Woman's psyche after childbirth: baby blues or depression
'16.05.2017'
Source: lady.tsn
Every second woman after birth gives birth to symptoms such as fatigue, inability to sleep, irritability and tearfulness. And almost everyone is told that this is postpartum depression. In fact, such a diagnosis is not correct. According to doctors, it is necessary to distinguish the state of postpartum depression and the so-called baby blues.
What is depression? Depression is a very serious illness that is accompanied by an oppressed and depressed human condition.
Baby blues
Young mothers on 3-5 day after birth, have symptoms similar to depression. This condition can last from several weeks to several months. Psychologists say that this condition is not depression, but postpartum blues (or baby blues).
Signs of baby blues: excessive sentimentality, tearfulness, occasionally depressed mood, sadness, irritability, strong internal tension. There may be sleep disorders (difficulty falling asleep, light sleep, no rest after sleep, frequent waking at night).
Baby blues does not affect the ability of a young mother to care for a child, since this is not a pathology or disorder, and disappears on its own, without treatment and help.
Postpartum depression
The symptomatology of depression is similar to baby blues, but to all the factors listed above, depression is also added, depression, inability to get pleasure. And postpartum depression does not develop immediately after the baby is born, but after a few weeks or even months. Constant feeling of fatigue, excessive drowsiness, reduced appetite, thoughts of one's own inferiority and failure as a mother, impaired concentration, sometimes thoughts of suicide - this is an incomplete list of signs of postpartum depression. At risk are those women who have already been experienced earlier depression, psychological stress. Those who do not have the support of loved ones, who have a difficult relationship with their mother.
The state of depression negatively affects a woman, her thoughts and the adequacy of perception of what is happening. A young mother exhausts herself with concern for the child’s health and well-being. In this state, it is very difficult for a woman to care for a baby. In addition, such a condition can be expressed in hyper-care, emotional estrangement from the child, psychosomatic diseases, domestic trauma, and in both the mother and the baby.
Only a specialist can determine the condition of a young mother. And even if it is baby blues, a woman cannot cope without assistance. There are several options: a psychiatrist who will prescribe medication for you (it will not remove the cause of the problem, but only relieve the symptoms to some extent); psychotherapy, especially with a specialist who is at least somewhat familiar with perinatal psychology.
Symptoms that need attention:
- depressed mood, tearfulness, hopelessness and a feeling of emptiness inside, panic attacks;
- loss of pleasure in all or almost all of your daily activities;
- loss of appetite and weight, or vice versa - excessive appetite;
- trouble sleeping, even when the baby is asleep;
- noticeable changes in the way you walk and talk, usually anxiety, but sometimes slowness;
- increased fatigue or loss of energy;
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt without a reasonable reason
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions;
- thoughts of death or suicide. Many women have fleeting, frightening thoughts about harming their children.
If a young mother has one or several points, you need a doctor!
How to cope with the psychological burden after the birth of a child:
1. Create a schedule of meetings and events with friends and family and allow yourself to carry it out.
2. Ask friends and relatives to call you regularly. Isolation can make depression worse, especially when combined with stress on caring for a newborn.
3. Hold a balanced diet. If you have a bad appetite, eat snacks throughout the day. Allow yourself to eat tasty and special food for you more often than usual.
4. Walk regularly with a stroller on the street as often as possible during the day. Do not sit with the stroller, but stay in motion. Regular dosed exercise improves mood.
5. Get as much sunlight as you can. Keep your windows and curtains open and go outside more often.
6. Ask for help with cooking and other daily tasks.
7. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
8. As much as you can rest and sleep. Fatigue can increase depression.
9. Participate in any social support groups: forums for young mothers, blogs, communication on the playground, early development courses for children, visit the pool for mothers.
How to behave close people:
Try to provide maximum emotional support, get involved and empathize.
Remove from the young mothers a maximum of household chores, help to get up at night to the child.
Support all initiatives and initiatives of the young mother.
Let your mother understand that even in her absence, the child is safe, gets attention, affection and love.
Do not manipulate the young mother and do not cause feelings of guilt, do not play on feelings.
Clearly stipulate when “relaxation hours” are possible for mom - a time that exists only for herself and when no one bothers her. She has the right to dispose of this time herself.
Let's understand the young mother that she is loved, important and needed. Praise her, support her and tell her that she is a good mother.
