Postpartum depression is a mental problem of mothers after childbirth that affects their behavior and physical condition.
The state of physical and mental exhaustion is a factor that causes mothers to become depressed. Usually, the mother first feels the symptoms of baby blues syndrome, after which it progresses to postpartum depression. Usually, this depression occurs in a mother who is giving birth for the first time.
Postpartum depression is a dangerous condition for both mother and baby.
So, what are the symptoms shown when a mother experiences postpartum depression? Here is Fitie's summary of the symptoms experienced by mothers experiencing postpartum depression:
- Mood swings
The birth of the first baby is certainly a happy event for all mothers, but people who experience depression usually feel sad, guilty, anxious, and excessive worry about their baby after delivery. These symptoms will make it difficult for the mother to interact with others after delivery.
- Unwilling to take care of her baby or herself
Usually, mothers experiencing postpartum depression are reluctant to care for or handle their newborn babies. An unstable mental state makes mothers reluctant to take care of themselves after giving birth.
Severe postpartum exhaustion, plus the fatigue of caring for a newborn, is one of the main factors that cause mothers to experience postpartum depression.
- Trying to hurt both the baby and themselves
Worse, often mothers experiencing postpartum depression try to harm themselves and their babies. This feeling comes from mental instability, the mother usually feels excessively anxious and worried about the birth of her baby.
Factors for the occurrence of postpartum depression
In general, postpartum depression can occur in any mother whether it is the first time she has given birth or has given birth, although it is usually more common in mothers who have given birth for the first time.
Depression is very dangerous for mothers or newborns and should be treated as soon as possible.
There are many factors that cause mothers to become depressed, here are some factors that cause postpartum depression:
- Having a mental problem
- Have experienced depression during pregnancy or at any other time
- Have recently experienced a stressful event
- Baby has health problems or special needs
- Having twins
- Having problems with breastfeeding
- Having a family member who has had depression
- Unwanted pregnancy
Those were the explanations, symptoms, and factors that can cause a mother to experience postpartum depression.
If you feel any of the above symptoms, you should immediately consult your problem with a professional as depression can be very dangerous for you or your newborn baby.