Can postpartum depression in women be cured?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is expertly consulted by Master, Doctor Huynh An Thien - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine, Vinmec International Hospital Da Nang.
Postpartum women's psychology is affected, combining many factors that cause postpartum depression. If not detected and properly psychologically treated, postpartum depression can have unfortunate and life-threatening consequences for both mother and child. So can depression be cured and how?

1. What causes postpartum depression?

The main cause of postpartum depression in women is still unknown. Because this is a psychological sign, each person will have different causes and some people have it, some people don't. This syndrome is a combination of many factors, from mental, physical, psychological... caused.
In women after giving birth, hormone levels in the body change rapidly, leading to many other changes in the brain, mood swings. Combined with that is the situation that the mother after giving birth often falls into a state of sleep deprivation, does not get enough rest, constantly faces fatigue and exhaustion. All of these combine to cause postpartum depression.
Psychological problems such as changes in self-responsibility to children, family, not receiving attention from relatives and family... causing emotional disturbances, pressure, Not being able to control their own emotions and actions. Some cases fall into depression, seriously affecting health.

2. Symptoms of postpartum depression

Postpartum women who have the following symptoms should immediately think of postpartum depression:
Feeling sad, even don't know why sad, hopeless, empty, or overwhelmed every thing around. Crying often, crying more than usual, not even knowing why. Always feeling scared, scared. Sadness, irritability, restlessness. Falling into a state of insomnia, unable to sleep peacefully, or sleeping too much Difficulty concentrating, losing concentration, difficulty making decisions. Angry, out of control. Don't care about yourself, don't have the same hobbies as before. Pain both physically and mentally, headache, stomachache, muscle pain, fatigue. Eat too little, do not want to eat, in some cases eat a lot. Fear of contact with others, alienation from relatives and friends, even unwillingness to be close to children. Do not trust the ability to protect, protect and nurture children. Thoughts of harming yourself and your baby appear.

3. Can depression be cured?

Postpartum depression causes very serious consequences for the health and psychology of mother and child. So can depression be cured?
Treatment of postpartum depression can completely have good results if it is done early. Mental health professionals can help postpartum mothers have the most appropriate and correct treatment for depression. In it can mention some methods such as:
3.1. Psychological counseling Postpartum depression mothers will get to talk privately with a mental health professional or psychologist...Doctors can use cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps patients recognize and change your negative thoughts and behaviors gradually; or interactive therapy means helping people around them understand and support the patient in effective treatment.

3.2. More relaxation Combining therapeutic measures such as daily exercise, relaxation, hobbies, more contact with people... will bring about good treatment for postpartum depression. than.
3.3. Using medication Using medication to treat postpartum depression is also one of the effective ways to treat the disease. Antidepressants have an inhibitory effect on the brain, regulating mood. However, the use of antidepressants should be considered and strictly prescribed by the doctor. Postpartum antidepressants are often used by doctors in combination with other counseling and supportive therapies for the best results.
3.4. Breastfeeding more Mothers with postpartum depression should breastfeed often to support effective postpartum depression treatment. However, during the course of treatment, it is necessary to use the drug to stop breastfeeding, then the mother should stop breastfeeding to ensure the safety and health of the baby.
It can be said that postpartum depression is curable and not very dependent on the time of diagnosis. Therefore, please pay special attention to postpartum women to limit the risk of depression and unnecessary consequences.

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