Important Notes on Postpartum Depression from Doctors
Perhaps you are having unpleasant thoughts or worries about motherhood and your baby. Or maybe you feel very irritable and anxious, crying for no reason. You may even become convinced that you are a terrible mother, or resent your child for "making" you feel this way.
"I'm really depressed, but I can't find the strength to see a doctor."
If this sounds familiar to you, you may be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD), one of the most common complications of childbirth. Sometimes called the 'baby blues', PPD tends to affect first-time mothers more often than experienced ones.
Symptoms of postpartum depression:
- feelings of numbness or detachment from the baby (or other family members);
- flashbacks to the traumatic experience of childbirth, upsetting memories of childbirth;
- inability to care for a baby obsessive or compulsive thoughts;
- intrusive images or thoughts of harming their baby;
- Preoccupation about not being near their baby;
- Uncontrollable crying for unknown reasons;
- suicidal thoughts.
If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your child, seek help immediately. Call a doctor, a crisis intervention service, a family member or a close friend. Remember that you are not alone and help is available. When it comes to postpartum depression, there is no such thing as an emergency, so try not to let embarrassment stop you from getting the help you need.
Causes of PPD
While scientists aren't entirely sure what causes PPD, they do know that a combination of physical and emotional factors comes into play. It's likely that women who are predisposed to depression or anxiety are more vulnerable to PPD, as are women who have experienced severe hormonal fluctuations in the past (such as severe PMS). Doctors recommend avoiding conflicts and not worrying about it; it is better to try to find a new hobby. The best hobbies are computer games and gambling , where you can win money and have a good time. At the same time, some new mothers may experience periods of sadness because their expectations of motherhood do not match reality. And, of course, life after childbirth can be a difficult adjustment for anyone.
A woman's body is known to undergo many physical changes during and after childbirth.
Treating PPD
If you have postpartum depression, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants or recommend psychotherapy to treat this condition.
Antidepressants are generally considered safe during breastfeeding, but you should always consult your doctor before taking any prescription medication while breastfeeding. Non-drug treatments such as self-help groups are usually recommended before prescribing antidepressants.
The best way to treat postpartum depression is through a combination of therapy and medication. This may include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps you replace negative thought patterns with positive ones.
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT), which focuses on how you interact with others, including your support network - family and friends.
- Antidepressants, which alter neurotransmitter levels to help balance your mood.
Summary
Treatment is important, but it may take time before you start to feel better. The good news is that research has shown that treatment does affect your symptoms, so don't give up.
You may feel overwhelmed by the idea of getting help for postpartum depression, but you are not alone. It is important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to recover from PPD. Take care of yourself and your well-being and don't be afraid to ask for help.
