Postpartum depression: The depression after childbirth

Many mothers suffer from postpartum depression after the birth of their child. About every fourth mother is affected. In this article we explain how to recognize postpartum depression, how it happens and what you can do about it.

Postpartum depression is a mental illness of the mother that can occur after the birth of the child. In medicine, this is referred to as postpartum and postnatal depression. Both terms are often mistakenly confused with each other, and there is hardly any difference between them, especially in colloquial use. However, the medically correct term is postpartum depression (PPD).

Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression?

It is important to realize that postpartum depression is not the same as the baby blues. The baby blues are short-lived and usually begin a few days after the baby is born. The new mothers feel exhausted, are very sensitive, worry about their baby or themselves, appear tense and irritable. The strong fluctuations in hormone levels are responsible for this condition. As soon as this levels off again, the baby blues disappear again after a short time. After about ten to 14 days, the mother’s state of mind improves.

How long does postpartum depression last?

Postpartum depression, on the other hand, can last for weeks or months – and in severe cases even become chronic. Postpartum depression does not usually go away on its own. She should be treated.

How is postpartum depression manifested?

Postpartum is a rollercoaster of emotions for a new mom. Not only the new everyday life and the new family member turn their lives upside down, but also the hormones. Going through ups and downs is therefore quite natural and not immediately a cause for concern. However, if these symptoms are constant and steadily worsening, you should talk to your doctor about it.

These symptoms can be indicators of postpartum depression:

  • You feel listless and listless
  • You can no longer find motivation, nothing can inspire you anymore
  • You are irritable and take it out on your partner, your children or yourself
  • You are very sensitive to little things
  • You suffer from a lack of appetite or excessive gluttony
  • You feel guilty and not good enough for your family
  • You no longer feel joy and have forgotten how to laugh
  • You have trouble concentrating
  • You can no longer make decisions
  • You are overly concerned about your baby and constantly seek medical advice
  • You can’t get close to your baby, it feels “foreign” to you
  • You are no longer interested in sex and tenderness
  • You suffer from insomnia or are constantly plagued by nightmares

What to do about postpartum depression?

It is important that you are honest with yourself first and stand by your feelings and your fears. If you are suffering from postpartum depression or find yourself in the symptoms, seek medical attention. Talk to a psychologist, talk openly about what is bothering you.

Together you can decide which treatment makes the most sense for you: It is possible to overcome the illness with psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both. If you do not find the courage to go straight to the doctor, ask someone you trust to accompany you.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *