Postpartum depression

2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 11:16

The arrival of a baby causes a big change both emotionally and in your daily life. Beware of postnatal depression!

Postnatal depression usually occurs three to four weeks after delivery. The arrival of a baby causes a great change both emotionally and in your daily life, in addition to the many existing factors that contribute to the development of this depressive state.

• Physical changes such as fatigue and lack of energy after childbirth.
• The restoration of hormone levels. The body needs time to regulate.
• The stress factor, the fear of not being up to it and not having the maternal instinct.
• The type of birth you had. Was it hard and long? Did you give birth naturally or by caesarean section?
• Do you have enough help and support at home?
• You have one or more children at home who are waiting for you and need your attention.

Many secondary agents can lead you to experience postpartum depression and the risks remain increased if you are experiencing a precarious financial situation, relationship problems or if you are alone.

However, you should know that thePostnatal depression is not a normal stage of pregnancy. No woman is immune or immune to this melancholic and neurasthenic period that seems to go on forever for those who experience it. On the other hand, it is possible to prevent it or at least to know the resources available when the symptoms arise.

Postpartum symptoms are similar to depression in its most common form. It is called postnatal or postpartum depression because it occurs after childbirth.

What you may feel if you have postpartum depression

• Sudden emotional sensitivity coming and going like a wave.
• Intense feelings of sadness, fear of not being good enough and being a bad mother. States which come in contradiction with the happy events which you live.
• Weight loss, changes in appetite or loss of appetite. Uncontrollable bulimic period.
• Period of insomnia, difficulty sleeping and non-restorative sleep.
• Decreased interest in newborn.

New mothers who suffer from PPD can also experience states of anguish and anxiety related to their baby and their own role as mother. Without wanting to, she can even detach herself from it in order to better protect herself.

Anaclitic depression what is it?

However, there is a similar type of infant depression. The Depressionanaclitic occurs in babies over 6 months old who are abandoned by their mothers for all sorts of reasons and who react violently to this loss.

Like a depressed adult, one then observes a slowing of growth, intellectual development, insomnia, continuous weight loss, etc. This depression occurs at the very moment when the child recognizes his mother, around the age of 6 or 8 months. It should not be forgotten that the disappearance of the mother before the age of 6 months also has disastrous consequences for the newborn.

How long does postpartum depression last?

Postpartum depression can last from three months to a year. You have to recognize the symptoms and react quickly so that it does not drag on. Don't play the strong woman and instead seek help from your spouse, family, friends, and even mental he alth professionals.

What causes postpartum depression?

• The stress of being a new mom is a very important factor in the onset of depression. For some women, awareness of their situation makes them insecure. Nevertheless, they will concretely realize over the days and nights what motherhood entails as well as all the responsibilities incumbent on them.
• A couple situation that is already unstable when the baby arrives carries a high risk of PPD. If the woman is not helped and supported in this stress, the latter will become predominant in the appearance of thedepression.
• The hormonal imbalance experienced before pregnancy is also a reality experienced after childbirth, as the body undergoes a great readjustment. This period can stretch up to 6 months, or even a little longer if you are breastfeeding. In fact, it is a combination that combines hormonal imbalance and the various physical and psychological stressors that cause depression after pregnancy. However, stressors are much more important in hormonal variation.

Important fact about postpartum depression

• Women who have depressive tendencies or a history of depression are more likely to suffer from PPD.
• Single mothers who live in a precarious financial situation and who have no moral support tend to isolate themselves and become very vulnerable.

What to do if you recognize some of these symptoms

In order to warn them to avoid it… Otherwise, how to get out of it…

Seek help and support. Listening is very important, you need to be able to put into words the emotions, the various anxieties and the worries that gnaw at you.

• Talk to your spouse and ask them to help you by listening to you with an attentive ear. Ask him to take over with the new baby or with the other children in the family.
• Benefit from the experiences of your mother, sister or grandmother. You are notobliged to adhere to all their beliefs, but you can stay tuned to their personal experiences. Ask them for help with meals, household maintenance or childcare.
• You can also ask friends, people you trust or resource groups for advice. Impartial, they can help you by having fairer and clearer opinions.
• Take care, treat yourself.

For your physical body

Take care of yourself, treat yourself to baths and massages.

For your mental

A good book, a good walk and dinner with a friend are great alternatives.

For your couple There's nothing like a few hours getaway just for the two of you.

You can also talk to your doctor or a mental he alth professional. Or has a support group like: Relevailles Québec.

If your situation persists and worries you, seek medical advice. Professionals like your doctor, a psychologist or a psychotherapist can help you.

Don't worry, postpartum or postnatal depression is temporary and treatable. However, if you breastfeed your baby, beware of all forms of medication, natural or not, because there is a risk of transmission through breast milk.

Stay humble and don't be shy about asking for support for yourself and the children. There are manyaid organizations that specifically offer a respite service. In most cases, new mothers overcome this stage naturally and come out stronger. Stay positive and open-minded, and soon everything will be back to normal!