Postpartum depression does not only affect women
The period after childbirth, as well as childbirth and pregnancy itself, represent a great physical and psychological burden for a woman (and her loved ones). It is so understandable that in response to these events, more or less severe mental instability, depression or even psychosis can occur after childbirth – and as you can see from the statistics mentioned above, this is not unusual. So what are these possible psychological disorders characterized by, and what are the treatment options?
Psychological disorders associated with the postpartum period
Psychological disorders in the postpartum period include a total of three conditions – postpartum “blues”, postpartum depression itself and lactational psychosis. Their degree of severity and typical characteristics are explained later in the text. Although society still tends to underestimate the seriousness and incidence of these conditions, postpartum psychological disorders can negatively affect or even endanger the life of both mother and child. Most often, these conditions occur 3-5. day after birth, however, there may of course be differences depending on external circumstances.
Types of mental problems associated with the postpartum period
Postpartum depression is often used in layman’s terms to refer to all psychological disorders associated with the postpartum period, but it is only one form of three possible conditions:
- Postpartum blues
The first and least serious form, in which negative emotions reach a lower intensity and spontaneously disappear within two weeks after childbirth. It occurs in approximately 50-85% of new mothers . These are mostly mood swings, tearfulness, irritability or a milder degree of anxiety.
Due to its high incidence, experts suggest considering it as a completely common condition associated with the postpartum period . The treatment of the blues usually does not require professional help, the mother is usually able to cope with this condition thanks to the support of those close to her and the knowledge that this is a normal and frequent phenomenon.
- Postpartum depression
It is a more serious form of psychological difficulties associated with the postpartum period, which most often manifests itself in the first 2-3 months after childbirth. Even here, of course, the duration can vary significantly, and some mothers experience symptoms already during pregnancy. It is necessary to realize that in this case it is already a serious mental illness that presents great dangers in itself – what more in an unknown and challenging situation where the mother is completely dependent on the rest of her life.
Among the most common manifestations are severe forms of anxiety or panic attacks, there may also be intrusive thoughts about harming oneself or the child, or even suicidal tendencies . Along with these specific symptoms, there are of course symptoms typical of depression as such, i.e. hopelessness, sadness, irritability, exhaustion, fatigue, loss of interest, feelings of guilt, etc. Considering how serious the condition is, it is always necessary to seek help a specialist (general practitioner, psychiatrist, psychologist) who may refer you to other authorized persons.
- Postpartum (lactation) psychosis
This is clearly the most serious form. It occurs in approximately 1-2 women out of 1,000 and usually occurs immediately within 48-72 hours after delivery, with the disorder reaching its peak during the first two weeks after delivery. A reduced need for sleep or rapidly alternating episodes of elevated, even manic, and depressed moods are typical . Restlessness and irritability are also prominent, and psychosis is developing in full force in the mother . Treatment usually requires hospitalization, and the consequences of neglecting this condition can be truly tragic – cases of maternal suicide or fatal harm to newborns are no exception.
Postpartum psychological problems in men
Men can also experience symptoms of a mental disorder in the period after childbirth, statistics estimate the incidence at about 8-10% , the occurrence is more likely in men with their first child. As with women, this difficulty can have different severity, and the therapy also depends on it. However, it is important to know that this problem also affects the opposite sex.
Causes of postpartum psychological problems
Pregnancy and childbirth represent a burden for a woman both physically and mentally. Although the exact cause of the development of postpartum psychological problems cannot be determined, a sharp drop in the hormones estrogen and progesterone , which were present in the body at higher levels during pregnancy, probably contributes to these conditions. Within a few hours after birth, their concentration decreases , which can contribute to the development of psychological disorders. Other potential risk factors may be thyroid dysfunction associated with other diseases or sleep deprivation.
Another important factor is emotional stressors , which are really not in short supply during pregnancy and childbirth. If complications in a relationship, financial difficulties or even the recent death of a loved one are added, it can easily exceed the amount of stress a woman can handle. The probability also increases with the presence of a previously diagnosed mental illness.
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What are the therapy options?
