Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is a depression that manifests itself after childbirth. Postpartum depression is very common. Studies show numbers of around 10 to 15% or 1 in 10 women. That is an estimated 20,000 women per year. In short, it is a very common condition.
The first manifestation occurs in the first weeks after giving birth and can last for months up to 1-2 years after giving birth. Postpartum depression should not be confused with the so-called postpartum blues or postpartum blues. Many new mothers suffer from emotional fluctuations and sometimes depressive feelings in the first 2 weeks. These postpartum blues are attributed to hormonal fluctuations combined with the impact that a baby can have on your life. Within two weeks, postpartum blues usually disappear. If the complaints persist, these may be the first signs of postpartum depression.
Complaints and characteristics
The symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of depression separate from pregnancy and childbirth. Some complaints can occur in a mild degree in a new mother. Of course, a new mother is tired from all those nights of sleepless nights. In addition, a young baby is very vulnerable, so concern is very understandable. However, when there are multiple symptoms to such an extent that normal functioning is hindered, there may be a postpartum depression. The cloud is not pink but lead gray to black. As with many conditions, a postpartum depression can occur in a mild to severe degree.
Complaints or symptoms may include:
- crying spells, depressed mood or a dead, empty feeling inside
- sleep disorders: not being able to sleep or sleeping excessively
- disruption of the day and night rhythm
- overtiredness
- concentration problems
- confusion or forgetfulness
- disturbed appetite: no or extreme appetite
- increased irritability
- panic attacks
- feelings of helplessness or fear
- lack of interest in the baby, sometimes even aversion to the baby, or extreme overconcern about the baby
In addition, more general complaints such as headaches, dizziness, nausea can occur. In severe cases, there can even be delusions and a loss of reality. In this case, a mother can have the feeling that the baby is not hers or there are very gloomy thoughts such as: "it is better if I and the baby are dead". In this case, we speak of a postpartum psychosis. This is a serious situation in which help must be sought immediately.
Cause:
There is actually no single known cause for the development of a postpartum depression. It is even described that the same picture can occur not only after childbirth but also after a miscarriage or even an adoption. Factors that play a role are of a biological, psychological and social nature.
Biological factors
- predisposition, determined by heredity
- women with a family history of depression
- physical and emotional exhaustion can contribute to depression.
- large fluctuations in hormone balance
- change in thyroid function
- deficiency of vitamins and minerals
- deficiency of vitamin B6 and B12, zinc and iron
Mental or your personal resilience and disposition
Your character plays an important role in this. One person will worry more than another. The support for dealing with major changes differs from person to person. In addition, the psychological instability during pregnancy due to hormonal changes will have a personal impact on each person. Your personal expectations of motherhood and the ability to deal with setbacks. I will not say that for everyone who has high expectations, a setback in the pink cloud will lead to depression. But in combination with other factors, a high level of expectation can make you more sensitive. A different course than expected, medical intervention, high stress during childbirth or around a hospitalization of the baby after childbirth can contribute to postpartum depression.
Social or environmental factors
High expectations of the environment, the so-called ideal woman syndrome. If the environment has high expectations of you or you feel that they have and have to meet them. Major events in the environment. Pregnancy, giving birth and the change in your life when the baby is born, are already major enough together. If an external event is added, such as the loss of a loved one, relationship problems or divorce, your resilience may fall short. Stress from the environment, for example with your work, family or partner, can play a major role in this.
Treatment
The mother with postpartum depression often suffers from shame and guilt. The tendency to deny their negative feelings exists. Because of this, they will not talk about it easily, which causes them to become isolated. Fortunately, postpartum depression can be treated well. Therefore, do not wait to seek help.
Therapy
The duration of an untreated postpartum depression can be months to years. This is not necessary. By combining medication, talk therapy and sometimes support groups or contact with fellow sufferers, a postpartum depression can be treated well. The medications that are prescribed are antidepressants. These affect substances in the body that influence the mood. Which antidepressant has which effect on whom must be experienced. The effect is usually noticeable within 4 to 6 weeks, although the environment often notices this effect earlier. Breastfeeding with antidepressants is often possible, although this must be weighed up for each person. Antidepressants are not addictive. Sometimes sleeping pills or sedatives are temporarily prescribed to combat insomnia and anxiety. These drugs can be addictive and can therefore only be used for a short period.
Importance of the environment
The environment plays a very important role in the recovery and course. There is still a taboo surrounding having depression despite the fact that it occurs so often. As a result, it is often not talked about or the symptoms are ignored. Shame and ignorance play a role in this. This makes it extra difficult for the new mother with her depressive feelings to talk about it. For her too, her depressive feelings are in stark contrast to the expected pink cloud. Throw all prejudices overboard and do not remain in your own judgment. Let yourself be informed and open yourself up. Talk about her feelings and listen. Avoid well-intentioned advice and the so-called "oh girl, it will be fine". Discuss your suspicion of depression and seek help in consultation with her. Also offer support and help in practical areas. Take things off her hands and show that she is not alone. This also applies to her partner, he needs to be relieved every now and then so that they can have time for each other or for themselves.
Chance of recurrence
In 60% of women who have had a postpartum depression, the symptoms recur after a subsequent delivery. Ask for a consultation when planning a new pregnancy. Nowadays, there are so-called POP clinics where a suitable treatment plan can be drawn up together with the gynaecologist and psychiatrist.
What can we do for you?
Women's Healthcare Center provides expert care and support for women. Our team of specialisten will do everything they can to help you get the right diagnosis and find the best treatment options.
