Postpartum depression treatment

The first thing you need to know about postpartum depression is that you don’t feel good about yourself, and you’re not a bad person at all. There is no reason to believe that you do not love your child, and it is not at all necessary that people will share the same opinion. Postpartum depression is not uncommon, there are a number of factors that can lead to it, and it’s not your fault. You had to go through a lot, go through changes in the hormonal background, experience physical and emotional stress. You are currently trying to adjust to major life changes and are most likely also sleep deprived.

postpartum depression

Postpartum depression is a condition characterized by intense symptoms that last for a long time. If you notice that your well-being after the birth of a baby is deteriorating every day, then this means that it is time to turn to a psychologist for help.

Many mothers are confused and frustrated by the fact that a depressive state appears after the birth of a child. They sincerely believed that the birth of a baby is a time filled with happy moments, then why, instead of joy, does it not leave a feeling of depression for a minute? The woman asks herself: is this what she really wanted? When mom falls into this trap, the main thing is to get out of it in time.

Even a happy change is still a change. It takes time to adjust to these changes.

Causes of postpartum depression

Postpartum depression causes. According to psychologists, there are quite a few reasons for the appearance of postpartum depression. Your body has to go through a series of major changes, and at the end of pregnancy, childbirth occurs hormonal failure. A new family member appears in your house, sleep is disturbed, the usual way of life is replaced by chaos. It is difficult for you to cope with the problems that have piled on, while you need to recover from childbirth.

Although the cause of postpartum depression is not entirely clear, psychiatrists believe that it is the result of hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and after childbirth. There are several symptoms that can determine whether you are more susceptible to developing postpartum or antenatal depression.

Postpartum Depression – Symptoms and Causes

The state of depression in which a woman is after childbirth, there are several possible reasons:

Having a history of mental health problems prior to pregnancy;

mental health problems during previous pregnancies;

Lack of outside support, including a non -supporting partner;

A stressful life event, such as the loss of a job or the death of a loved one

Your baby has health problems or problems with breastfeeding;

The best way to tell if you have postpartum blues or postpartum depression is to evaluate your symptoms. The blues usually sets in around the fourth or fifth day after delivery, and can last up to a few days or a few weeks. Gradually, the symptoms decrease, your health returns to normal, and after about two weeks the woman fully recovers – this is the most optimistic picture of events. In reality, the blues can be heavier and last much longer.

Symptoms of postpartum blues include:

Crying for no apparent reason;

Fatigue or, oddly enough, insomnia;

Lack of ability to concentrate.

Approximately 70 to 80 percent of new moms experience the blues. Some dads even experience it too! If this condition does not go away on its own and is not treated, then the blues can develop into something more serious: postpartum depression, in which case it is necessary to seek treatment and help from a psychologist.

Symptoms of postpartum depression include:

Feeling sad or depressed;

Feelings of guilt or worthlessness;

Thoughts of hurting yourself or your child and having difficulty communicating with them;

Fatigue, but problems with falling asleep;

Withdrawal from friends and family.

Because the symptoms of postpartum blues can vary greatly, it is highly recommended that a woman experiencing these symptoms see a psychologist who specializes in postpartum depression for help. Treatment and counseling for postpartum depression usually includes therapy and sometimes medication to help manage the condition.

Check if you have Postpartum Depression Edinburgh Depression Scale

prenatal depression

You may not be familiar with antenatal depression, but it is another form of depression that can develop during pregnancy. The difference is that this happens even before the baby is born. In fact, antenatal and postnatal depression are no different from each other, the only difference is when they occur.

As with all other forms of this condition, it is necessary to ensure timely treatment of antenatal depression, in time to start treatment if symptoms have already appeared. This form is often a prerequisite and a possible cause for the development of a more difficult emotional state, which will manifest itself later if one closes one’s eyes to it and does not treat it.

Psychologists agree that about a fifth of new mothers suffer from prenatal depression. Some mothers believe that the experience during pregnancy is the norm, a natural part of the pregnancy process. Accordingly, such women, as a rule, do not seek any help from a psychologist or for appropriate treatment. The fact that this may be the beginning of a psychological disorder, they do not even suspect. Therefore, you should pay attention to the appearance of symptoms and start treatment in a timely manner. Your gynecologist will most likely be interested in how you feel.

Be extremely honest, trust the hands of a specialist, let him tell you what to expect during pregnancy and what not, as it will be difficult for you to independently determine how true your assumptions are.

Postpartum Depression – Treatment

How to treat postpartum depression? For a young mother, getting out of the house is almost always problematic. Take care of finding a nanny in advance, you need third-party help when the baby arrives. If you notice the presence of any of these symptoms, it is important to seek help from a psychologist as soon as possible.

Here are some possible treatment options:

Self-treatment

For starters, you can try self-treatment, without going to a psychologist, to see if it helps or not. Try to talk to your partner about the things that are bothering you, ask another family member or friend for help. Let them suggest possible ways to help, talk to you, let you do what you love. So, you will feel new strength and go on the right path.

Rest whenever possible and sleep when your child sleeps. It will take some time for the baby to establish a “normal” sleep schedule, at first he will sleep a lot during the day, and at night, on the contrary, very little, so rest whenever possible, in this case you can feel good when the baby is awake. Psychologists are of the same opinion, sleep will do you good.

Make sure you eat right, this is also important. Even if you do not have enough time to prepare healthy meals while the baby is very young, remember that nutrition should be as correct as possible. Instead of a chocolate bar, opt for a banana, and instead of a muffin, eat a protein bar.

Despite the lack of time, exercise. If the weather is good, your child will probably enjoy relaxing in the stroller while you walk around. Alternatively, it’s a good idea to do yoga while the baby is napping.

Psychotherapy

If you have tried all the ways to help yourself, but you have not found the optimal solution, and your health has not improved, try contacting a psychologist. The specialist will recommend an alternative course of solving the problem, help to overcome difficulties. You will tell the psychologist about what is bothering you and understand what prospects await you.

Your psychologist can arrange treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy. This is one of the types of therapy, the essence of which is reprogramming the brain, you will learn to react differently to difficult situations, you will make important decisions more quickly.

For example, in a situation where you hear your baby crying, you experience anger, stress or frustration and it is difficult for you to understand and accept these feelings. With the help of a psychologist, you will be able to rediscover this world for yourself, you will understand that the child is otherwise unable to tell you what worries him, which is why he cries. He has no intention of causing you trouble. He needs something, and the only way he can express his needs.

Medical treatment

Sometimes depression is the result of a chemical imbalance, and trying to change the outward signs will get you nowhere unless you start attacking from the inside, because that’s the only way you can feel better. This is where drugs come in handy.

A psychiatrist may suggest treatment in combination with therapy so that you can attack the problem from different angles. He will prescribe medications to help you feel less anxious or less sad. If you are breastfeeding and are worried about the effects of taking drugs on your baby so that he does not get harmful substances in his milk, a psychiatrist will recommend you a drug that is considered safe to take during lactation.

Myths about postpartum depression and its treatment are dispelled

Postpartum depression is just as serious as other forms of mental illness, so don’t let anyone downplay how you feel or try to convince you to just “shake it off.” It is impossible to “shake off” postpartum depression, due to a number of factors involved in the development of this disease.

A lot of research has been devoted to this issue, and psychologists have not found evidence that you can control postnatal depression and its development. The best thing you can do for yourself during pregnancy is to eat well, exercise, and lead a healthy lifestyle (no smoking, no drugs, no drinking, etc.).

Remember that not always the postpartum blues goes away within two weeks after giving birth. If you notice that your symptoms have worsened, there is a deterioration, then you should seek help from a psychologist, and as soon as possible. It is important to remember that if you feel bad for any period of time, this is wrong. And do not wait “a few weeks” until this condition passes by itself. Qualified psychologists are ready to help you today, do not waste time, contact a Helppoint consultant , soon you will cope with postpartum depression, you will be able to enjoy motherhood and truly enjoy life!

