Key points:
- One in 10 women will suffer from postpartum depression.
- If baby blues symptoms last longer than two weeks or become very severe, you should see your doctor for care.
- Remember that you should not feel bad for being sick, but you should ask your family and doctors for help with your recovery.
After having your baby, it is normal to experience a period of sadness, crying, sleep problems, or lack of appetite. This period is known as baby blues and could be classified as a small depression, says Dr. Consuelo Manero Soto, psychotherapy and mental health specialist at ABC Medical Center But if these emotions and symptoms last for more than two weeks, we begin to talk about postpartum depression.
One in 10 women suffers from postpartum depression, the result of a complex mix of physical, emotional, behavioral, hormonal, and other changes that take place in a woman’s body after being pregnant.
“Newborn babies require 24-hour care, so it’s normal for mothers to feel tired and even overwhelmed at times. If the mood swings and feelings of anxiety or unhappiness are very strong, or if they last for more than two weeks, the woman may have postpartum depression. Usually, women with this type of depression will not feel better until they receive treatment.”1
Dr. Manero says that the most important thing to know about postpartum depression is that you are not to blame for experiencing it, they are simply things that happen inside your body. But, although it is not your fault, you should go to a specialist who will help you cope with it. Currently, there are many treatments for this type of depression and you will find one that suits you.
What are postpartum depression symptoms?
Among the most frequent symptoms that you can experience as a woman with postpartum depression are the desire to cry all day, having problems concentrating, no longer finding much pleasure in activities that you used to enjoy, sleeping but not resting, etc.
If these symptoms only last a couple of weeks after giving birth, they can be considered baby blues, but if they last longer or those feelings are stronger, you should be very careful and see your doctor quickly.
The importance of addressing these emotions as soon as possible is because it can become a dangerous situation for both you and your baby, says Dr. Manero. Sometimes, as a mother with postpartum depression, you can think of hurting yourself or your baby, and you can also think about death and abandonment. You must remember that all these thoughts are being caused by the changes you are experiencing in your body and it is of great importance to approach a professional who will help you treat them.
How to deal with postpartum depression?
The first thing you should do is see if any of the baby blues symptoms are getting more severe, and if they are, you shouldn’t feel bad about feeling bad.
Then, ask for help, remember that your family and friends can support you in this situation.
And most importantly, see your doctor, a psychologist, or a psychotherapist, they can all help you start feeling better and prevent baby blues from turning into postpartum depression.
Dr. Manero says that exercising or activities that you like is a great tool to raise your endorphins and make you feel better, but never stop asking for help if you think it’s necessary.
Fuente:
Dra. Consuelo Manero Soto – psychotherapy and mental health specialist at ABC Medical Center
https://youtu.be/0Oeb9-nyX1Y
1https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/espanol/depresion-perinatal
