Postnatal Depression

In the article, you can read about how to overcome postnatal depression that affects two thirds of women following childbirth.

 

Postnatal depression affects two thirds of women following childbirth. (jlp)

What’s postnatal depression?

Postnatal depression is a very painful experience for every woman in the period following childbirth. Postnatal depression is also known as ‘the baby blues’ and affects almost two thirds of women after childbirth. It usually occurs in a mild form and can already begin a few days after the birth. In that period, women feel depressed, confused, gloomy, disappointed, tired, low-spirited and tearful for no real reason. Sometimes they can spend most of the day crying because they feel rejected by their family, friends and their partner. However, the most probable causes of postnatal depression are rapid hormonal changes, that is, falling hormone levels following childbirth, and the fear of taking on new responsibilities involving a new family member. A severe form of depression called postnatal psychosis occurs in about one of thousand mothers. Symptoms include delusions, hallucinations and odd behaviour. In that case, a woman is completely confused and can pose a threat to herself and her newborn baby. She needs to be referred to the hospital. Complete recovery requires medications and counselling that also includes her partner. A loving and caring partner can help a woman to overcome her postnatal depression in a few days, but sometimes it can last for months or even years. This, however, isn’t caused by hormones, but the problems related to accepting the new, maternal identity and new emotions that this function brings.

A woman may feel rejected by her family, friends and her partner after childbirth. (jlp)

What causes postnatal depression?

The exact cause of postnatal depression isn’t clear. Any mother can develop postnatal depression. The most logical explanation is that postnatal depression is to do with the hormonal changes taking place in the body. Women are at greater risk of developing postnatal depression if they have/have had:
- mental health problems in the past
- depression during pregnancy
- relationship or marriage problems
- no friends or family
- financial problems
- physical health problems such as anaemia and incontinence.
These women are very likely to also suffer from postnatal depression after the next birth.

Postnatal depression is a temporary condition that passes much quicker with support from family and friends. (jlp)

How to overcome postnatal depression as quickly as possible?

Support from friends and family

Family members and friends can help the mother who suffers from postnatal depression by monitoring her mood and report on it to her doctor. They also have to understand that it’s a temporary condition and that it’ll pass much quicker with their proper support. It’s very important that the mother who’s in such a mood isn’t ignored by her friends and family or left alone, and she constantly has to be reminded that she’ll soon feel better. The best solution is to organise in a way that never allows the mother to be alone, so there’s always someone with her. A special role in overcoming postnatal depression is played by a loving and understanding partner.

What’s the role of doctors and nurses?

Hospital staff can help a mother by trying to boost her self-confidence and improve her mood, introducing her to other mothers with the same problems and encouraging her to talk about and share her problems with them. It’s very important that the doctor is aware of all the symptoms of postnatal depression of the mother experiences because only in that way can he decide whether she needs tranquillisers or antidepressants to which, of course, the woman mustn’t become addicted. If the doctor notices that her wellbeing is worse after taking the prescribed drug, the method of treatment should be changed. Wellbeing can also be improved by keeping up a normal diet and taking the recommended amounts of vitamins.

How to help yourself?

The most important thing for a mother who suffers from postnatal depression is to be aware that her mood will improve and that it’s only temporary. Every woman should be able to talk to someone about her ‘low’ mood and this is usually the time when women truly need someone to talk to. It’s important that mothers rest as much as they need and that their days pass by without being subjected to any great stress. Low levels of blood sugar can additionally make women’s wellbeing worse, so strict diets and severe abstinence from food aren’t recommended. In the event that treatment for depression includes drugs, don’t give up on yourself, even if the depression recurs after your treatment with drugs, and try to talk to your doctor about it without any reservations. When postnatal depression is treated, the beautiful days and new adventures with your baby will, without doubt, overshadow all the problems of the birth.

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