Here are some more contacts where you can be helped. And it’s fast and free.

Postpartum depression is a formidable and serious condition, do not underestimate it, take action – help yourself before it’s too late!

The information provided in this material is for informational purposes only and cannot replace professional medical advice. If you are experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, consult a specialist!

Postpartum depression: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Sometimes the birth of a baby brings not only pleasant chores. Postpartum depression (or PDP) is a disorder that, according to WHO statistics, affects one in six women. Painful manifestations overshadow the first months of motherhood and can threaten the life, health of mother and child.

Unfortunately, even the most empathetic family members tend to underestimate complaints and advise to “rest”, “don’t say or do stupid things”, “focus on the baby”. But depression is a condition in which a person cannot independently “stop worrying”, “start enjoying life”.

The situation can be aggravated when a woman is separated from her baby, the birth of a child with certain pathologies and a long stay in the hospital. The mother of a baby in this state really needs help and cannot cope with the experiences on her own. It is a mistake to think that the situation will improve by itself over time.

Lack of support can lead to sad consequences: a chronic course of depression in a woman and a violation of attachment in a baby. In the first months, the so-called basic trust is formed in the child – he learns to perceive the world as open, benevolent or as cold, hostile. The baby “reads” information about the environment from the one who spends more time with him. Therefore, the baby really needs the presence of a healthy and emotionally involved mother.

Causes and risk factors for postpartum depression

Describing the conditions for the onset of the disorder, psychiatrists point to a number of reasons, which include the personal characteristics and heredity of the mother, the condition of the baby, living conditions, and the support of loved ones.

Who are women at risk

Psychologists approached by mothers with symptoms of postpartum (or postnatal) depression list certain age and personality characteristics of women who are most vulnerable to developing the disorder. The risk group includes:

• women who become mothers before 18 or after 35;
• suspicious patients with an increased level of anxiety, sensitive to external influences;
• emotionally labile, excitable women with a tendency to impulsive actions;
• inflexible, straightforward women with a heightened sense of responsibility and a desire for perfectionism (everything must be perfect);
• immature women not yet ready to take on the responsibility of parenthood.

The presence of certain personality traits does not always “lead” a woman to depression. But the lack of support, a difficult life situation, illness of the mother or child can decompensate it with the development of a depressive reaction.

Causes of PRD

The exact causes of the disorder have not been definitively established. There is a possible connection with episodes of postpartum depression in the past, hormonal changes in the woman’s body, the inability to sleep, a certain hereditary predisposition to disturbances in the biochemical work of the brain. A certain contribution to the development of depression is made by the obstetric anamnesis and the condition of the child.

Complicated obstetric and gynecological history includes:

• prolonged infertility;
• circumstances of pregnancy (unplanned, after IVF);
• difficult pregnancy;
• the need for an emergency caesarean section;
• maternal trauma during childbirth.

The serious condition of the baby can also provoke the development of a disorder in a situation where a woman, for objective reasons, is not able to pick him up from the hospital, touch him, or breastfeed him. PRD in such mothers develops 70% more often than in those who have not encountered such tests. Worrying about the health of the child in the future can cause depression and guilt. It is impossible to say for sure in which case the likelihood of depression is higher: if the woman already knew that she was carrying a baby with a developmental pathology, or she became aware of the child’s illness after birth.

Negative factors provoking the development of PRD include:

• depressive episodes in the mother in the past, including those associated with childbirth (for example, transient episodes that occur within the first month after the completion of pregnancy);
• PPD in the woman’s sisters, cases of depression in the family environment;
• serious stress during the last year (death of a spouse or close relatives, divorce, suspension or serious illness of a partner);
• unsuccessful pregnancy outcomes in the past, long-term infertility with a persistent intention to conceive a baby;
• lack of help from the inner circle – refusal to help with the child, support financially;
• complex, ambiguous attitude to the ended pregnancy. For example, a woman was going to have an abortion, but for some reason she decided to keep and give birth to a baby;
• unforeseen circumstances in childbirth or after them, one way or another going beyond the scenario of a woman: a painful process, trauma. Cesarean section, difficulties with lactation can also provoke the development of PRD.

