Postpartum depression: symptoms, causes, and natural remedies

Introduction: one must not confuse the postpartum depression with a natural adjustment period for the woman when she gives birth, defined as maternity blues. In this second case, the incidence of which is between 50 and 80 percent of women giving birth, the womens She just needs time to get back into her routine, deal with the tunnel of sleepless nights and the changes in her relationship with her partner. Everything is normal, or almost: we're talking about a discomfort that can appear, also due to hormonal changes, as early as the first week after giving birth and lasts about three weeks. Postpartum depression, on the other hand, is a mental disorder, depressive, which affects more vulnerable women, perhaps with a personality that tends towards perfectionism in every way, or with low self-esteem that, in the fragile moment of childbirth, produces knock-on effects. This pathology has specific symptoms, and also very effective remedies, if applied in time. Mood swings, with many and frequent sudden changes. A veil of sadness that lasts all day. Anxiety, irritability and tendency to crying. Inability to concentration and difficulty in taking sleep. These are the most common symptoms of postpartum depression, which strikes between the 10 and 15 percent of women who have a child. Especially if it is the first.

Index of topics

Cause

First of all, women should know that this form of depression can sometimes be natural. It appears three or four days after giving birth and usually lasts a week. However, in more severe cases, it can last longer, even a year, and if the situation appears very complicated, it's still a good idea to consult a doctor. Before doing so, however, try to pinpoint the causes of postpartum depression , once you've identified the symptoms . And try to stop it with the natural remedies we suggest here. The causes of postpartum depression can be found in physical factors, lifestyle , and emotional state . Let's look at them in detail:

Physical changes. After the birth of your baby, dropping hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) can contribute to postpartum depression.
Influence of lifestyle. Other important causes could certainly be the difficulties of breastfeeding and financial problems.
Emotional factors. When proper rest is lacking, even small daily problems can seem irremediable. For example, taking care of the neonate, feeling less attractive, or losing control of your life. All of these factors can lead to postpartum depression.
Stress. The risk of falling into PPD increases, then, if you have encountered stressful events during the past year, such as pregnancy complications, an illness or the loss of a job,
Relationship problems with your partner. PPD is much more likely if you and your partner are having relationship problems or lack support.
Unwanted pregnancy. Finally, one of the most frequent causes is certainly an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy.

Symptoms

Among the symptoms of postpartum depression, some concern Sisyphus and the psyche, others lifestyle.

Increasing irritability and anxiety
Crying fits
Difficulty concentrating
Insomnia
Often feeling tired and listless
Continuous and abnormal changes in appetite and sexual desire
Inability to enjoy and care for your child
Feeling of inadequacy as a mother

Natural remedies

But how do you deal with postpartum depression? Let's look together, step by step, at the tips and natural treatments to overcome it:

Dialogue. Talking about your anxieties and difficulties with your partner, relatives, or friends, confessing your fears and anxieties, is not a sign of weakness but of strength.
Supply. Obviously u tooA good diet, rich in vitamins and nutrients, and time spent outdoors always have a great beneficial effect.
Space for yourself. Set aside a little time for yourself, perhaps just a few minutes, with a little meditation that regenerates your mind and eliminates negative thoughts.

How to fight postpartum depression

As always, nature offers us help that, depending on the severity of the problem, can help us overcome the condition completely or almost completely. Here are the best natural antidepressant products :

St. John's Wort. It interacts with contraceptives and anticoagulants, but should not be used during breastfeeding.
Chamomile and lemon balm herbal teas. They help improve sleep and help you rest a little more.
Essential oils. It could also be useful to create a peaceful environment, which can reassure the child and parents by diffusing fragrances with essential oils, such as Lavender, Sweet Orange, Verbena.

Medication for postpartum depression

A new therapy, recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) , offers promising results for postpartum depression. It's a drug based on zuranolone, a chemical synthesis of allopregnanolone, a substance naturally present in the body. The drug is producing good results, even relatively quickly: 14 days are sufficient, compared to 12 weeks of treatment with standard antidepressants.

Prevention

There is no specific protocol for preventing postpartum depression. However, there are suggestions, some of which are long-standing and still effective, to avoid this risk. During pregnancy, a woman should live in a peaceful environment and not feel the responsibility of giving birth. Good family relationships and the supportive presence of trusted friends are crucial. Furthermore, postpartum depression can be avoided with a healthy diet and regular physical activity throughout the entire pregnancy.

Postpartum depression: the drug that gives hope