Don't Underestimate Psychological Disorders After Childbirth

Psychological disorders can happen to anyone, including mothers who have just given birth. This should not be taken lightly. In some cases, disturbance psychological after giving birth can trigger the action that capable harm the child or himself.

Psychological disorders after childbirth can occur in a matter of days, weeks, or even longer. This condition requires proper treatment and psychiatric assistance, especially if the psychological disturbances experienced last more than two weeks.

Types of Psychological Disorders After Childbirth

Until now, it is not known for sure the main cause of psychological disorders after childbirth. However, it is known that there are several factors that can trigger the emergence of this disorder, including hormonal, environmental, emotional, and genetic factors.

Types of psychological disorders after childbirth also vary, here are some of them:

  • Baby blues syndrome

    About 40-80% of women experience baby blues syndrome after giving birth. baby bluessyndrome characterized by excessive worry or doubt about their ability to care for children.

    In addition, sufferers baby blues often be restless, impatient, irritable, can even cry for no apparent reason, to difficulty sleeping. Some sufferers baby blues also find it difficult to bond with her baby.

    baby blues It usually lasts for a few days and goes away on its own in 1 to 2 weeks. Sharing ideas with a fellow mother or a friend who is able to understand a mother's burdens may help her recovery.

  • Depression postpartum

    If baby blues occurs more than two weeks, then it could be that what is experienced is not baby blues, but postpartum depression or postpartum depression. This psychological disorder after giving birth does have symptoms that are almost the same as baby blues, but much heavier.

    Some women who experience postpartum depression can have deep feelings of guilt or remorse. People with postpartum depression are often unable to take care of themselves, especially their babies. When experiencing this condition, often they are also unable to carry out daily activities.

    A woman is at risk for postpartum depression, especially if she has a previous history of depression or if a family member has had depression.

    Domestic problems, low self-esteem, and unplanned pregnancies can also increase the risk of postpartum depression. This condition needs immediate treatment from a psychiatrist or psychologist, because if left unchecked, there is a risk of endangering the lives of both the mother and her child.

  • Psychosis postpartum

    Psychological health disorders are classified as severe, and can occur in new mothers. Postpartum psychosis can develop quickly, usually in the first three months after delivery. Symptoms that appear are almost the same as baby blues and postpartum depression, which is anxiety, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.

    But in addition to these symptoms, postpartum psychosis sufferers may experience hallucinations and perceptual disturbances. For example, seeing or hearing something that is not real, and believing things that do not make sense.

    Women suspected of having postpartum psychosis should receive treatment immediately, and may even need to be treated. This is because people with this condition are at risk of hurting themselves or others, including their babies.

    To treat postpartum psychosis, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants, antipsychotics, and medications that help stabilize your mood. Doctors need to give these drugs with proper consideration, because there is a risk of being absorbed into breast milk (ASI) that will be given to babies.

Psychological disorders after childbirth can not be underestimated. Recognize the symptoms well, and if symptoms arise that interfere with activities, immediately consult the complaint to a doctor.