The birth of a baby is one of the most important events, but if it develops Postpartum depressionthe arrival of a child can become something painful.
Something logical after the birth of a baby is that, as a mother, you are the happiest person in the whole family and that your commitment and dedication are indisputable. However, when you have depression, beyond feeling good in this new stage, comes a feeling of sadness and anguish that would put your mental health at risk.
A study made by him Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), of the University of GranadaSpain, revealed that, worldwide, 15% of women suffer from perinatal depressionas it is also known.
As for Latin women residing in Mexico and the United States, this condition affects around 56% of them during the first four months after the birth of the baby.
What is postpartum depression and why does it occur?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is defined as a affective mental disorder severe associated with suicide and filicide (homicide of a child committed by the parents), which given its seriousness is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association.
According to the university, Causes that trigger this condition have to do with psychological aspects (stress, sleep disorders, constant sadness, anxiety) as well as with alterations of biological patterns (high levels of fatigue, increased secretion of the hormone cortisol, among others), little or no attention to depressive episodes prior to pregnancy and low self-esteem.
Relationship problems, bipolar disorder, limited financial resources, an unwanted pregnancy, previous abortions, and a family history of depression or other mental illness are some risk factors for suffering from this perinatal disorder.
As for the symptoms of postpartum depressionthe National Institute of Psychiatry (INP) Ramon de la Fuente Muniz refers to the following:
- extreme anxiety
- Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
- emotional instability
- Sleep and eating disturbances
- Sleep disorders
- Suicidal thoughts or ideas
- Intense anger or anger at situations that are not necessarily stressful
- constant crying
- Isolation from family and friends
- Chronic fatigue or loss of energy
- Thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby
Until now there is no defined period on how long postpartum depression lasts, since it depends on each woman. However, the Mayo Clinic indicates that some symptoms such as melancholia It can be felt a few days or for two weeks after the birth of the baby, although if it persists for longer, like other symptoms, it is important that you receive immediate medical and psychological attention.
If you have postpartum depression, you are also at risk of taking over-the-counter medications to treat anxiety or sadness, you can abuse alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, and you may not have the correct or timely care for your baby, negatively impacting its healthy development.
looking for relief
The INP recommends that those women who have presented some of the symptoms of postpartum depression see their doctor for an accurate diagnosis and be referred to mental health specialists.
According to the Institute there is evidence of the effectiveness of treatments that combine medications and psychological therapy. However, many mothers discard the drugs for fear of side effects that could be transmitted through breast milk. In such cases, the psychotherapeutic care is an excellent option.
In Mexico, the Postpartum Depression Clinic of the Gynecology and Obstetrics Coordination, of the November 20 National Medical Center, provides care to women suffering from this affective mental disorder.
If you suspect that you have postpartum depression, it is time to go to your doctor and start an appropriate treatment that will help you and also favor your child so that both of you have a good quality of life and a bond of love is generated between them.
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