We all know that having a baby is life-changing, whether it’s your first or your fifth. But what happens when motherhood doesn’t go as smoothly as you expected? Postpartum depression is a serious condition that affects about 16% of women in the Philippines, and can happen at any time after giving birth. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself against it.
What is postpartum depression?
It’s normal to feel a little down after you have a baby. But, if these feelings don’t go away after a couple of weeks or get worse, you may have postpartum depression (PPD).
PPD is a type of depression that some women experience after giving birth. It’s more than just the “baby blues.” PPD can make it hard for you to take care of yourself and your baby.
If you think you might have PPD, talk to our doctors. There are treatments that can help.
Is postpartum depression considered a mental illness?
Yes, postpartum is considered a mental illness. It is important to seek professional help if you are experiencing any symptoms of postpartum depression.
What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?
The most common symptoms of postpartum depression are:
- Feeling sad, hopeless, or overwhelmed
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Loss of appetite or eating too much
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Having no interest in things you used to enjoy
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or angry
- Sudden mood changes
- Sudden feeling of guilt
- Unhappiness being a parent
- The urge to cry for no clear reason
- Feelings of inadequacy as a good mother
- Thoughts of self-harm
If you or anyone you know has some of these symptoms, you may want to learn more about how EVA works to get treatment right away.
What causes postpartum depression?
There is no single cause of postpartum depression. Rather, it’s thought to be caused by a combination of physical, emotional, and hormonal factors.
- Physical factors: After childbirth, a woman’s body undergoes major changes. These changes can lead to fatigue, insomnia, and aches and pains, which can contribute to feelings of depression.
- Emotional factors: The transition to motherhood is a big adjustment. It can be overwhelming and stressful, especially if you’re not getting the support you need. You may feel isolated, alone, or like you’re not doing a good job as a mom. All of these feelings are normal, but they can contribute to postpartum depression.
- Hormonal factors: Hormones play a role in mood regulation. After childbirth, there is a sudden drop in estrogen and progesterone levels. This change in hormones can trigger depression in some women.
For more information, refer to our FAQs.
Are there complications caused by postpartum depression?
There are a number of potential complications that can arise as a result of postpartum depression. These include:
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Increased risk of developing postpartum anxiety or OCD
- Difficulty breastfeeding
- Poor self-care and nutrition
- Major depression
- The partner or father experiencing depression themselves
- Behavioral problems for the child later on
What are the risk factors for PPD?
There are a number of risk factors that can contribute to postpartum depression. These include previous history of depression, lack of support from family and friends, stressful life events during pregnancy, financial stress, and having a baby with health problems. Women who have had postpartum depression before are also at increased risk for developing it again.
Most experts believe that there is not just one single cause for postpartum depression, but rather a combination of factors. This is why it is so important to be aware of the risk factors and to seek help if you are experiencing any symptoms. If you have a history of depression, it is especially important to be proactive about getting help and support during pregnancy and after the birth of your child.
Can postpartum depression be prevented?
There is no sure way to prevent postpartum depression, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk. Here are some things that may help:
- Get plenty of rest and eat a healthy diet.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Talk to your partner, friends, and family about how you’re feeling.
- Join a support group for new moms.
- See your doctor for regular checkups.
How is postpartum depression treated?
There are a variety of ways that postpartum depression can be treated. It is important to work with a mental health professional to find the treatment plan that is right for you. Some common treatments for postpartum depression include:
- Counseling or therapy
- Support groups
- Antidepressant medication
- Stress management
Breastfeeding mothers should inform their psychiatrist before going on antidepressants.
How long do you suffer from postpartum?
It is estimated that postpartum depression affects 1 in 6 women in the Philippines. Symptoms can begin soon after childbirth up to a year later, and range from mild to severe. Some women experience postpartum depression for a few weeks, while others suffer for months. If you think you may be suffering from postpartum depression, it’s important to seek help from your healthcare provider.
How long does it take for hormones to balance after pregnancy?
It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for your hormones to start balancing out after you have a baby. For some women, it may even take up to a year. It is different for every woman and there is no one “right” answer. Some things that can affect how long it takes for your hormones to balance include:
- How much sleep you are getting
- Whether you are breastfeeding or not
- The type of delivery you had (vaginal or C-section)
- How well you are taking care of yourself (eating well, exercising, etc.)
How EVA Teleconsult can help treat PPD
EVA Teleconsult will be your best ally in treating many issues that may come your way, including postpartum depression. That’s because, with us, our patients can always expect the following:
- Timely appointments – No more time wasted while waiting outside a doctor’s office. With us, appointments begin right when they’re supposed to, even if they’re made the same day.
- Guaranteed 30-minute consultation times – No more rushing or quickly dashed off prescriptions with no explanations. Our doctors take the time needed to give you information about your concerns, and are open to answering all your questions.
- 5-star ratings for our doctors – Because our doctors know to explain things in a way patients can understand, we frequently get positive feedback from them.
Get started on getting the treatment you or your loved one need, and book an online consultation today.
