Are you feeling sad after having a baby? Don't worry, let's talk about postpartum depression!

Isn't it wonderful to welcome a new baby into the family? But at the same time, a new mother may feel a little nervous, anxious, tired, and sometimes even sad during the first few weeks. This is something that happens to many mothers. But sometimes these feelings can be a little more intense and last a little longer. That's what we're going to talk about today.

What is postpartum depression? Can't you be happy?

In the first few days or even two to three weeks after having a baby, mothers may experience some sadness, mood swings, and just plain crying. We call this the "Baby Blues." This usually subsides on its own within a few days, at most two weeks. However, if this sadness, anxiety, and feeling like you can't do anything lasts for more than two weeks, or if these feelings are so strong that it makes it difficult to even take care of the baby, then that's what we call postpartum depression. The important thing is that this is not your fault or your weakness . This is a condition that can affect anyone. The best thing is that there are effective treatments for this. With treatment, most mothers can return to their normal lives and be happy with their baby.

What are the symptoms of postpartum depression? How do we recognize it?

This condition doesn't affect everyone the same way. That means symptoms can vary from person to person. But there are some common symptoms. See if you experience any of these:

• I always feel sad, like there is no hope, and I feel like I have given up on everything.
• I always feel fear, worry, and great anxiety.
• They are just blaming themselves.
• Crying for no reason, sometimes so much that I can't stop.
• I'm not happy, I'm always angry, and my mood changes quickly.
• Sleep is not continuous, or you sleep more than you should.
• Food is tasteless, or you eat too much.
• It's hard to focus on anything, and I feel like my memory is lacking.
• I don't feel like talking to my friends or family, or meeting them.
• I don't feel a strong bond with the baby, and I lose interest in taking care of the baby.
• I no longer have any desire to do the things I used to enjoy doing.

Not every time you have one or two of these symptoms, it's called "postpartum depression." But if you have several of them for more than two weeks in a row, it's best to see a doctor.

Potentially dangerous, but very rare symptoms

Very rarely, meaning very rarely, some mothers may experience more serious symptoms . These are not to be ignored at all:

• Thoughts of harming the baby or oneself arise.
• You may see or hear things that are not really there (this is called `` hallucinations ''), or you may feel suspicious (``paranoid'' feelings) that everyone is against you and trying to harm you.

If you have these symptoms, you should go to a hospital immediately or seek medical advice as soon as possible. This is an emergency.

Why does postpartum depression occur? What are the causes?

Simply put, there is no single reason for this. It is a combination of several factors that cause this situation.

• Hormonal changes: After having a baby, a mother's body undergoes a major change in hormone levels. This sudden change can affect some people emotionally in this way.
• Life Changes: Taking care of a new baby is a big responsibility. You lose sleep, you lose rest , and you feel tired all day long. All of this combined can lead to stress. Imagine, some mothers have to get up at midnight to breastfeed and rock their babies. How tiring does this feel when it goes on for months?

Although this condition can occur in any mother, some people are more likely to develop it. For example:

• If you have ever suffered from depression before (it could even be postpartum depression after giving birth).
• If anyone in the family (mother, father, siblings) has depression .
• If you were under a lot of stress during pregnancy .
• If you had health problems during pregnancy or after childbirth.
• If there is little support from home, husband, or family. This is very important. A new mother needs everyone's help at a time like this.

How do you know for sure if this is postpartum depression? (Diagnosis)

If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, the best thing to do is to tell your doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist. They will talk to you, listen to your symptoms, and tell you exactly whether you have this condition or not. Sometimes the mother realizes this change herself. Other times, a husband, family member, or close friend will notice the change and encourage the mother to seek medical advice.

What are the treatments for postpartum depression? Is it curable?

Yes, absolutely! There are good treatments for this, and with treatment, many mothers recover completely. Treatments can vary. It depends on the nature of your symptoms, their severity, etc.

• Counseling : This is very important. Talking about your feelings and emotions with a trained counselor can be very helpful. It can also give you guidance on how to deal with the situation.
• Taking care of yourself: This is also part of the treatment.
• Get as much sleep as possible. It's hard to get enough sleep with a baby. But take a little break whenever possible. Get help from family members.
• Eat good nutritious food.
• Exercise. Even a short walk is enough.
• Find some time to do something that makes you happy and frees your mind (e.g. reading a book, listening to a song, talking to a friend).
• Support Groups: Talking to other mothers who are in the same situation as you and sharing experiences is a great strength. It's also comforting to know that you're not alone.
• Medication: Sometimes your doctor may prescribe medication. These can help reduce your feelings of sadness and anxiety. There are safe medications that can be used by breastfeeding mothers. So don't worry about it. However, don't take any medication without medical advice.

If I need help, where do I get help?

If you have any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, please don't delay in seeking help. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you can recover.

• First, see your family doctor (`Family Doctor / GP`), your obstetrician and gynecologist (`VOG`), or your baby's pediatrician (`Paediatrician`). They can:
• Prescribe medicine if you need it.
• Refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health worker .
• Sometimes blood tests (e.g., a thyroid function test) may be done to see if there is another physical cause for these symptoms.
• You can also go to the psychiatric clinic at the nearest government hospital.
• Most importantly: If you feel like you are harming your baby or yourself, or if you see or hear things that aren't there, go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately. This is not something you should delay.

There are also mental health and support services and phone numbers in Sri Lanka. If you need to, you can ask a doctor about it.

What else do we need to know about this? (Take-Home Message)

Remember, postpartum depression is treatable, and the treatments are effective. Most mothers are able to return to their normal lives and enjoy their new baby within a few weeks.

You are not alone at this time. Many mothers go through this experience. The most important thing is to not be afraid to ask for help, and not be ashamed to come forward. Your happiness, your mental health, and your baby's are very important. So think about yourself too.

If you have any further questions about this, please talk to someone you trust, or a doctor. I wish you a speedy recovery!

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` Postpartum Depression, Mother, Baby, Mental Health, Depression, Treatment