Overcoming postpartum depression: What you need to know

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Pham Thi Tuyet Mai - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Postpartum depression can have a big impact on a woman's psychological and physical health. If the disease is not detected and treated in time, it can lead to unfortunate and even dangerous consequences for the life of both mother and baby.

To have effective remedies for postpartum depression, mothers need to recognize the symptoms of the disease early. After giving birth, women need to pay special attention if they see symptoms such as:
Bored, hopeless, empty, always feeling pressured about everything without knowing the reason. Fear, anxiety. Easily irritable, restless, depressed. Insomnia or sleeping too much, waking up easily while sleeping, not sleeping deeply. Easily angered, short-tempered, out of control. Unable to concentrate and difficult to make decisions. No more hobbies like the old days, neglecting yourself. Frequent headaches, stomach aches, fatigue, muscle aches, mental decline. Eating very little or eating an unusually large amount. Avoiding contact with family and friends. Do not want to be close, contact with children. Thinking of not being able to be a mother, not being able to protect, nurture and protect children. There are often thoughts of self-harm and harm to yourself and your child. The symptoms of postpartum depression are often overlooked due to subjective psychology. Therefore, you and your family need to pay attention to observe and recognize the symptoms to have an effective way to overcome postpartum depression.

Awareness of postpartum depression is very important to be able to prevent and treat it effectively. Early detection will help patients have the best way to overcome postpartum depression. Especially, at this time, the patient needs attention from her husband, friends and family. When symptoms persist for more than a week, seek medical attention. Here are some effective ways to overcome postpartum depression that mothers need to be aware of:
Drug treatment If you think you are suffering from postpartum depression, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. In case you can't go to the hospital, you can invite a doctor to treat you at home. To have the most effective way to overcome postpartum depression, the mother needs to fully and accurately report the symptoms of the disease. Depending on the specific medical condition, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate sedatives and antidepressants.
When using antidepressants, women may experience side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth. If you have taken the medicine as prescribed, but you do not see any effect or your symptoms get worse, you should inform your doctor to increase the dose or change to another medicine.

Psychological counseling Psychological counseling is also an effective way to overcome postpartum depression. If the depression is mild, just regular psychological counseling can help overcome the disease. In severe cases, it is necessary to combine drug treatment and psychological counseling.
Understand your own role The most important thing in ways to overcome postpartum depression is that you need to be aware of your own role, always believe that you will be better. In particular, it is necessary to persevere in applying ways to overcome postpartum depression for a long time to bring positive results.
Learn to relax Rest, relaxation, keeping a happy, comfortable mood will help reduce the condition. In addition, the mother needs to avoid staying up late, eat scientifically and have enough nutrients to maintain the best health. Don't try to force yourself to do things you don't like or annoy yourself.

Take advantage of when the child sleeps Instead of taking advantage of the child's sleep, the mother will do housework, the mother should also sleep when the child is asleep, this is the advice of experts. Working at the same time as your child will help you avoid the risk of depression. This is also one of the rules when breastfeeding.
Gentle exercise Exercises will help the mother improve her health and create mental excitement after giving birth and reduce the risk of depression.
The role of relatives in the family The encouragement of friends, relatives and especially the husband will have a great impact on the condition of the disease. Show your concern, share, and be close to pregnant women for the most effective treatment.
Instead of keeping the old habits, trying to do everything "on time" like before giving birth, be flexible to do everything according to the mother's condition, so the mother will not feel too pressured and fatigue during childbirth as well as prevention of postpartum depression syndrome.

Psychological Clinic - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital officially went into operation in April 2019, has the function of examining, consulting and outpatient treatment of psychological and mental health problems. . With modern equipment, Vinmec Psychological Clinic is currently cooperating with experienced professors and experts:
MSc. Doctor Nguyen Van Phi has 7 years of experience working as a lecturer in Psychiatry - Hanoi Medical University, Psychiatrist at Hanoi Medical University Hospital & Central Geriatric Hospital. MSc. Doctor Pham Thanh Luan with 5 years of experience in research, examination and treatment of Psychiatric specialties, was trained at prestigious universities and practiced professionally in the French Republic. MSc. Doctor Nguyen Trong Hien with 6 years as a lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry - Hanoi Medical University and the Central Geriatric Hospital, along with experience in researching, examining and treating diseases of the Psychiatric specialty such as: Disorders emotions, stress-related disorders and body dysmorphic disorders, developmental disorders in children, adolescents & childbearing years.... Along with the implementation of psychological tests, Intensive psychotherapy for diagnosis and treatment, in order to bring the best medical examination and treatment effect.