Do you feel sad and lonely after having a baby? Let's talk about Postpartum Depression (PPD)

Becoming a new mother is one of the most beautiful experiences in life. But sometimes, along with the joy you expect, you can also feel a lot of sadness, loneliness, and burden. Do you feel the same way? You're not alone, about one in ten new mothers have to face this experience. Today we're talking about Postpartum Depression (PPD), a topic that many people are afraid to talk about, but it's a topic that needs to be discussed.

What is Postpartum Depression (PPD)?

Simply put, PPD is a severe state of depression or anxiety that a mother experiences after giving birth. It goes beyond the usual sadness. The feelings are similar to those of major depression. However, this condition occurs right after childbirth. Some mothers may have unimaginable, terrifying thoughts of harming their baby or even killing it.

Symptoms of PPD include:

• Changes in sleep (inability to stay asleep or sleeping too much)
• Constant feeling of extreme fatigue
• Feeling sad and crying for no reason
• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
• Changes in appetite (anorexia or overeating)
• Weight loss or gain
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Very quick to anger and restlessness
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Thoughts of ending your life

Is this different from "Baby Blues"?

Yes, absolutely. Many people confuse the two. "Baby blues" is a common condition that many mothers experience within the first 10 days after having a baby. It can include feelings of sadness, crying, and irritability, but it usually goes away on its own within a few days.

But PPD is a more serious and long-lasting condition. It can start even a few months after having a baby. If not treated properly, you can live with this depression for a year or even longer.

Let's understand this difference more clearly from the table below.

What can the husband and family do?

PPD affects not only the mother, but the entire family. The husband in particular has a huge responsibility during this time. Often, husbands can feel alone and frustrated, not knowing how to deal with this condition.

Imagine, if your wife was always sad, angry, and crying, what would you feel? It's hard to bear. But this is when she needs you the most.

Things you can do as a husband:

• Understand that this is a disease: Just like diabetes or cancer, PPD is a disease. It is not your wife's fault. Treat her with compassion.
• Help: If it seems difficult to help him emotionally, help him with household chores. Reduce his burden by doing things like washing the dishes, bathing the baby, and ironing clothes.
• Listen to him: Let him talk. Listen to what he says without criticizing him. Give him a hug and reassurance, saying, "Everything will be fine for you."
• Share your baby's responsibilities: Get up when your baby wakes up at night and help him with his chores. That way he can get some rest and sleep. That's very important to him at this time.
• Think about yourself: You too can be mentally exhausted with all this. Talk to a trusted friend or family member you can talk to. Seek counseling if necessary.

It is very important to get the right treatment.

PPD can be very damaging if left untreated. It can make a mother lose her self-confidence as a mother. It can also damage the relationship between husband and wife. It can also affect the future of the baby. Studies have shown that children raised by mothers with depression are more likely to have social, emotional, and learning problems later in life.

The following are commonly used as treatments:

1. Talk Therapy: Talking to a trained counselor to reduce stress.

2. Antidepressants: Medications for depression. These should be taken under the supervision of a doctor. There are medications that are safe for use even by breastfeeding mothers.

With the right treatment, you can end this dark period and start living a happy life again. Although it's a difficult journey, you and your family can be happy at the end of it.