Mental

Giving birth brings the parents happiness, doesn’t it?
That is usually true, however, some mothers suffer from a poor mental state after childbirth.
This condition ranges in severity, from “Postpartum Blues”, to “Postpartum Depression” and rarely develops into “Postpartum Psychosis”.

Let’s learn more about Postpartum Depression

Definition of Postpartum Depression

PPD is a major depression that women experience after childbirth. It’s more serious and intense than “Baby Blues” and lasts longer. [1]
Postpartum depression can affect fathers too.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Symptoms develop within the first few weeks after giving birth, or earlier during pregnancy, up to a year after birth.
PPD is diagnosed based on the severity and duration of these symptoms.
As it’s common for new moms to experience fatigue, anxiety, or sadness out of stress.

Symptoms may include:

• Depressed mood or severe mood swings.
• Excessive crying
• Difficulty bonding with the baby and inability to form an emotional connection.
• Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual.
• Inability to sleep or sleep too much.
• Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy.
• Intense irritability and anger.
• Fear of not being a good mother.
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby may lead to suicide. [2]

Causes & Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression

There is no single cause of postpartum depression, but certain factors increase its risk, including:

• Physical factors: Due to the sudden drop in estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones.
• The baby has health problems making it difficult for the mom to handle the baby and causing her anxiety and stress.
• Social or family issues, such as poverty, unwanted pregnancy, marital discord, unemployment, and domestic violence.
• Family history of postpartum depression or a previous diagnosis of depression. [1] [2] [3]

Dealing with Women with Postpartum Depression

First of all, we must emphasize that women suffering from postpartum depression cannot recover on their own, and require the help and support of their spouses and families.
For example, the husband can help with taking care of the baby and the house or assist with daily tasks.
The new mother may experience physical changes and feel less attractive, that is why it’s important for the husband to compliment her and show her love.
Moreover, encouraging the mother to dress up and go out with her friends or husband will improve her mental health.

In the end, we would like to offer you some advice that help preventing and recovery, such as: 
Be realistic. Don’t expect your life to go back to how it was overnight, let go of the idea of being a perfect mom, don’t push yourself too hard and just give it some time to adapt.
Ask for help and don’t be embarrassed. Talk with your partner, friends or to a therapist about how you are feeling.
Follow a healthy diet and lifestyle. Try to eat healthy food and increase your physical activity, this applies to your life before and during pregnancy, and after childbirth.
Psychotherapy and antidepressants as recommended by the doctor, and avert from stopping treatment too early as it may lead to a relapse.

And remember, the best way to care for your baby is by taking care of yourself.

♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.