After having a baby, life changes completely! It is a moment full of insecurity and changes, not only physical, but also social and psychological. The postpartum period is a phase when a woman will learn to deal with situations she has never experienced before, and like any change in our lives, it requires us to adapt in order to manage everything. Since motherhood is not made up only of wonders, many women need help to get through this phase. In addition to the body recovering from childbirth, she needs to adapt to various situations and to the baby who has just arrived. These are difficult components to deal with, and many women suffer during the puerperium. In addition, some conditions, such as postpartum depression, make this process even more challenging. But do you know what postpartum depression is? Well, this is a type of depression that occurs in association with the birth of a baby. It is a mental illness that also affects men and has been considered by many a public health problem because of its high prevalence and how difficult it is to diagnose. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of postpartum depression in developing countries like Brazil is up to 19.8%; however, some other studies conducted in our country show this number may be even higher.
What are the causes?
There is still no consensus on the causes of postpartum depression. Some studies point to hormonal and physiological factors as the main inducers, but other factors such as social and psychological factors should also be considered. During pregnancy, progesterone production is high and the woman’s body becomes adapted to the high concentration of this hormone. With childbirth, there is a considerable loss of progesterone in the woman’s body, causing a hormonal imbalance. Some researchers suggest that this sudden drop in progesterone may be one of the causes that predispose some women to depression. As for psychological factors, an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy can be an aggravating factor for postpartum depression. Therefore, not only physiological but also emotional aspects of the woman must be taken into account when diagnosing this condition. 
What are the symptoms?
Women with postpartum depression present symptoms such as depressed mood, changes in weight, low energy, excessive feelings of guilt, lack of sexual interest, loss of appetite, poor concentration, and even suicidal thoughts. These symptoms begin within the first 4 weeks after childbirth and last at least 2 weeks, possibly extending for months if left untreated.
ATTENTION! It is important not to confuse postpartum depression with postpartum sadness or baby blues. What distinguishes one from the other, apart from duration, is the intensity of the symptoms.
How to prevent it?
Unfortunately, there is no way to 100% prevent an episode of postpartum depression. In addition to all the physiological and hormonal issues, there are also psychological and emotional matters involved, which are hard to control. Even women who have never had depression or even those who have always wished to become pregnant may develop postpartum depression. However, psychological support during pregnancy can reduce the chances of experiencing postpartum depression. If the woman has ever had depression at any point, extra attention is needed, as her chances of experiencing postpartum depression are higher and support should begin as early as pregnancy.
How to treat it?
Postpartum depression is a mental illness that considerably affects the life of the woman suffering from this condition and, for this reason, requires medical attention to provide the best treatment options. Usually, women with postpartum depression do not receive adequate treatment for this condition. Worldwide, about 50 to 90% of cases go undiagnosed. Therefore, as it is difficult to diagnose, many women end up suffering from postpartum depression without receiving the necessary treatment. However, it is important to emphasize that this condition is serious and requires treatment, with psychotherapy being the most recommended path. Besides psychotherapy, the use of medications may be necessary, and it is essential that every need is evaluated by a doctor who will assess the case and recommend the ideal treatment, considering the risks and benefits of continuing breastfeeding. If left untreated, depression can become chronic and increasingly severe, even affecting the woman’s ability to care for her baby. Therefore, if symptoms seem exaggerated, seek medical help as soon as possible to find out what is happening. See also: Why Postpartum Hemorrhage Happens
