Postnatal depression: when the low mood does not go away
Postnatal depression, which is also known as postpartum depression, is a serious psychological condition that occurs after the birth. This article explains how to recognise it and when it is important to obtain medical help.
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Short and simple
Many mothers feel sad after the birth.
Some stay sad for a long time and need help.
This is called postnatal depression.
Fathers can also be affected.
This illness can be treated.
What is postnatal depression?
Depression after the birth: are there risk factors?
The following factors can make postnatal depression more likely:
- Physical problems and symptoms
- Severe and persistent sleep disorders
- A genetic predisposition to psychologica disorders
- A history of psychological disorders before the pregnancy
- Difficult life circumstances (e.g. loneliness and poverty)
- A lack of support from family and friends
- Problems within the couple due to the new situation
- Societal pressure
As with most psychological illnesses, postnatal depression has a wide range of causes. Usually it is triggered by a combination of physical, psychological and social factors. In many cases it is difficult to pinpoint specific a specific cause.
Can fathers and partners also be affected?
Yes. Fathers and partners can also develop postpartum depression – some 10% of them are affected. For a long time it was thought that the condition only occurred in mothers, but that is not the case. One of the biggest risk factors seems to be the psychological health of the mother: if she is suffering from postnatal depression, the father/partner is also at higher risk of developing depression themselves.
Regardless of who is displaying symptoms, early recognition of postnatal depression is crucial for the family’s happiness.
Typical postpartum depression symptoms
Postnatal depression usually manifests on various levels. The most frequent symptoms are:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness or low mood
- Chronic exhaustion
- Irritability
- Concentration problems
- Loss of previous interests
- Sleep disorders
- Lack of appetite or increased appetite
- Lack of interest in the child
- Feelings of being a bad mother or father
- Pessimistic outlook on the future
- Suicidal ideation or self-harm
- Thoughts about harming the child
What to do if you pose a danger to yourself or others?
If you feel like you are going to harm yourself or your child, you need to get help immediately:
- Heart2Heart: +41 143 (phone)
- Elternnotruf (24/7 emergency helpline for parents): +41 848 35 45 55 (phone)
- Pro Juventute Pro Juventute parent counselling service for early childhood: +41 44 256 77 99 (phone, chat, Whatsapp)
How can I recognise postnatal depression?
Time is the factor that determines whether your symptoms are merely the baby blues or whether you are suffering from postnatal depression. If the symptoms described above last for more than two to four weeks, you should seek professional help. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) self-test (available in German, French and Italian), which is available online from Postnatal Depression Switzerland (Periparto), can also provide guidance.
If postpartum depression is suspected, you should contact one of the following medical specialists:
- Your midwife
- Your gynaecologist
- Your HMO doctor or general practitioner
These specialists will advise you and initiate the necessary steps together with you.
What is the treatment?
Let us begin with the good news: postnatal depression is a psychological illness that can be treated. The earlier it is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances of a cure.
Postpartum depression treatment is determined by the degree of severity and the symptoms. Often, outpatient psychotherapy with or without medication is sufficient. In some cases, especially in the case of suicidality or endangerment of the child, inpatient treatment may be required.
Postnatal depression: what does the health insurance pay?
Checked by Pro Juventute!
Experts from our partner Pro Juventute have checked this text for factual accuracy.
