Sad in the baby year: Many young mothers suffer from postpartum depression

Created: 10/30/2022, 9:00 am

By: Larissa Strohbusch

Tired, sad and distant: Many young mothers suffer from postpartum depression.

What affected women can do about it.

The birth of a baby is one of the most beautiful moments in the life of new parents.

But instead of falling in love with the newborn, many young mothers experience emotional chaos.

Almost everyone hits the baby blues – a short-term, hormone-related low mood.

But it is not uncommon for the bad feeling to remain or pull the mother into a deep hole months later: around ten to 15 percent of all women who give birth suffer from postpartum depression.

Sad, anxious, uninvolved: This is how you recognize postpartum depression

Mothers who suffer from postpartum depression are often sad and emotionally unstable.

© Antonio Guillen Fernandez/IMAGO

The first year with a baby is exhausting.

Mothers in particular suffer from a massive lack of sleep, are constantly tired and often insecure.

At the same time, they have high demands on themselves and don't want to be seen as "bad mothers".

It is quickly overlooked that they are far more than just exhausted, but seriously ill.

The term "postpartum depression" is misleading.

The disease may not become apparent until months after birth.

The problems often exist before the birth and the mother-to-be suffers from pregnancy depression. 

These symptoms accompany postpartum depression:

• The person affected is emotionally unstable and often sad.

• She is overly concerned about her child.

• She feels no love for the baby.

• They are often tormented by strong fears of failure and obsessive thoughts.

• Breastfeeding doesn't work properly.

In rare cases, depression can escalate to postpartum psychosis.

This is shown by delusions and hallucinations.

By the way: Men can also get sick.

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For these reasons, postpartum depression develops

The reasons for postpartum depression are varied.

Those affected often had poor mental health beforehand and were therefore at increased risk.

The intense, sudden changes in the life situation, one's own identity and the body can trigger a crisis in the ailing psyche.

A difficult pregnancy or a traumatic birth are also common triggers.

The social component often also plays a role: the mother feels socially isolated or is not adequately supported.

A glorified image of the mother can produce excessive pressure of expectation.

Sometimes there is an inflammation of the thyroid gland behind the great exhaustion.

The patient should therefore definitely have a physical check-up.

Left untreated, depression can have serious consequences

Postpartum depression is a serious illness and should definitely be treated.

Otherwise, the symptoms can solidify and become chronic.

The baby suffers too: anxiety and tension during pregnancy affect the fetus.

There is a risk of premature birth or a low birth weight of the baby.

Parents' distant behavior damages the bond and affects the child's emotional and intellectual development.

Families often get caught in a vicious circle: the overwhelmed mother withdraws and lets the baby cry.

The result is that the child cries even more and the pressure increases.

Here's how parents can get help

A good midwife and an attentive environment can catch young mothers before the disease becomes a problem.

If the depression shows up, the family doctor is the first point of contact.

Those affected can also seek initial psychotherapeutic counseling without a referral or approval from their health insurance company.

The association “Schatten & Licht e.

V.” lists advice centers and self-help groups.

Depressive mothers can be helped a lot in the family environment.

Relatives can lend a hand and enable the tired parents to sleep.

It often helps if the dad takes the baby out regularly and gives the mother a little distance from the child.

Long walks in the fresh air are also good for the patient herself.

Although they do not cure the disease, they support well-being.

Mental health: ten tips on how to strengthen it

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This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication.

In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor.

Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.