Psychological factors and features of the environment in the situation of development of the disorder have a common feature: the woman in labor understands that the current situation does not meet her expectations: it turns out that parenthood is a responsibility, the opportunity to devote enough time to oneself is lost, the child requires too much strength, and family members ignore her tired and refuse to help. The situation can be aggravated by the lack of skills in caring for the baby and thoughts about their failure as a mother.

Clinical manifestations of PRD

The symptoms of PPD do not differ fundamentally from the classic depressive syndrome. The degree of manifestations can vary from mild to moderate to severe. Pathological mood swings (or affective disturbances) often begin shortly after childbirth:

• at 1 week – in 70% of women;
• at week 2 – in 23% of women;
• at week 3 – in 3.5% of women.

The remaining 3.5% of women – at a later date. Psychiatrists involved in the study of this condition point to a “binding” to the season – more than 60% of cases are recorded in the autumn and spring months.

” Baby Blues”

It is postnatal depression that should be separated from the deterioration of the emotional state immediately after childbirth. The so-called baby blues develops in 80% of women due to changes in hormonal levels. The state of pregnancy is maintained by high concentrations of the hormone progesterone. From the point of view of the emotional background, this can manifest itself in the form of high spirits, euphoria , complacency. Before childbirth, progesterone production decreases. For 3-4 days after childbirth, women may feel depressed, confused, feel like crying. The state of sadness, insecurity, self-doubt can last up to 2 weeks. The characteristic differences of such a depressive reaction are its short duration, reversibility, and low severity.

A young mother in this state also needs support and the opportunity to relax, recover, a favorable course often makes it possible to manage with the help of relatives and friends. However, any alarming changes in the state are the basis for an immediate appeal to a specialist.

Symptoms of postpartum depression

Clinical manifestations are represented by the classic depressive triad:

• depressed mood;
• slow thinking;
• motor retardation.

It often turns out that during pregnancy, the physical and mental well-being of a woman is of keen interest to others. With the birth of a baby, everything changes, attention goes to the newborn, and the complaints of a young mother about fatigue and depression can be ignored. It is important to know how not to miss the deterioration, to avoid the development of symptoms of the disease. Close women should monitor not only the dryness of the baby’s diapers, but also the well-being of the mother. You should be wary if a woman:

• complains of low mood, loss of strength;
• often cries, behaves as if something terrible is about to happen;
• unnecessarily worried about the child’s condition, does not allow those close to him;
• indifferent to the child, says that she does not have any feelings for him;
• expresses fears that he cannot take care of the baby properly;
• looks closed, fenced off from family members, reluctant to talk about his condition;
• has difficulty doing normal activities, can stay in bed for a long time;
• drowsy or unable to sleep for a long time, sleep is interrupted;
• talks about his guilt in front of the child, others;
• complains that he cannot cope with the baby;
• refuses to eat, loses weight;
• expresses thoughts about unwillingness to live.

The development of PDR is said when the signs of the disorder persist for at least 2 weeks. Close people do not always realize how long it lasts. If a woman has not previously suffered from episodes of depression or bipolar affective disorder, the symptoms persist for about 2 months. In the case of a burdened history, the duration of the attack will be longer, and the likelihood that the woman will cope with it on her own is low. Worried about her condition and the well-being of the child, the mother can hide the alarming symptoms.

