not related to pregnancy and childbirth. Symptoms of postpartum depression in women are as follows:
Feeling depressed or severe mood swings
Over-crying
Difficulty getting attached to your baby
- Stay away from family and friends
Binge eating or complete loss of appetite
Inability to fall asleep (insomnia) or sleep for long periods of time
Extreme tiredness or loss of energy
Lack of interest and enjoyment of past enjoyable activities
Extreme irritability and anger
Fear of not being a good mother
- Despair
Feelings of regret, helplessness, and self-pity
Difficulty concentrating and inability to act
Restlessness
- increased excitement, fatigue, and lethargy.
Severe anxiety or panic attacks
Thoughts of harming oneself or harming a child
Repeated thoughts of death or suicide
If a woman is left untreated, postpartum depression can last for months or longer.
Postpartum psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is a rare disorder that usually appears during the first week of life, and the signs and symptoms of this disorder are severe. Signs and symptoms may include:
Disturbance and loss of sense of time and place
Obsessive thoughts about your child
Hallucinations and delusions
- Sleep disorders
Excessive energy and agitation
Paranoia _
Attempts to harm yourself or your child
Postpartum psychosis can lead to life-threatening thoughts or behaviors that require immediate treatment.
Postpartum depression in male fathers
Male fathers may also experience postpartum depression. They may feel sad, tired, very tired, anxious, or have changes in their usual eating and sleeping patterns, which are the same symptoms as mothers with postpartum depression.
Younger men who have depression, marital problems or financial difficulties are more likely to develop postpartum depression. Postpartum depression in the father, sometimes called postpartum paternal depression, has the same negative effects on the partnership and development of the child as postpartum depression. Postpartum depression in mothers.
If you're a new parent and experience symptoms of depression or anxiety during your partner's pregnancy or in the first year of your baby's life, talk to your health care professional. Similar treatment and support for mothers with postpartum depression can help manage postpartum depression in fathers.
?When do you go to the doctor
If you feel depressed after your baby's birth, you may be reluctant to talk about it. However, if you experience any symptoms of postpartum grief or postpartum depression, contact your doctor and schedule a visit. Get help right away if you have symptoms of postpartum psychosis.
You should contact your doctor as soon as possible if signs and symptoms of depression are:
- They don't go away after two weeks
- They get worse
- You find it difficult to take care of your baby
- It becomes difficult for you to carry out your daily tasks
- You have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
If they cross your mind Suicidal thoughts
If you've ever thought about harming yourself or your child, ask your partner or family member to help care for your child and call 122 or your local emergency number for help.
If you have suicidal thoughts, also consider the following options:
Ask your primary care provider or other health care professional for help.
Contact a mental health professional.
Call the suicide prevention hotline. In Egypt, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 08008880700, 0220816831.
Connect with a close friend or loved one.
Connect with other scholars or religious leaders in your community.
Helping a friend or loved one
People with depression may not realize or admit that they are feeling depressed. They may also be unaware of the signs and symptoms of depression. If you suspect a friend or family member has postpartum depression or is at risk of developing postpartum psychosis, seek help immediately. Don't wait, I hope you get better.
Postpartum depression causes
Postpartum depression is caused by a significant drop in hormone levels in the body.
Postpartum depression is also caused by the overlap of a range of psychological and physical problems
: physical changes
After giving birth, a significant decrease in the hormones (estrogen and progesterone) in the body can lead to postpartum depression. Also, some thyroid hormones may drop too low, making a woman feel tired, lethargic, and depressed.
Psychological problems:
Women may have a hard time dealing with minor issues when sleep deprivation and too many tasks are too stressful. They may worry about their ability to care for the newborn. You may feel unattractive, trying to feel identity is a fierce struggle, or feeling out of control in life. Anyone Can Contribute These problems can lead to postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression risk factors
Any new mother can suffer from postpartum depression, and symptoms can develop after the birth of any child, not just the first. However, the risk increases if:
You have a history of depression, either during pregnancy or at other times.
You have bipolar disorder.
You suffered from depression after a previous childbirth.
Family members with depression or other mood disorders.
In the past year, you have experienced stressful events, such as pregnancy complications , illness or unemployment.
The child is sick or has special needs.
You gave birth to twins or triplets.
You have difficulty breastfeeding the baby.
You have a relationship problem with your partner or significant other.
You had a weak support system.
- You had financial problems.
Your pregnancy was surprising, contrary to your desire.
Anxiety and tension.
Mood changes
Thyroid insufficiency.
Postpartum depression is a condition that affects many mothers. However, there is no link between postpartum depression and the woman's educational or cultural level, the sex of the child, breastfeeding, method of delivery, or whether or not the pregnancy was planned.
Postpartum depression complications
Postpartum depression complications
Postpartum depression, if left untreated, can cause many complications. The following are some of the complications that can occur as a result of this disorder:
- The effect on the relationship between the mother and the infant -
Family problems for mothers.
It develops into chronic depression.
It causes emotional stress for both the newborn and the mother.
The father of the child is prone to depression.
Manic depressive psychosis.
Problems for the siblings of the newborn are emotional and behavioral problems. Difficulty sleeping, feeding difficulties, excessive crying, and delayed language development.
Psychosis (postpartum psychosis).
- Schizophrenia.
How to treat postpartum depression
If you have a history of depression, especially postpartum depression, tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or as soon as you know you are during pregnancy, your doctor can monitor you closely for signs or symptoms of depression.
He will subject you to tests to see if you suffer from depression or not. Mild depression can sometimes be managed with support groups, counseling, and other treatments. In other cases, antidepressant medication may be recommended — even during pregnancy.
After your baby is born, your doctor may recommend a postpartum physical exam to check for signs and symptoms of postpartum depression. The sooner it is detected, the earlier treatment can be started. If you have a history of postpartum depression, your doctor may recommend antidepressant medications or psychotherapy soon after childbirth.
There are many psychiatric medications that can be used to treat postpartum depression, depending on the side effects and whether or not the mother is breastfeeding. It is important to realize that all antidepressants pass into breast milk, so this point must be taken into account. It is recommended to start with half the usual dose and then gradually increase it, and the medication should be continued for 6 months to prevent depression from recurring. However, if the treatment does not work within 6 months, it is advised to see a psychiatrist for consultation. The specialist will determine the most appropriate treatment plan for the individual's condition, which may include:
Taking medicines:
They include sertraline, a drug recommended during breastfeeding, as well as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
:Electroconvulsive therapy
The chances of recovery are high, the patient's condition improves within 2-3 months.