What to do about postpartum depression?

A depressive state that lasts for a shorter or longer period after childbirth. It can affect 50-85% of women. At this time, the expectant mother may experience mood disorders that she has never experienced before. In most cases, it only takes a few days off the happy - and otherwise very exhausting - postpartum period.

If it causes problems for longer than that, or if it worsens, know that there is a way out. The physical and mental ordeal that affects nearly 10% of mothers is receiving increasing attention today and can be remedied with appropriate help and treatment.

"You should be happy..." Why does postpartum sadness exist?

For a few days after the birth of your little one, you may feel more down than usual. You may even think that this is strange, because right now you should be floating in euphoria, like the rest of the family. But you don't recognize yourself.

There is no reason to worry too much, it is just the “baby blues.” Postpartum sadness is very common, as the increased responsibility, worry, sleep deprivation, childcare and breastfeeding problems, and hormonal changes take a toll on the mother both physically and mentally.

If you're experiencing this too, don't immediately think of depression at first, because you're most likely just experiencing this feeling of sadness that lasts for a few days.

When should you take symptoms seriously?

Both the mother and her family members can notice warning signs that they should not ignore. This requires being attentive, open to each other, and recognizing the symptoms of depression .

How does the expectant mother feel in this situation?

They experience the days and tasks related to caring for the child as joyless, they are uninterested in conversations directed towards them, and they seem tired. They may feel anxiety, guilt, and self-esteem problems.

The family may also notice that something is wrong if they experience the mother's negative thinking, narrow-mindedness, and worries for a prolonged period of time. You can often hear statements that she does not consider herself a good mother, that she feels guilty. It can be observed that she has difficulty providing for her child, and that she has few resources to do so.

What are the most commonly observed signs?

We may encounter similar symptoms as in the case of classic depressive symptoms, but they are also associated with areas related to child care.

If we see the following symptoms that have been present for a long time, we may suspect postpartum depression :

• fears and anxiety related to motherhood
• joylessness
• disinterest, feeling of emptiness
• fatigue, sleep disorders
• feeling of guilt or shame
• excessive worry about the baby
• fear of losing control
• lack of independence
• narrowness of thinking
• feeling of helplessness

How can you start towards healing?

There are several solutions and it can be good if they work together to provide support from multiple angles to the mother in need.

Psychological counseling

One of the factors that complicates the depressive state is the tendency to passivity and the feeling of helplessness. During the consultation with the psychologist, the mother finds herself in a common, safe atmosphere with an outside observer, but also an excellent professional, where she can open up and express her feelings. The goal: to overcome the blocking difficulties. The psychologist treats the client's problems with extraordinary understanding and helps them find solutions that fit their personality and process their previous experiences.

If this type of consultation is not enough, then it is necessary to go into greater depth.

Psychotherapy

Therapy aims for more complex, deeper internal changes than psychological counseling in order to map and solve problems, which can also provide serious self-knowledge and new skills.

Family support

Accept helping hands! This can be very important, although it is not enough on its own. However, the right amount of rest is necessary for regeneration. How good can an afternoon nap be for a sleepless mother while someone else takes care of the baby!

The understanding and attentive behavior of the immediate family, even cooperation in the background, can provide a safe support. Not only for the mother, but also for her family, since we must not forget that this situation is difficult for them too. If the problem is not trivialized, but even at the family level, as a cooperation, a small helping team works in the background, then a lot can be done for the mother and for the others.

However, we know that not all new mothers today have relatives to help them. In such cases, other support is needed, but it is important: seek it, don't stay alone! There is a good chance that you will find helping hands. Find a community where they are familiar with this situation!

Supportive community

A women's community can bring spiritual strength and insights, where the mother can discover that others are in a similar situation. Sharing experiences and ideas, an understanding environment can fill her with renewed strength. From here, encouragement and praise can also come, which helps in spiritual recovery .

Me-times – just like mom likes them

Everyone has activities that are most fulfilling and bring them joy: hobbies, sports, community programs, creativity, listening to music, dancing. Don't feel guilty about taking time for this, in fact... If you put energy into yourself, your child will feel that energy too.

Sleep

If your baby sleeps better during the day, lie down comfortably then. The main thing is to have relaxation time, this is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Observe what makes your baby sleep better and try to provide it! Comfortable clothes are very important for this. We can help with this by providing soft, natural, non-irritating baby clothes .

Nutrients for postpartum depression

Omega -3 fatty acids are also necessary for the functioning of the nervous system. The DHA contained in it has a positive effect on the level of dopamine in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter and is responsible for the feeling of pleasure and reward. The amount of DHA is continuously excreted from the mother's body during pregnancy and breastfeeding and is transferred to the baby's body. We can achieve good results by replacing it.

Ashwagandha helps reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as signs of fatigue.

Folate deficiency can also lead to depression. Taking it can increase the body's serotonin and dopamine levels.

Why is it important to seek help as soon as possible?

Caring for a baby requires a lot of strength. Humanity has always operated in such a way that new mothers usually have a supportive environment. When a mother is completely alone, it can be an unusually heavy burden. In the case of depression, it is especially true that it is not only “worth” to ask for help, but also necessary.

If the mother remains in this state for too long, it can become increasingly overwhelming. Postpartum depression can fundamentally jeopardize the early mother-baby relationship, but it also has a negative impact on family life and relationships. It is therefore important to start healing therapy as soon as possible. It is not good to isolate yourself in trouble. The father may also feel helpless when he sees his partner suffering.

Are there things that can predispose you to postpartum depression?

Yes, there are factors that may be predisposing :

• complications during childbirth
• insomnia
• low self-esteem
• previous depression problems
• relationship problems
• experiencing a lack of support
• depressed relatives
• the birth of the child was not planned or desired.

It is not good to anticipate trouble and fear postpartum depression in advance. Even if there may have been a similar experience in the family. It is not natural for it to happen again.

Even if it does, there is still effective help that can help you get out of this difficult situation. The strongest motivating force for this is the family and the baby.

Positive thinking, relaxation, and good relationships steer the psyche in a very good direction.

The main thing is to get on the road!