How to recognize postpartum depression

You can suspect the development of the disorder by observing the behavior of a young mother. You should ask what experiences, unfulfilled needs, painful thoughts dream of her to enjoy motherhood. If a woman is anxious, frightened by her condition and does not know how to “get out” of depression on her own, a psychologist or psychiatrist should be offered consultation, help with organizing a visit. If relatives suspect that the state of mind of a young mother is not entirely safe, they can watch her. Next, you should delicately ask her about the experiences, feelings associated with the birth of a child, ask if you can somehow help her.

The ideas of self-blame and thoughts of harming oneself deserve special attention. Statements about the possibility of suicide are not just words, this symptom indicates the need to urgently see a doctor.

The diagnosis of PRD is made on the basis of complaints, the clinical picture.

If the mother of a newborn does not understand what is happening to her and does not know how to describe experiences, the Edinburgh scale will come to the rescue. It consists of ten questions, each of which has 4 possible answers. Online tests are available on the Internet to assess the severity of the condition.

This technique is effective not only for self-diagnosis of PDD, it can be used in case of suspicion of any depression. If the test shows the presence of a disorder, you should consult a doctor and get support, information on how to deal with painful symptoms.

How to help a woman with symptoms of postpartum depression

Suspicion of a change in state is the basis for saying to yourself: “Stop!” and ask for help. Often a woman can be stopped by a false fear that others will consider her abnormal or devalue her experiences.

Help at home

First, you need to believe in the possibility of recovery and contact your loved ones, a visiting nurse, a pediatrician, call the emergency psychological help phone, sign up for a consultation with a psychologist. The specialist will evaluate the complaints and tell you how not to fall into a more serious condition.

A woman should not try to endure all the hardships on her own, especially if she understands that her strength is already running out. Non-drug assistance for PPD is as follows:

• not trying to be a ” super woman “;
• choose every opportunity to relax;
• delegate night feedings (expressed milk) to a partner;
• eat enough, choosing tasty and healthy foods;
• ask relatives to help around the house;
• set aside time for activities that fill you with energy;
• find a support group for young mothers;
• more often get out for a walk, for a run;
• change place of residence.

These actions can also be used ” ahead of the curve” – for the prevention of PPD.

Psychotherapy and drug treatment

Seeing a doctor for PPD does not mean that something is wrong with the woman. This fact speaks to her courage and desire to feel healthy again. According to statistics, about 25% of women seek specialized care in the postpartum period. As a rule, treatment takes place on an outpatient basis. To correct symptoms, the doctor prescribes antidepressants that are compatible with breastfeeding. This issue should be discussed before the prescription is issued. A psychiatrist may also recommend individual or group psychotherapy.

In severe PPD, threatening behavior of a young mother, hospitalization may be required for more intensive treatment and prevention of a suicidal attempt.

What to do if the condition of a woman remains unstable for a long time? And complaints about low mood, apathy persist not only for the first few weeks from the moment of discharge, but also remind of themselves 3-5 months later, after the first year of the baby’s life? Protracted depression indicates the need for re-examination to rule out other somatic or mental disorders.

Postpartum depression is a specific condition that lasts from 2 weeks to 2 months. Clinical symptoms are indistinguishable from a typical depressive episode. If you suspect deterioration, you should immediately contact a psychologist or psychotherapist.

Postpartum depression: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Sometimes the birth of a baby brings not only pleasant chores. Postpartum depression (or PDP) is a disorder that, according to WHO statistics, affects one in six women. Painful manifestations overshadow the first months of motherhood and can threaten the life, health of mother and child.

Unfortunately, even the most empathetic family members tend to underestimate complaints and advise to “rest”, “don’t say or do stupid things”, “focus on the baby”. But depression is a condition in which a person cannot independently “stop worrying”, “start enjoying life”.

The situation can be aggravated when a woman is separated from her baby, the birth of a child with certain pathologies and a long stay in the hospital. The mother of a baby in this state really needs help and cannot cope with the experiences on her own. It is a mistake to think that the situation will improve by itself over time.

