What is postpartum depression? Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a common postpartum mood disorder that usually occurs within a few weeks to months after delivery. It usually manifests as extreme depression, fatigue, anxiety and helplessness. In severe cases, it may affect the daily life and parenting ability of a new mother, and is more severe than the ordinary ‘postpartum depression’ symptoms. This article will introduce you to the symptoms, causes, types, treatment methods and prevention techniques of postpartum depression, obtain professional psychological tests and response suggestions, and help new mothers cope with postpartum challenges.
Symptoms of postpartum depression
Symptoms of postpartum depression are usually more severe than the common ‘postpartum depression’ and last longer. Common symptoms include:
- Downing: Feeling empty, helpless or desperate.
- Sleep Problems: Whether it is insomnia or excessive sleepiness.
- Eating Change: Excessive appetite or complete loss of appetite.
- Loss of energy: Feeling extremely tired and having no strength to do anything.
- Anxiety: Feeling anxiety may be accompanied by excessive concern for the baby’s health.
- Self-blame and guilt: I often blame myself for not doing well and cannot meet my mother’s expectations.
- Loss of interest in life: Loss of interest in activities you once loved.
Causes and risk factors of postpartum depression
Although the exact cause of postpartum depression is not entirely clear, some factors may increase their risk of occurrence:
- Hormone fluctuations: After delivery, estrogen and progesterone levels in women decrease sharply, which may have a significant impact on their mood.
- Psychological and Emotional Stress: For new mothers, parenting stress, lack of sleep, and family responsibilities can be overwhelming.
- Previous depression or mental health problems: If you have a history of depression or anxiety before pregnancy, the risk of postpartum depression is increased.
- ** Lack of social support**: Lack of family support or help from friends can make new mothers more likely to feel lonely and helpless.
Types of postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is divided into different types according to its severity and manifestation:
- Mixed postpartum depression: Usually manifested as depression, but the symptoms are mild and can relieve itself.
- Typical Postpartum Depression (PPD): Severe mood depression, lasts for weeks or months, and may affect daily life.
- Postpartum mental illness: Extremely severe, often accompanied by hallucinations, delusions and other psychiatric symptoms, requiring urgent medical intervention.
Self-assessment tool for postpartum depression
To better identify symptoms of postpartum depression, you can use the following online tools for self-assessment:
- PHQ - 9 Depression Screening Scale Free Test
- SDS Depression Self-rated Scale Free Online Test
-Quick self-evaluation scale for depression symptoms (QIDS - SR16) online assessment - Burns Depression List (BDC)
-Emotional Self-Assessment Scale: Depression - Anxiety - Stress Scale (DASS - 21)
-Baker Depression Scale (BDI - SF)
-Baker Depression Self-rated Scale BDI - IA - Hamilton Depression Scale HAMD
Through these online tests, you can initially evaluate your emotional state, promptly identify the presence of symptoms of depression, and take appropriate measures.
Treatment of postpartum depression
- Medication Treatment: Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), can help regulate brain chemicals and relieve depression symptoms. If a breastfeeding mother needs medication, she should discuss safety with the doctor.
- Psychological Therapy: Psychological treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) help to change negative thinking patterns and improve your ability to cope with stress.
- Supportive Treatment: Join a postpartum depression support group or seek support from family and friends to help mothers cope with depression better.
Prevention and response to postpartum depression
Although postpartum depression cannot be completely avoided, there are some ways to reduce its risk:
- Prenatal preparation: Understand the symptoms and risk factors of postpartum depression and be mentally prepared.
- Seeking Support: Stay in touch with family and friends after giving birth and avoid being isolated.
- Self-care: Ensure rest, maintain a healthy diet, and avoid excessive fatigue.
- Seeking help in time: If symptoms appear, seek professional help as soon as possible and do not hesitate.
The effects of postpartum depression
If left untreated, postpartum depression may have a long-term impact on new mothers and their babies. For example, depression may affect a mother’s parenting ability, leading to unstable emotional connections with the baby, which in turn affects the baby’s growth and psychological development.
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