Postpartum Depression: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Have you ever heard of postpartum depression?

Although welcoming a new member into the family is one of the happiest occasions, especially for the mother, pregnancy and the postpartum period can be exhausting and difficult for women. Mothers often experience physical, emotional, and behavioral changes during this time that make them more susceptible to mental health problems. This phenomenon is known as postpartum depression.

It usually appears in most women during the first four weeks after childbirth. The physical and psychological strain accompanying childbirth generally continues during the first few days, alongside the feelings associated with the birth itself. Mood changes may occur and are commonly reflected in crying, anxiety, heightened emotional reactions, and other signs.

Postpartum depression occurs because of chemical changes. Estrogen and progesterone levels rise during pregnancy and then fall sharply after childbirth. Psychological and social changes also occur and increase the risk of postpartum depression.

It is important to know that postpartum depression is unrelated to educational or cultural level, the baby’s sex, breastfeeding, the method of delivery, whether the pregnancy was planned, whether the pregnancy was easy or difficult, or whether the mother has other children. New fathers are also most susceptible to depression during the year in which their baby is born.

Symptoms may appear within days of childbirth or at any point during the following year. They may last for several weeks and can continue for up to a year. Treatment may include antidepressants and psychotherapy, based on consultation with a specialist physician.

Symptoms of postpartum depression:

• Fear of failing as a mother and being unable to care for the baby properly.
• Intense unease, anxiety, and stress, which may be accompanied by panic attacks.
• Low self-esteem and feelings of guilt.
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
• Disruption of daily functioning at home.
• Difficulty communicating with people and engaging with the surrounding environment.
• Difficulty thinking and loss of appetite.
• Negative thoughts toward the newborn.
• Thoughts of self-harm.

Some factors may also be considered possible causes of depression, such as an underactive or overactive thyroid gland.

Treatment for postpartum depression:

After identifying the problem and the type of depression the mother is experiencing, the doctor prescribes a combination of psychotherapy and medical treatment. Some medications are used in treatment, including antidepressants, which alleviate symptoms and improve mood and sleep. Psychotherapy aims to improve communication skills and help develop social relationships, thereby helping the mother manage challenges. It also seeks to find new ways of handling and interpreting situations and to develop more positive and helpful ways of thinking. Finally, it is very important to help the mother care for the baby and complete household tasks, which can help her move through this difficult stage and overcome depression.

Download the Tatmeen app for online psychological and family consultations from the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can also register on Tatmeen’s mental health website to access valuable information and practical tools for strengthening your mental and family well-being.