Lack of support can lead to sad consequences: a chronic course of depression in a woman and a violation of attachment in a baby. In the first months, the so-called basic trust is formed in the child – he learns to perceive the world as open, benevolent or as cold, hostile. The baby “reads” information about the environment from the one who spends more time with him. Therefore, the baby really needs the presence of a healthy and emotionally involved mother.

Causes and risk factors for postpartum depression

Describing the conditions for the onset of the disorder, psychiatrists point to a number of reasons, which include the personal characteristics and heredity of the mother, the condition of the baby, living conditions, and the support of loved ones.

Who are women at risk

Psychologists approached by mothers with symptoms of postpartum (or postnatal) depression list certain age and personality characteristics of women who are most vulnerable to developing the disorder. The risk group includes:

• women who become mothers before 18 or after 35;
• suspicious patients with an increased level of anxiety, sensitive to external influences;
• emotionally labile, excitable women with a tendency to impulsive actions;
• inflexible, straightforward women with a heightened sense of responsibility and a desire for perfectionism (everything must be perfect);
• immature women not yet ready to take on the responsibility of parenthood.

The presence of certain personality traits does not always “lead” a woman to depression. But the lack of support, a difficult life situation, illness of the mother or child can decompensate it with the development of a depressive reaction.

Causes of PRD

The exact causes of the disorder have not been definitively established. There is a possible connection with episodes of postpartum depression in the past, hormonal changes in the woman’s body, the inability to sleep, a certain hereditary predisposition to disturbances in the biochemical work of the brain. A certain contribution to the development of depression is made by the obstetric anamnesis and the condition of the child.

Complicated obstetric and gynecological history includes:

• prolonged infertility;
• circumstances of pregnancy (unplanned, after IVF);
• difficult pregnancy;
• the need for an emergency caesarean section;
• maternal trauma during childbirth.

The serious condition of the baby can also provoke the development of a disorder in a situation where a woman, for objective reasons, is not able to pick him up from the hospital, touch him, or breastfeed him. PRD in such mothers develops 70% more often than in those who have not encountered such tests. Worrying about the health of the child in the future can cause depression and guilt. It is impossible to say for sure in which case the likelihood of depression is higher: if the woman already knew that she was carrying a baby with a developmental pathology, or she became aware of the child’s illness after birth.

Negative factors provoking the development of PRD include:

• depressive episodes in the mother in the past, including those associated with childbirth (for example, transient episodes that occur within the first month after the completion of pregnancy);
• PPD in the woman’s sisters, cases of depression in the family environment;
• serious stress during the last year (death of a spouse or close relatives, divorce, suspension or serious illness of a partner);
• unsuccessful pregnancy outcomes in the past, long-term infertility with a persistent intention to conceive a baby;
• lack of help from the inner circle – refusal to help with the child, support financially;
• complex, ambiguous attitude to the ended pregnancy. For example, a woman was going to have an abortion, but for some reason she decided to keep and give birth to a baby;
• unforeseen circumstances in childbirth or after them, one way or another going beyond the scenario of a woman: a painful process, trauma. Cesarean section, difficulties with lactation can also provoke the development of PRD.

Psychological factors and features of the environment in the situation of development of the disorder have a common feature: the woman in labor understands that the current situation does not meet her expectations: it turns out that parenthood is a responsibility, the opportunity to devote enough time to oneself is lost, the child requires too much strength, and family members ignore her tired and refuse to help. The situation can be aggravated by the lack of skills in caring for the baby and thoughts about their failure as a mother.

Clinical manifestations of PRD

The symptoms of PPD do not differ fundamentally from the classic depressive syndrome. The degree of manifestations can vary from mild to moderate to severe. Pathological mood swings (or affective disturbances) often begin shortly after childbirth:

• at 1 week – in 70% of women;
• at week 2 – in 23% of women;
• at week 3 – in 3.5% of women.

The remaining 3.5% of women – at a later date. Psychiatrists involved in the study of this condition point to a “binding” to the season – more than 60% of cases are recorded in the autumn and spring months.