Postpartum depression is a very difficult process experienced by women who have just given birth. Symptoms sometimes appear during pregnancy, and sometimes within four weeks of giving birth. Saying, 'The period may take up to a few months depending on the person' Yeditepe University Hospitals Specialist Clinical Psychologist explained the ways of coping with this problem as follows:

What Do Mothers Feel?

Women experiencing postpartum depression may feel inadequacy and helplessness during this period. It can be difficult for them to get used to motherhood, which demands full-time work and changes their lives completely. Their freedom has been restricted and they have become dependent on the baby. They may not have felt the emotions they should have felt the first time they took their baby in their arms. Some mothers feel it at first, while others love their babies over time and can adapt over time. Situations like these can cause them to feel guilty. Not being able to silence a constantly crying baby or not being able to breastfeed may lead them to think that they are inadequate mothers and may make them feel helpless. They may feel exhausted and act angry and feel guilty afterward. They may not want to engage in activities they previously enjoyed. They may not perform their personal care. Some new mothers may cry a lot during this period. In this period, the separation of spouses from each other, avoidance of sexual intercourse, and cooling can also be seen.

Why Do They Go Through This?

Postpartum depression can be caused by the mother's previous depression, which is a risk factor, especially if the mother also had depression in her previous birth. Reasons such as unplanned pregnancy, traumatic birth, lack of support from the spouse, the baby being premature or sick baby, the mother's loss of her own mother in childhood, genetic factors, and the mother's sleep disorder may also cause postpartum depression.

Exercise is Like Medicine

It should be remembered that mothers who have just given birth need affection just like their babies during this period. They should be able to share their feelings with family and friends. They should not be completely isolated from social life because they feel bad, but they should meet with their relatives, and friends and go out. Spouses should be supportive, understanding, and compassionate during this period. It is important to lighten the mother's burden in housework and baby care. They should not try to be perfect, they should not set their expectations too high for themselves, and they should give themselves time to be better.

The contribution of exercise in reducing depression has been demonstrated by research so that the mother can spare time for herself and exercise as much as possible; For example, it might be good to go for a walk. In this process, it is important to focus on the positive things rather than the negatives in their lives.

Psychotherapy Is Also Effective

Antidepressant medications can be used to treat postpartum depression. Since this is an important point for breastfeeding mothers, drug treatment should be provided definitely under the control of a psychiatrist. In addition, psychotherapy is also effective. Cognitive behavioral therapy or group therapies for women who have just given birth with the same condition can be used.

This content was prepared by Yeditepe University Hospitals Medical Editorial Board.

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