One in five women globally may experience sadness, anger or anxiety that is more severe and long-lasting than the baby blues. This is called postpartum depression. If you feel sad, anxious, or overwhelmed for more than two weeks after your baby arrives, you may be experiencing postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression is not a failure and it does not mean that you are a bad mother; however, it can present serious risks to your health and the safety of your baby. If you are feeling this way, it is important that you know that you are not alone, and there are always alternatives that will allow you to overcome this stage.
What is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression can occur in the first few months after delivery and is considered a serious illness. It can also occur after a miscarriage and stillbirth. Postpartum depression can make you feel very sad, hopeless, and worthless. You may have trouble caring for and bonding with your baby.
Postpartum depression is not the "baby blues," which usually disappear in a couple of weeks. Symptoms can last for months. In rare cases, a woman may experience a severe form of depression called postpartum psychosis. This is an emergency because it can worsen rapidly and put her or others in danger.
What causes postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression appears to be caused by changes in hormone levels that occur after pregnancy. Any woman can have postpartum depression in the months after childbirth, miscarriage, or stillbirth. You are more likely to have postpartum depression if:
- You've had depression or postpartum depression before.
- You have little support from your partner, friends or family.
- You have a sick or colicky baby.
- You have many other stresses in your life.
- You're more likely to have postpartum psychosis if you or someone in your family has bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression).
What are the symptoms?
A woman who has postpartum depression may:
- Feeling very sad, hopeless and empty. Some women may also feel anxious.
- They lose pleasure in everyday things.
- They do not feel hungry and can lose weight. But some women feel hungrier and gain weight.
- Having trouble sleeping.
- Not being able to concentrate.
These symptoms can occur in the first day or two after birth. Or the symptoms of melancholia may follow after a couple of weeks. If you think you may have postpartum depression, in Clínica del Carmen we have a Psychology Unit Made up of extraordinary specialists who can support you and help you cope with this and many more challenges that life may present you.
A woman who has postpartum psychosis may feel disconnected from her baby. It is possible to see and hear non-existent things. Any woman who has postpartum depression may have fleeting thoughts of suicide or harming her baby. A woman with postpartum psychosis may feel that she has to act on these thoughts.
If you think you cannot avoid hurting yourself, your baby or someone else, see your doctor immediately or call 112 for emergency medical attention.
How is postpartum depression diagnosed?
Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. Be sure to tell her about any postpartum blues you're feeling.
What is the treatment for postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression is treated with antidepressant medication and therapy. Women with milder depression may improve with therapy alone. But many women need both. Moms can still breastfeed their babies while taking certain antidepressants.
To help you get better, make sure you eat right, get some exercise every day, and get as much sleep as possible. Get support from family and friends if you can.
Try not to feel bad about yourself for having this disease. It doesn't mean you're a bad mother. Many women have postpartum depression. It may take time, but it gets better with treatment.
Remember that in Clínica del Carmen we have a Psychology Unit that will help you deal with any problem. With the accompaniment of our specialists you will notice an improvement in your emotional and social life. Don't hesitate for a moment and Request your appointment today, You will be in the best hands.
Recent comments