Symptoms of postpartum depression, methods of treatment
Postpartum depression, which affects about 15% of women, negatively affects the health of both the mother and the baby. It would seem that what depression can be when a ""native blood"" sleeps in the bed? However, the problem exists and it is quite serious. Early signs of postpartum depression include feelings of depression, irritability, increased emotionality, and apathy. Depression usually develops during the first two months after childbirth.
Reasons:
- hormonal changes;
- premature birth;
- child's illness;
- psychological problems in marriage;
- misunderstanding of relatives;
- lack of sleep;
- changes in appearance.
Provocative factors are: hereditary predisposition, presence of mental illnesses and low social status.
Symptoms of postpartum depression
The first manifestation of postpartum depression is a constant feeling of depression, which worsens mainly in the evening. In addition, a woman develops excessive emotional sensitivity, irritability, apathy, aggression towards family members. If the child has health problems, the young mother also takes the blame for it.
Symptoms of postpartum depression:
- insomnia;
- instability of blood pressure, tachycardia;
- disorders from the gastrointestinal tract;
- increase (decrease) in body weight;
- decrease in libido;
- headaches.
When these symptoms appear, we recommend that you immediately make an appointment with a specialist. Use the special form on our website https://dobrobut.com/ or phone number.
How long does postpartum depression last
Postpartum depression begins, as a rule, in the second or third week after the birth of the baby. Its duration is from one month to six months or more. Prolonged pathology is prone to hysterical persons, as well as women with mental disorders and burdened heredity. Women who had conflicts with their own mothers in childhood deserve special attention. According to statistics, one in 100 women develops postpartum psychosis against the background of postpartum depression. In this case, you cannot do without qualified medical assistance.
There is no specific answer to the question ""how long does postpartum depression last?"" Much depends on the psychological environment in the family and the general mood of the woman.
Treatment of postpartum depression
With mild and short-term depression, the best treatment will be the help of a psychologist. Considering the situation, the specialist will recommend autogenic relaxation methods or sessions of individual (family) psychotherapy.
Doctors consider vigorous physical activity, being in the fresh air, doing your favorite thing (if possible) to be a good help in solving the problem.
Drug treatment of postpartum depression. The basis of treatment is the appointment of antidepressants and neuroleptics, mainly of plant origin. Deprim forte, Gelarium, Negrustin. A specialist will recommend a more appropriate drug, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient, the form of the course of the disease.
How to cope with postpartum depression - help from a husband
According to statistics, women who do not feel cared for by their husbands most often suffer from postpartum depression. Therefore, doctors recommend that a young father take on some of the household duties and help his wife not only in running the household, but also in taking care of the baby. It is important to provide not only physical, but also psychological help to a young mother. It is important for a woman to feel supported by her husband and to feel loved and needed.
The doctor will tell you more about how to deal with postpartum depression during the consultation.
Can postpartum depression be prevented
This condition can and should be prevented. The advice of a psychologist will help in this:
- don't ""close"" in yourself;
- if you need help, ask for it openly;
- increase self-esteem;
- if there is a problem, tell me about it;
- make decisions in pairs;
- help each other;
- take care of the child together.
Try to control your own feelings and find reasons for negativity. Do not turn away from the problem, but look for ways to solve it. And remember that it is always necessary to fight postpartum depression together.
If you have any questions or need the help of a specialist, make an appointment for a personal appointment at a time convenient for you. Doctors of the highest category with many years of experience work in the center.