Postpartum Depression Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Postpartum depression is a form of depression that can appear anywhere from pregnancy to a year after the child is born. This term is usually used to describe complaints in women or mothers who give birth. But it turns out that the condition can happen to every parent, both mothers and fathers, even adoptive parents.
It is estimated that postpartum depression affects one in seven female populations. Often, the complaints appear in the first four months after giving birth. Having postpartum depression can affect your ability to care for your baby or yourself.
Symptoms
Symptoms of postpartum depression are no different from symptoms of depression in general. The thing that usually distinguishes it is the time of its appearance (can be found from pregnancy up to a year after giving birth).
Symptoms of depression can include the appearance of a depressed mood, crying easily, feeling unhappy, difficulty sleeping, feeling constantly tired, eating disorders, thoughts of suicide, and recurrent thoughts about death. Someone with postpartum depression can feel very sad, feel very anxious, or feel hopeless.
There are several symptoms that need special attention, which can indicate postpartum depression, including:
- losing interest in things you used to enjoy, including sex
- eat much more or much less than usual
- anxiety, feeling all or most of the time, or panic attacks
- scary thoughts
- feeling guilty or insignificant, often blaming himself
- irritability, irritability, or excessive agitation (suspiciousness, inciting others).
- feeling sad, crying uncontrollably for long periods of time
- the fear of not being a good mother or parent
- fear of being left alone with the baby
- suffering
- inability to sleep, oversleeping, or difficulty sleeping
- loss of interest in the baby, family, and friends
- difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering details
- thoughts of harming yourself or the baby
If these symptoms are experienced continuously for two weeks or more, the person concerned should get special assistance from health workers.
Reason
Several risk factors that can influence the emergence of postpartum depression are as follows:
- hormonal changes after childbirth
- history of depression or anxiety in the past
- have a family history of depression or other mental problems
- stress caused by caring for newborns and lifestyle changes
- having a baby who is more challenging, for example crying more often than other babies, difficult to soothe when crying, babies with irregular eating and sleeping patterns, and unpredictable
- having a baby with special needs, for example born prematurely or having certain disorders
- becoming parents for the first time, becoming parents when they were very young, or becoming parents when they tend to be older
- other emotional stressors, such as family problems or the death of a family member
- financial or work problems
- lack social support from close people and are socially isolated
Diagnosis
Doctors can recognize the symptoms of depression in cases of postpartum depression through detailed medical interviews with the person concerned. There is no specific physical examination to establish a diagnosis of this condition.
Treatment
Handling of postpartum depression can be done through counseling. One type of counseling, namely cognitive-behavioral therapy, is the first choice for postpartum depression with mild to moderate symptoms.
This therapy teaches how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors work together within a person. Cognitive-behavioral therapy also teaches important skills, such as problem-solving, realistic thinking, stress management, and relaxation.
Other types of counseling, such as interpersonal therapy, are also possible. This therapy focuses on how to manage relationships with other people and encourage someone to be able to adapt to their new role (in this case as new parents).
The existence of support from the surrounding environment or from other people with similar complaints through a support group will really help someone overcome their depression.
Anti-depressant drugs may be given to help manage symptoms. In general, most of these drugs are safe to use while breastfeeding. It is important to remember, even though drugs can improve symptoms, drugs alone cannot change a person’s thoughts and beliefs that make him feel depressed.
Therefore, it is important to also do counseling therapy even though you are already taking the prescribed drugs.
Prevention
Not all conditions of postpartum depression or depression after childbirth can be prevented. This emotional state can arise at any time. Moreover, there are elements of hormonal changes and a genetic history of depression in the family that can facilitate the occurrence of depression.
However, in general, it is recommended that you live a healthy life with enough rest, manage stress well, have meaningful activities, and socialize or make friends with positive people. Things like this will make a person mentally tougher to deal with problems.
Apart from that, mental health professionals also usually advise a mother to keep making time for herself. Regular exercise, eating and sleeping can help improve mood and manage stress.
It’s important to do what you love. Also spend time with people who make you feel better, and find the relaxation strategy that works best for you.