Postpartum depression is a disorder that affects many mothers. In fact, this mood disorder affects between 6% and 12% of new mothers with different levels of severity. Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that occurs in the perinatal period, i.e. in the period both before and after childbirth up to 12 months later.
The Baby Blues Syndrome
The moment of pregnancy and childbirth are very delicate phases for the woman and often in the days following the birth many mothers feel an “unmotivated sadness”. In fact, it is important to distinguish between postpartum depression and the so-called “Baby Blues” or third day syndrome.
The latter is a postpartum disorder characterized by mild and transient levels of depression that arise in 70% of purples about 2 or three days after delivery and for this reason it is also called the third day syndrome. This disorder, being transitory, does not require drug treatment and usually passes within the third week following the birth.
Symptoms that characterize the third day syndrome are: restlessness, unmotivated sadness, easy crying and guilt . From a medical point of view, this syndrome is mainly attributed to the condition of physical exhaustion of the new mother following childbirth and to the drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone, hormones present in pregnancy.
From a psychological point of view, however, the need for profound transformation in the life of the mother that accompanies the birth of the child cannot be overlooked ; any transformation and awareness associated with it always involve a period of depression.
How to distinguish Baby Blues syndrome from postpartum depression?
Unlike Baby Blues Syndrome, postpartum depression has more severe and long-lasting symptoms. The symptoms of postpartum depression are very similar to those of major depressive disorder :
- Ease of crying and sadness
- Not feeling able to care for the baby
- Impatience with others
- Irritability towards family members
- Sleep disorders
- Strong sense of guilt
- Obsessive thoughts
- Decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating and thinking
- Thoughts of death
- Excessive concern given to the newborn
One feels inadequate and unable to properly care for one’s child, overwhelmed by the responsibility of the child’s care and demands . Experiencing these negative feelings, a strong sense of guilt pervades new mothers who do not feel normal or suitable.
What are the causes of postpartum depression?
The birth of a child is a unique event, and adapting to parenthood takes time. There is not a single trigger, but this disorder occurs more often in conjunction with:
- Previous episodes of postpartum depression
- Previous mental health problems
- Marital problems
- Lack of help and support from family and friends
- Recent stressful events such as the loss of a loved one
- Obstetric complications
- Twin parts
- Low social support
- Cultural expectations that do not match
- Little knowledge
- Economic problems
- What are the recommended therapies to treat postpartum depression?
- Prevention plays a key role in the treatment of postpartum depression. Taking a psychological path can always help prevent these disorders because it allows you to process your own experience and become aware
- If you are concerned about suffering from this condition, talking about it with your family and friends or with trusted people is a first attempt to try to get out of it. If the problem persists, it is good to contact your doctorwithout the doubt delaying the request for help.
- There are centers specialized in perinatal psychopathology that offer a support service and a correct medical evaluation and usually this service is also provided in hospitals. Asking for help is important and shame needs to be overcome.
