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Postpartum depression is a psychological disorder that can arise right after the baby is born or up to about 6 months after delivery and is characterized by constant sadness, lack of interest in the baby, low self-esteem, discouragement and feelings of fault. This situation can be triggered by the fear of becoming a mother, due to increased responsibility, relationship difficulties or stress during pregnancy.
Despite being common, postpartum depression is not often diagnosed, as signs and symptoms are common to occur in the postpartum period. However, it is important to observe whether the symptoms are persistent, as in this case it is important to seek psychological help to promote the woman's well-being and help her to accept her child and motherhood better.
Postpartum depression symptoms
Symptoms of postpartum depression can appear shortly after delivery, or up to a year after the baby is born, and usually include:
- Constant sadness;
- Guilt;
- Low self esteem;
- Discouragement and extreme tiredness;
- Little interest in the baby;
- Inability to take care of yourself and the baby;
- Fear of being alone;
- Lack of appetite;
- Lack of pleasure in daily activities;
- Difficulty falling asleep.
In the first days and until the first month of the baby's life, it is normal for the woman to show some of these symptoms, as the mother needs time to adapt to the baby's needs and changes in her life. However, when symptoms of postpartum depression persist for 2 weeks or more, it is advisable to consult a psychiatrist to assess the situation and initiate appropriate treatment. If this disorder is suspected, answer now:
Rapid test to indicate postpartum depression. Answer, preferably, between the 2nd week and the 6th month of the baby.
Start the test
Can you still see the fun side of things?
- Ever.
- Sometimes.
- No, never.
Have I looked forward to the future with joy?
- Ever.
- Sometimes.
- No, never.
Do you feel that it is always your fault if things go wrong?
- Do not.
- Sometimes.
- All the time.
Are you anxious or worried, even for no reason?
- Do not.
- Sometimes.
- Very often, more than 4 times a week.
Have I been afraid or panic for no reason?
- Ever.
- Sometimes.
- No, never.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks and events?
- Yes, most of the time I cannot control the situation.
- Yes, sometimes I cannot control the situation.
- No, I can always control the situation.
I have been so sad that I have difficulty dominating.
- Yes, I have a hard time sleeping and I can't rest at all.
- Several times a week I have trouble falling asleep.
- No, I always sleep very well.
I'm not sure why, but I'm very sad and I cry easily.
- No, I am very happy.
- Yes, I have been feeling sad or upset more than 3 times a week.
- Yes, I am almost always sad, upset and tearful.
I have been so sad that I cry several times a day.
- Yes, most of the time.
- Yes, but occasionally.
- No, it never happens.
How many times has it crossed your mind to harm yourself or the baby?
- It never crossed my mind.
- I've had thoughts like that, but they don't happen more than once a week.
- This is a thought that I have often.
Symptoms of postpartum depression in men
Men can also present postpartum depression, and the symptoms can be noticed from the end of pregnancy until the baby's first year of life. The man usually presents irritability and impatience, sadness, negative thoughts, unwillingness to live with other people, easy and constant crying, lack of appetite and anxiety, for example. In addition, the man may lack attention and, in the case of having other children, find it difficult to relate to his children.
Generally, the symptoms of postpartum depression in men are related to increased responsibilities, related to providing the baby with a good life and giving emotional support to the wife. Thus, the man with symptoms of postpartum depression should also consult a psychologist or psychiatrist to initiate appropriate treatment.
Causes of postpartum depression
Postpartum depression does not have a specific cause, but some factors can favor its occurrence, such as previous depression, stress during pregnancy, lack of pregnancy planning, low maternal age, relationship problems, domestic violence and socioeconomic conditions.
In addition, lack of family support, isolation, anxiety, sleep deprivation and addiction to alcohol or other drugs can also lead to postpartum depression.
How treatment should be
Treatment for postpartum depression, both for women and men, should preferably be done through natural measures, such as therapy and a healthy and balanced diet, especially in the case of women, because some substances present in antidepressant drugs can pass to the baby through the milk.
Thus, some treatment options for postpartum depression are:
1. Psychological support
Psychological support is fundamental in postpartum depression, as it allows the person to talk about how they feel without fear of being judged and / or worrying about what other people may think and, thus, it is possible that the feelings are worked and the person start to feel better.
Psychotherapy or group therapy should be guided by a psychologist or psychotherapist and the treatment should last about 10-12 sessions, carried out weekly, being a good option to complement the treatment with the medicines, but in many cases it may not even you need to take medication.
In addition, talking to your partner, family members or a good friend also helps to relieve stress and pressure from day to day, promoting well-being and better social interaction, which is also very important to get out of depression .
2. Food
Foods eaten daily can also help fight depression symptoms and improve a person's sense of well-being and self-esteem. Some of the foods that fight depression are green bananas, avocados and nuts, which should be consumed regularly, as they have tryptophan, which is an amino acid associated with the production of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that guarantees the feeling of well-being .
In addition, omega 3 supplementation may be useful as a way to complement treatment against depression. This type of supplement works to improve well-being and can be found in pharmacies and drugstores, but should not be used without the doctor's knowledge.
Omega 3 is indicated because it has anti-inflammatory properties and contributes to greater fluidity and brain activity. In addition, omega 3 fatty acids also increase the neurotransmission of serotonin, promoting an improvement in mood and sense of well-being.
See also in the video below what to eat to improve mood:
3. Physical exercises
Any physical exercise is beneficial to fight depression and even though it is difficult to be motivated to leave the house to go to the gym, it is important to at least go out for a walk on the street, to distract the mind. One option is to go for a walk with the baby early in the morning or leave the baby in the care of someone else, to have an exclusive time for yourself.
Regular physical activity will release endorphins into the bloodstream and improve circulation, two important aspects of fighting depression. In addition to walking, there are other possibilities, such as swimming, water aerobics, pilates or weight training, which can be performed 2 or 3 times a week for at least 45 minutes.
4. Use of medicines
The use of antidepressant remedies is only recommended in the most severe cases of postpartum depression and when psychotherapy is not enough, the use of Sertraline, Paroxetine or Nortriptyline may be recommended by the doctor, which seem to be the safest and do not harm breastfeeding . If the woman is not breastfeeding, other remedies such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be recommended. Know the best remedies for depression.
The effect of the medications may take 2 to 3 weeks to be observed, and it may be necessary to continue taking the medication for 6 months or more. When you notice that you feel better after starting to use the medications, you should not try to stop taking or reduce the dose, without talking to the doctor first.