By: Dr. Dalal Al-Alami

In my office, a twenty-six-year-old young lady sat, with her face overflowing with hope and joy. The young lady told me her name was Hana' and that she got married a few months ago and was currently pregnant. She was very excited but she was worried about postpartum depression, especially since her cousin had it after four months of giving birth to her second son. 

Dr. Dalal: Welcome Hana’, and congratulations on the pregnancy! Leave your worries aside and let's understand what postpartum depression is. Postpartum depression is a mental health phenomenon that is becoming prominent among women, studies show that more than 25% of women are suffering from it. And considering that many women don't seek professional help, it is therefore hard to determine a correct percentage, and the number could be higher.  

Hana’: What are the symptoms that I may experience?

Dr. Dalal: First of all, you can relax since you are yet to have your first baby. In general, the incidence of depression among women after having the first baby is low, its likelihood increases when giving birth to the second and the third child. The reasons for that are related to the considerable changes that occur to the estrogen and progesterone hormones. Also, during the first pregnancy, the woman’s body still has a reservoir of the vitamins and minerals necessary for the growth of the baby and for breastfeeding later on. Meanwhile, during the second pregnancy, the physiological endurance of the body will be lower due to increased loss of these vitamins and minerals. Moreover, the level of female hormones will be different, which plays a primary role in depression.

Hana’: Is treatment for it difficult?

Dr. Dalal: No, Hana’. However, strong family support, a husband’s warmth and tenderness and psychological help will help the mother overcome this crisis.

Hana’: Do psychological stressors contribute to this phenomenon among women?

Dr. Dalal: Yes, they have the biggest effect. Many are the mothers who experience depression, however, providing genuine love from the husband, the presence of a caring mother and the help of supportive friends will help a lot in overcoming this situation.

Hana’: Does postpartum depression last for a long time?

Dr. Dalal: No, my dear. It lasts between three to six months at most.

Hana’: And what is the treatment for it?

Dr. Dalal: First of all, the support of the husband, family and friends. After that, if it is necessary, they can seek cognitive psychotherapy sessions to help the mother deal with the child. It will help her organize her time and keep her nutritional quality high, especially if she is breastfeeding, which might deprive her of sleep and increases her feelings of constant fatigue.

Hana’: Are these feelings normal?

Dr. Dalal: Of course they are. Not having enough sleep and staying up all night for the baby’s sake takes its toll on a mother’s body and makes her irritable. The support of the caring husband is important here to understand the heavy load that his wife is carrying, and to help her as much as he can. Therefore, the marital relationship needs to be a strong one.

Hana’: Can I be reassured then?

Dr. Dalal: Rest assured, my dear. It is a short period and it will pass. By the way, in this case, I have to warn you about using any medication. Medications can have negative chemical effects on the brain later on. Doctors may misdiagnose and give prescriptions without taking into consideration the negative consequences that can occur later on. All the latest scientific studies, published by the American Psychological Association indicate that there are many alternatives to medication, such as cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, light therapy and others. All of these alternatives lift the mood and curb the intensity of depression. And let’s call it temporary depression since it lasts for some time, then goes away.