Maternal depression

Maternal depression after childbirth

Postpartum depression (PPD) — is a serious medical condition that affects approximately 1 in 7 women. It is important to clearly distinguish it from the so‑called "postpartum melancholy" (baby blues), which is a mild, short‑term condition. Unlike "baby blues", PPD does not resolve on its own and requires professional diagnosis and treatment.

How to recognize postpartum depression?

Symptoms can appear at any time during the first year after delivery and include:

• Persistent depressed mood, sadness, feeling of emptiness.
• Loss of interest or pleasure from things that previously brought joy.
• Intense feeling of guilt, worthlessness, feeling that you are a "bad mother".
• Severe anxiety, panic attacks, intrusive fears.
• Problems with sleep and appetite.
• Feeling of detachment from the child, difficulty forming a bond.

If you notice these symptoms in yourself that last more than two weeks, do not hesitate to seek help from a specialist. Read more about this in our article "Baby blues and postpartum depression".