What is the difference between postpartum depression and baby blues? | health

The German Foundation for Helping Patients with Depression said that baby blues are mood swings, a feeling of exhaustion, and a decline in joy about the new baby, noting that this psychological state often occurs in the first three to five days after birth, and usually It disappears on its own without treatment.

The foundation added that if these symptoms persist for a longer period than that, the mother will then suffer what is known Postpartum depressionWhich is due to several reasons, including physical or biochemical changes or complications during pregnancy or going through a painful birth experience, in addition to personal factors such as marital problems and poor financial situation.

Women who are generally prone to psychological problems and depressed mood are more likely to suffer from postpartum depression.

The foundation warned that postpartum depression can cause developmental problems in the child, which can be both cognitive and emotional in nature.

In simple and moderate cases, postpartum depression can be addressed through psychotherapy, for example cognitive behavioral therapy. In difficult cases, psychological medications such as antidepressants can be used.