Postpartum Depression: The Invisible Silent Pandemic
Postpartum depression is a serious mental disorder that affects millions of women worldwide. Research from the last decade shows that 80% of women experience a minor behavioral disorder after childbirth. 15% of these symptoms are assessed as serious and indicate postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression is caused by a combined effect of genetic, biological, psychological and social factors.
Its increase in recent decades is a significant challenge for modern society. The modern lifestyle is intertwined with intense stress and a constant struggle to achieve personal and professional goals. Relationships between family members are constantly atrophying and the woman ends up emotionally alone in the face of the stress of motherhood.
Society, on the other hand, promotes the model of an all-powerful mother who can withstand psychosomatic fatigue, the complete castration of her own desires and at the same time continues to be efficient at home and at work. In many societies, women are not allowed to feel bad. As a result, they break down emotionally and begin to suffer silently.
Symptoms of postpartum depression can include moodiness, loss of interest, anhedonia, changes in sleep and appetite, increased irritability, and emotional isolation. Diagnosis is made by a specialist psychiatrist or psychologist.
A WOMAN is entitled to psycho-emotional support from a mental health specialist during the critical period of pregnancy for both her and her child, and this is NOT a sign of weakness.
Despite the difficulties, postpartum depression is treatable. Psychotherapy both during pregnancy and after the birth of the child helps the mother overcome any difficulties she faces and lays the foundation for a healthy and strong mother-infant bonding.