Postpartum Depression In Women

Postpartum depression is a type of depression seen in mothers who have just given birth. It is also called postpartum depression (PPT). This is all the physical, emotional and behavioral changes seen in women who have just given birth. With the birth of the baby, the mother may experience stress and mistake it for depression. When diagnosing postpartum depression depends not only on the relationship between childbirth and the symptoms observed, but also on the severity of the depression and the duration of the symptoms.

What is Postpartum Depression?

Female hormones rise during pregnancy . With birth, hormone levels return to pre-pregnancy levels. The sudden change in hormones causes a chemical change in the body. As we all know, hormonal changes do not directly lead to postpartum depression.

However, there are also social and psychological changes and responsibilities as a mother. The new mother's personal characteristics and social expectations can contribute to the development of postpartum depression. During this period, the physical and emotional changes experienced by women and their reflection on behavior are defined as postpartum depression.

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Postpartum depression symptoms began to appear within 2 weeks. Postpartum depression occurs within 3 months after birth. Although it is rare, it can be seen that it is later. Symptoms can begin during pregnancy .

However, in order to be called postpartum depression, it must continue to exist after birth. This happens in 10-20% of women who have just given birth. However, because people do not tell their environment how they feel, they think that the real rate is higher than the known rate.

Mood Changes

The mood changes that can be seen in postpartum depression are as follows:

• Çindependence,
• Feeling of worthlessness,
• Depressed mood,
• Feelings of tension and anxiety,
• Decreased interest and desire,
• Crying often or not being able to cry.
• Constantly changing mood,
• Üfeeling sad and unhappy,
• Feeling inadequate and guilty.

Physical Symptoms

The physical symptoms that can be seen in postpartum depression are as follows:

• With the baby, fatigue and weakness, loss of energy
• Often slows down or fidgets
• Inability to relieve tension
• Loss of libido and withdrawal from sexual intercourse.
• Sleep disorders (constant inability to fall asleep or sleepiness),
• Eating disorders (eating more or less).

Thoughtful Symptoms

The thought changes that can be seen in postpartum depression are as follows:

• Don't criticize yourself,
• Carelessness
• Thoughts on death and suicide.
• blaming oneself
• Feelings of inadequacy for the baby,
• Suddenly endsç çdifficulty removing or making decisions,
• To despair,
• The worst of everything; afraid of what will happen,
• Ideas that are less successful in others,
• Ideas deemed worthless by others,
• Confusion of thought.

Behavioral Symptoms

Behavioral changes that can be seen in postpartum depression are as follows:

• Stay away from the crowd,
• Not going out,
• Ölack of self-care,
• Inability to meet the needs of daily life or to meet more than necessary,
• Inability to do things you used to enjoy
• Control&; lose,
• Arguing, shouting.

Who is at Risk for Postpartum Depression?

• Pregnant women who cannot receive maternal support,
• Developmental defects of the baby,
• The situation where the baby needs intensive care,
• Baby miscarriage,
• Unexpected/unwanted pregnancy,
• Those who have multiple children,
• History of mental illness during pregnancy and postpartum in first degree relatives
• History of sexual trauma,
• Before  people who have experienced the event,
• Pregnant women with diabetes, hypertension, orthopedic and neurological diseases,
• Loss of support and isolation from relatives and friends after giving birth
• People who have suffered premature birth, trauma,
• Early pregnancy or late; pregnancy,
• Early or late; marriage, unwanted marriages,
• People with depression during pregnancy,
• People facing other challenges in life
• Those who have relationship problems,
• People who live alone,
• Insufficient socio-economic conditions,
• People at risk of difficult birth

These features increase the risk of postpartum depression. However, it cannot be said that all new mothers with these characteristics suffer from postpartum depression. Most women will experience postpartum depression, but one in ten women will experience more severe and longer lasting postpartum depression. One out of every 1000 women experiences birth psychosis.