Postpartum depression: symptoms and treatment

Many mothers struggle with postpartum depression after childbirth. Various symptoms can indicate the psychological problem.

Symptoms of postpartum depression

There are several forms of postpartum depression:

The so-called baby blues is a mood depression after childbirth. This psychological crisis is also called "howling days". After a few days, however, this subsides again.
There is also postpartum depression - the actual postpartum depression - and psychosis after birth.
Postpartum depression does not have to occur immediately after birth. It can develop slowly in your first, sometimes even in the second year.
In addition to a depression, postpartum depression is characterized by hopelessness, feelings of guilt and lack of drive. It is often accompanied by a withdrawal from social life.
In addition to psychological symptoms such as sadness and emptiness as well as panic attacks, postpartum depression can also be accompanied by physical signs.
These include, for example, numbness and tremors, but also heart problems. The latter are not due to an organic finding.
Because the onset is gradual, postpartum depression is often not recognized immediately. About 15 percent of mothers are affected. An exact cause has not yet been determined.
Postpartum depression cannot be justified hormonally. Sometimes fathers are also affected. This can either be related to maternal postpartum depression, but it also occurs independently.

Postpartum depression can vary in severity.

With a light shape, everyday support can be enough. Help in the household and with baby care are then sensible measures. Support from family or friends is often sufficient. In some cases, domestic help will give you the relief you need.
If postpartum depression is more pronounced, psychotherapeutic treatment is necessary. Talk therapy is helpful. It is important that the partner is also involved in the therapy.
Drug therapy with so-called antidepressants may also be required.
Severe postpartum depression must be treated in a hospital.

If you would like to extend your maternity leave, our next article will tell you what you need to know about this topic.