(post-partum depression)
Approximately 1 in 6 women suffer from post-partum depression after a birth. This special form of depression usually appears without reason 3 to 6 months after birth. In this situation, support from an expert is extremely important! Often the depressed mood can result in you not being able to deal with everyday life and the baby. Experts in this case include psychologist, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists.
During post-partum depression, you experience the following feelings for more than 2 weeks:
- “I am so tired but I cannot sleep.”
- “It must be my fault that my baby is so restless.”
- “I always forget what it was I wanted to do.”
- “I am scared of hurting my baby.”
- “I actually do not think I will manage.”
- “It’s all just so sad …”
- “Although my baby is so sweet, I always feel bad.”
- “Often I am so active that I cannot stop working.”
- “It’s all just too much.”
- “Nothing makes me happy.”
IF the aforementioned moods and thoughts last for more than 2 weeks, you should get help.
Sometimes this also includes physical signs such as
- Palpitations and cardiac pain
- Alternating hot and cold sensations
- Dizziness
- Shivers
Women who have experienced depression or another psychological illness prior to the pregnancy have a higher risk of suffering from post-partum depression. Even women that do not get any social support or experience additional stressful and exceptional situations have a greater risk.
Many women see the fault and failure in themselves. In this case, they do not speak to anyone about their feelings or fears. But the earlier you get help, the better and quicker you can treat your depression and get better .
The city of Vienna offers many contact points for women that need support for post-partum depression.