Therapy for mental illnesses in the postpartum period varies according to the severity, associated diseases, cause of onset, etc. Therefore, if you experience symptoms typical of these disorders, always seek the help of a specialist who will determine whether your condition requires medical care, or recommend a suitable pharmacy or other method.
In mild forms of postpartum blues, the support and help of close family is usually crucial for the mother, together with the knowledge that this is a normal condition and she is definitely not alone in this situation. Depending on your options, the age of the child, the frequency of breastfeeding, etc., mental well-being can be supported in particular by the basic elements of self-care, rest, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, psychotherapy or support groups. However, the conditions for these recommendations can vary greatly for individual women and it is therefore necessary to allow for the need for a certain flexibility.
In more severe forms of postpartum depression and psychosis, pharmaceuticals usually also come into play. These are most often antidepressants, in some cases hormonal therapy may also be used . Only a qualified specialist will recommend suitable preparations, and for this reason a visit to the doctor is also necessary. A combination of medication and the aforementioned elements of self-care and a healthy lifestyle have proven to be the most effective therapy for these more serious conditions. Because of its alarming severity, lactation psychosis often requires hospitalization.
5 simple tips that can provide relief
Healthy lifestyle and self-care are proven methods to support your mental health, even in the postpartum period. In milder forms of complications, this may be a sufficient form of therapy, in more serious cases, a combination with suitable drugs is required.
Take the following tips as guidelines, because due to the development and changing needs of the child, you may not always be able to achieve your goal. It is extremely obvious that the structure of your day will be different during and after six months of pregnancy, another factor can be, for example, whether the partner or grandparents can also take care of the child, what the child’s night routine is like, etc. So start gradually and unnecessarily don’t stress about fulfilling these recommendations – if you can’t achieve something now, you will surely succeed to some extent later.
- What is wrong with you? Nothing!
The fact that the vast majority of women face similar conditions during childbirth can be a huge relief to you, and it is therefore nothing rare or pathological. Even if you don’t fully bond with your child right away, it doesn’t mean anything bad. Realize that the physical and mental burden on you has been really enormous in the last months and continuously make sure that you are doing everything right.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help/support
Even in the case of mild mental difficulties, visit a specialist in the period after childbirth. Catching the problem early can prevent the development of more serious forms. Even if it is not necessary to take medication to treat your condition, regular psychotherapy or visiting support groups can be of great help. Don’t be afraid to ask your parents, more experienced friends and of course your partner for “help”.
- Get back to moving
Due to the previous (and current) strain on the body, it is necessary to start moving gradually after childbirth, ideally in conjunction with a doctor or physiotherapist. The recommended rate, intensity and type of movement will vary according to the type and difficulty of childbirth, your previous experience with exercise, associated diseases, etc. A walk (sometimes also other types of movement) in the fresh air will do you good both physically and mentally.
- Pay attention to the menu
Adequate energy intake and a balanced diet are very important factors in the postpartum period. The quality of your diet will affect wound healing, the quality of breast milk, as well as your physical and mental health. In addition to a sufficient intake of protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats, research at this stage of life emphasizes the positive effect of omega-3 fatty acids – both in connection with physical health and postpartum depression.
- Try to find time for yourself
You may already suspect that on some days, and perhaps even in stages of the child’s development, this recommendation will be pure utopia. However, if possible, include anything that allows you to breathe and “switch off” for a while. Whether it’s a coffee on the balcony, a massage or reading a book – in this case, really put the feelings of guilt for “non-productivity” behind your head, because you definitely have the right to a few moments focused on self-care.
What to take from it?
The period after childbirth is a very demanding phase, into which a woman usually also carries over the physical and emotional burden from the period of pregnancy and the birth itself. Mental disorders are not uncommon in the postpartum period, and their severity and intensity can vary greatly. Due to the possible risks arising from, for example, lactational psychosis, it is important to always consult a specialist, even in milder cases, in order to rule out the later development of the disease.
Effective methods of therapy are mainly support from loved ones, a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, elements of self-care or psychotherapy. For more severe forms, it is often appropriate to add pharmaceutical treatment. Of course, the aforementioned form of therapy must always be adapted to the current situation related to the child’s development , possible help from the environment, etc.