Many women feel a little sad and anxious after becoming a mother and may experience significant mood swings, which are referred to as postpartum depression . Puerperal depression starts insidiously in the first six weeks after giving birth and improves within a few months, but can last up to 1-2 years. There are many causes of this depression. Thyroid problems can be a factor in postpartum depression that starts late or when the levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones, the sex hormones that protect the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, decrease rapidly with childbirth. In addition, vitamin B9 can also be effective in postpartum depression.
During this period of depression, the mother may be confused, constantly teary-eyed and distracted, sigh deeply and feel that every part of her body hurts. This so-called postpartum blues is normal. Within 1 week or 10 days, the mother will gradually understand how to behave by adapting to her baby and her new living space.
For women who have no experience in motherhood, the support they will find from their close environment is very important in the early days. Mothers who have had a difficult pregnancy or who are in danger of miscarriage or who have become pregnant with difficulty may be nervous, anxious and anxious, thinking that they will lose their baby at any moment.
What are the Causes of Postpartum Depression?
In addition to hormonal differences caused by puerperal depression, psychological reasons are also observed. These psychological causes may vary after birth in relation to stress, bilateral relationships and social assistance.
Mothers who feel that their lives are governed more by external factors than by themselves are more at risk of depression after childbirth. Within three days of giving birth, hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels, and in addition to the chemical differences, the social and psychological differences associated with having a baby increase the risk of depression.
What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?
This stage is characterized by a feeling of intense sadness or emptiness, depersonalization, extreme exhaustion, lack of energy and physical complaints, which are symptoms of depression that may occur after childbirth. In addition, withdrawal from family, friends or enjoyable activities, the mother's belief that she does not love her baby enough, or doubts about the baby's nutrition and sleep, and fear of harming the baby can be signs of depression. Other symptoms of depression can be listed as follows;
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory impairment
- Increased psychomotor mobility
- Irritable mood and anxiety
- Nausea, vomiting
- Panic attacks and loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Rejecting the baby
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Death and suicidal ideation
How to Treat Postpartum Depression?
Symptoms of postpartum depression vary depending on the severity and type of depression. Therefore, depression medication or participation in an educational support group may be among the treatment options. Breastfeeding mothers can use medication under the supervision of a specialist doctor during the depression period.
Untreated puerperal depression can be dangerous for mother and baby. Mothers who experience depression after pregnancy should not ignore it. Mothers who have just given birth cannot cope with daily situations, may think of harming themselves or the baby, and should definitely seek professional support if they spend most of the day in a state of extreme anxiety, agitation or panic. During the puerperium, the mother should be accompanied by an understanding, experienced and helpful adult.
The mother should be informed in advance that spousal relationships may be reshaped with the baby and that emotional problems may occur, and that this is a temporary situation.