Postpartum Depression occurs between 10-15% of women in the general population. In addition to the gloomy and sad, the patient will experience symptoms of depression in general feelings of fatigue, weakness, lethargy, chronic fatigue, feelings of guilt, loss of interest, appetite disturbance, sleep disturbance, even to suicidal thoughts. Or patients had triad of depression (loss of interest, chronic fatigue, and depressed).
postpartum depression symptoms can be seen often associated with child care. No interest in caring for the mother to be her baby, the feeling of hopelessness and guilt and then there is a feeling of guilt on the child.
Negative effects associated with depression and is associated with the baby. In the end the mother can not care for her baby and herself very well. Sometimes the depression is very severe, the mother really did not want to eat, locked himself in his room, and did not want to care for her baby.
Cause
As already mentioned, many factors causing the occurrence of postpartum psychiatric disorders. Biological factors such as hormonal and physical conditions related to pregnancy, psychosocial factors and economic factors is a major cause of this disorder.
Risk Factors
Women after pregnancy is likely to experience postpartum depression, if he has:
1. The history of suffering from depression or other mental illness
2. Had experienced postpartum depression
3. Who have a family history of depression
4. Experiencing stress at home or at work during pregnancy
5. Received less emotional support
6. Have marriage problems or relationship issues.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
1. Feeling worthless, feeling unable to cope with your life
2. The mood changed quickly levels of sadness so angry
3. Lack of sleep or too much sleep
4. Always feeling tired all the time
5. Only a little interested in your baby
6. Not enjoying life again
7. Lack of appetite (eating too little or too much to eat)
8. Difficulty to concentrate
9. Always aloof from family or friends
10. Even think about harming yourself or your baby.
Postpartum depression therapy
Medical therapy
Medication is given for moderate to severe depression medicines commonly used include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors class (SSRIs), SNRI, and tricyclic antidepressants as well as additional benzodiasepin. Anti-depressant drugs can not be used just 1-2 weeks, because we feel the effects after 2 weeks. Generally given for 6 months.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, among others, talking therapy, interpersonal therapy and cognitive / behavioral and psycho dynamic therapy. Talking therapy helps patients identify and solve problems through verbal give between take with the therapist. In cognitive therapy / behavior, patients learn to identify and change distorted perceptions about themselves as well as customize the behavior to cope with a better environment
Counseling
Mom will be invited to see that caring for children is not a tremendous hardship. Slowly invited to see the focus problem, what is encountered in caring for children and is there any problem that might be resolved.
Environmental modification
Family environment is important in healing. Husband should be understanding. And families should support and assist mothers in caring for children.
