What is it? How Does It Develop?
Pregnancy and the postpartum period bring about a sudden change in all tissues and organs of the body, especially hormones for women. These changes affect mothers' lives in various areas and ways. In this period, the responsibilities of mothers and their support needs for their environment increase. In cases where these needs are not met, a feeling of inadequacy may occur. Postpartum depression is affected by biological, chemical, psychological and social factors in the postpartum period. Some examples of these factors are: Being a mother at an early age, unwanted birth, low income level of the family, lack of support from the immediate environment, restriction of social life, negative life events.
Postpartum depression can occur within 2 weeks after birth or within two years after birth. The treatment of this condition, which negatively affects a person's life and limits their quality of life, can be provided with various cognitive, behavioral and emotional interventions. In addition, medical intervention can be performed under the control of a physician, if needed.
What are the Prevalence and Symptoms?
Postpartum depression is seen in approximately 15% of women who have given birth. However, due to the belief that giving birth to a baby is a situation in which one should be happy, guilt is felt for the depressive feelings one has, and the detection of this syndrome is limited due to the need to hide. Symptoms can be: mood swings of sadness, sudden mood changes, mental distress, malaise, reluctance, loss of energy, sleep and appetite disorders, indifference towards the baby, indifference, thoughts of harming the baby or another person, uncontrollable crying, confusion, feeling guilty.
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