postpartum depression and how to deal with it

Postpartum depression is a common psychological disorder that affects many women after childbirth. It significantly impacts the mother's mental health and ability to care for her baby. Its duration varies from case to case, and may last for weeks or months if left untreated.

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is a psychological condition that affects some women, characterized by feelings of deep sadness, loss of interest, anxiety, and extreme fatigue.

It differs from postpartum depression, which is considered temporary and mild, in that depression is more severe and lasts longer, affecting the mother's ability to care for herself and her baby.

Causes of postpartum depression

There are several factors that cause postpartum depression, including:

• Severe hormonal changes after childbirth, such as a sudden drop in estrogen and progesterone.
• Psychological factors such as anxiety, previous depression, or psychological stress.
• Lack of family or social support.
• Relationship problems.
• A difficult or painful birth experience.
• Lack of sleep and physical exhaustion.

Symptoms Not to Ignore After Childbirth

There are some symptoms that should not be ignored after childbirth, as they indicate depression. These include:

• Difficulty bonding with the baby or feeling guilty about them.
• A persistent feeling of sadness or emptiness.
• Loss of interest in things that used to be enjoyable.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Loss of appetite or overeating.
• Low energy and feeling extremely tired.
• Thoughts of suicide or harming oneself or the baby.

Methods for Diagnosing Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is usually diagnosed through:

• A psychological interview with a specialist.
• A detailed medical history, including the mother's psychological and family history.
• Psychological assessment questionnaires.

What are the potential risks of delayed treatment for depression?

If left untreated, postpartum depression may lead to:

• Disintegration of the relationship between mother and child.
• Delayed emotional and cognitive development for the child.
• Marital or social problems.
• Increased risk of chronic depression for the mother.
• Suicidal thoughts or harming the baby occur in rare but very serious cases.

Medications Used to Treat Postpartum Depression

Some medications used for treatment include:

• SSRI antidepressants such as sertraline and fluoxetine.
• Sedative medications for severe anxiety.
• Sometimes, in severe cases, brexanthine, a drug used to treat postpartum depression, is used.

Very Important Warning: Please consult a specialist before taking any medication to ensure it does not affect breastfeeding.

Treatment Methods Used to Treat Depression

There are several effective methods for treating postpartum depression, including:

• Psychotherapy, which is the most important treatment method for changing negative thoughts and understanding the underlying causes of depression.
• Pharmacological treatment using antidepressants under medical supervision.
• Social and familial support for the mother from her husband, family, and friends.
• Adequate rest and sleep.

Methods for Supporting Psychological Stability During Motherhood

There are several methods available to help maintain psychological stability after childbirth, including:

• Psychological preparation before childbirth and knowledge of what the mother may face.
• Continuous psychological support from the partner.
• Rest and distribution of responsibilities after childbirth.
• Early psychological follow-up if the mother has a history of depression.
• Seeking help and not ignoring symptoms.

How does depression affect maternal infant care?

Postpartum depression impairs a mother's ability to:

• Emotionally interact with her child.
• Meet the child's basic needs.
• Breastfeed and provide good nutrition.
• Enjoy motherhood and build a strong bond with the infant, which impacts the child's future emotional and cognitive development.

A partner's responsibilities in supporting the mother's psychological adjustment

The husband must be aware of providing support to the mother and child. Therefore, he must:

• Be psychologically supportive by listening without judgment and offering words of encouragement.
• Participate in childcare.
• Avoid belittling her feelings.
• Initiate dialogue and reassure her that this is a shared stage between them.

A summary of postpartum depression and how to deal with it

Postpartum depression is a psychological disorder that affects some women. It causes intense sadness and a mother's inability to interact with and emotionally support her infant.

This disorder requires diagnosis and psychological support from a specialist, in addition to family involvement in providing support to help the mother recover, maintain her mental health, and better care for her child.