Often depression in pregnancy and after childbirth

On the occasion of the World Maternal Mental Health Day, the German Depressive Aid Foundation draws attention to the fact that 10 - 15% of women contract postpartum depression after birth. Although the postpartum depression is treatable well, many affected women do not seek help - out of shame or because the depression is not recognized. Suicides are therefore one of the most frequent causes of death for young mothers in industrialized nations.

contents

• Postpartum depression is treatable
• What relatives can do
• Focal points

Depression in pregnancy and after birth is, as in other phases of life, characterized by a depressed mood, sleep disorders, exhaustion, deep joylessness and hopelessness.

Depression during pregnancy is common and should be treated. (Image: Africa Studio / fotolia.com)

Neither grief nor tender feelings towards the child can be perceived. This is associated with agonizing self-blame for not being a good mother. "In postpartum depression, there is a risk that affected mothers and relatives misinterpret symptoms such as fatigue, decreased appetite or sleep disturbances in response to childbirth and care, and therefore seek no medical attention," explains Prof. Ulrich Hegerl, Chairman of the Foundation German depression help. In addition, the sick mother suffers from hopelessness, shame and guilt. Education on postpartum depression e.g. in birth preparation courses is therefore important.

"Every mother needs to know that postpartum depression is not a personal failure or lovelessness, but a serious condition that requires consistent treatment," Hegerl continued.

Postpartum depression is treatable

It is important to get professional help quickly in the event of postpartum depression. This almost always succeeds in bringing the depressive episode to a close within a few weeks. The main pillars of treatment are medication and psychotherapy. The drug treatment with antidepressants leads the fastest to an improvement of the symptoms. Breastfeeding is usually compatible with a drug treatment. Among the psychotherapy procedures, the so-called cognitive behavioral therapy has the best efficacy records.

The aim of psychotherapeutic measures is the management of the disease symptoms by education about the disease, support in dealing with the new situation and the avoidance of permanent pondering and exaggerated self-reproaches. After the depression subsides then the positive feelings towards the child turn on itself. In some cases it is also helpful to involve a midwife, social worker or various other care services (for example, domestic help, childcare through the health insurance). If severe postpartum depression requires inpatient treatment of the mother, some clinics offer a joint hospital stay with the mother.

What relatives can do

Relatives often play an important role in organizing medical help for the affected mothers as quickly as possible. The patient usually lacks the necessary energy and hope. "The partner should also know that he is neither to blame for the depression, nor is responsible for the cure. To put it bluntly: Depression can not be healed with love, or appendicitis, "explains Prof. Ulrich Hegerl. Nevertheless, it is a great help for the women involved to have partners and family members at their side who patiently encourage and lovingly support.

Focal points

The first port of call for postpartum depression may be midwives, gynecologists and psychiatric specialists. You can find out online at www.deutsche-depressionshilfe.de. A list of self-help groups and clinics with mother-child offers can be found at: www.schatten-und-licht.de