Although bringing a baby to the world is a happy event, there is also an aspect that makes the mother's life difficult and stressful. For this reason, many women feel mild sadness and anxiety after becoming a mother and may experience significant mood changes.
Near East University Hospital Specialist Psychologist Tuğçe Denizgil Evre says that if these symptoms, which are expected to resolve spontaneously within seven or ten days under normal conditions, persist, it may indicate puerperal depression. Tuğçe Denizgil Evre “Postpartum depression begins insidiously within the first six weeks after birth and resolves within a few months, but may last up to one or two years. This depression has multiple causes. Thyroid disorders may play a role in the sudden decrease in the levels of estrogen and progesterone, that is, the menstrual cycle and the sex hormone that protects the pregnancy, with the birth or late-onset postpartum depression. In addition, vitamin B9 may be effective in postpartum depression, ”he says.
Postpartum depression can last up to 2 years
Psychologist Tuğçe Denizgil said that postpartum depression, which is seen in 50 percent to 70 percent of mothers, lasts for about two months, and said the following about the changes in the mother's postpartum mental state; “The new mother is very confused. His eyes are filled frequently, he cannot concentrate, he may experience deep sighs, and he feels that every part of his body aches. This condition, called postpartum sadness, is considered normal. Within a week or ten days, the mother will begin to adapt to her baby and her new environment, gradually learning how to behave. For women who are not experienced in motherhood, the support they receive from their relatives in the first periods is of great importance. Mothers who have had a difficult pregnancy, threatened miscarriage, or become pregnant with difficulty can be nervous, anxious and hectic thinking that they will lose their babies at any moment. "
Hormonal, social and psychological changes can cause postpartum depression
Referring to the psychological reasons caused by postpartum depression, Tuğçe Denizgil Evre stated that in addition to hormonal changes in all women who give birth, psychiatric disorders can also be observed, and postpartum changes may occur in connection with stress, interpersonal relationships and social support.
Psychologist Tuğçe Denizgil Evre, who says that mothers who think that their lives are governed by external factors rather than themselves, are in a higher risk group for postpartum depression, stated that hormones reached the prepregnancy level within three days after birth, in addition to chemical changes, social and psychological changes associated with having a baby are also at risk of depression. He stated that he increased.
Postpartum Depression in 50% to 70% of New Birth Women, Untreated, Can Become a Great Danger to Mother and Baby
Symptoms of postpartum depression
Psychologist Tuğçe Denizgil Evre, who continues her statements about the symptoms of postpartum depression, noted that situations such as severe sadness or emptiness, insensitivity, extreme fatigue, lack of energy and physical complaints are symptoms of postpartum depression. He also said that avoiding family, friends or enjoyable activities, belief that he does not love his baby enough, or anxiety about feeding and sleeping the baby and fear of harming the baby may be a symptom of depression.
"Mothers may experience difficulties in concentration, memory weakness, increased psychomotor activity, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, limitation, nausea, spontaneous crying and panic attacks, loss of appetite, weight loss, insomnia, unwillingness to take care of the baby or wanting to kill the baby." Tuğçe Denizgil Evre also noted that the feeling of guilt, loss of interest and desire, depressive mood, loss of pleasure, feeling of worthlessness, hopelessness, helplessness and thoughts of death or suicide can be observed due to having depressed feelings instead of happiness.
Tuğçe Denizgil Evre: "If the breastfeeding mother is depressed, she can use medicine under doctor control.
Stating that puerperal depression differs from woman to woman according to the severity and type of symptoms, Psychologist Tuğçe Denizgil Evre said that depression medications or participation in an educational support group may be among the treatment options. Psychologist Tuğçe Denizgil continued as follows: "If the breastfeeding mother is depressed, she can use medicine under the supervision of a doctor."
Stating that untreated postpartum depression can be dangerous for mother and baby, Psychologist Tuğçe Denizgil Evre stated that mothers who experience post-pregnancy depression should definitely seek professional help. Psychologist Denizgil Evre said, “If mothers who have just given birth cannot cope with daily situations, think of harming themselves or the baby and spend most of the day in a state of extreme anxiety, fear or panic, they should definitely seek professional help. During the postpartum period, an understanding, experienced and supportive adult is required next to the mother. The mother should be informed in advance that the relationship with the baby will be reshaped and emotional distress may arise, and it should be suggested that these will be temporary ”.
Can postpartum depression be prevented?
Stating that there are factors that can help prevent or cope with puerperal depression, Psychologist Tuğçe Denizgil Evre said that mothers with depression should not hesitate to seek help and provide information to those who can help. “Mothers should be realistic in their expectations for themselves and their babies. Should exercise and walk. He must leave the house for a while. He should be aware that some days will be good and some days will be bad. He should stay away from alcohol and caffeine, develop his relationship with his wife and spare time for each other. Psychologist Tuğçe Denzigil Evre, who said that he should not isolate himself by communicating with his family and friends, added that when the first visit to the house after the hospital, the visitors should be limited, the phone calls should be reduced and the mother should sleep or rest and relax herself when the baby is asleep.
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