Patient's question:
My wife is 26 years old this year, currently 8 and a half months postpartum, still breastfeeding. The baby is healthy and lively, but she hasn't recovered well physically after giving birth. Sometimes her mood is low. She started working four months ago (in a public institution), but now she always complains about having nothing to do and says her supervisor treats her like air, feeling marginalized in the office. As a result, she's afraid to go to work. Since last week, she has already started taking sick leave at home and often worries about things that are unlikely to happen. An electroencephalogram has been done with no issues, and I downloaded the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the SCL-90. The results showed that the MMPI corrected score was above the standard (several items exceeded one to two standard deviations), while the SCL-90 showed mild symptoms in 6 out of 10 items and none in the remaining 4.Doctor's answer:
Your wife may be experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression. Generally, this situation should not rely solely on medication; it is best to combine it with appropriate psychological counseling.During pregnancy, a woman's estrogen levels rise sharply, which induces feelings of happiness and pleasure. However, after the baby is born, estrogen levels drop rapidly, causing hormonal changes in the body and leading to depressive symptoms such as crying, feeling wronged, guilt, despair, pessimism, tension, fear, and even suicidal thoughts. Therefore, it is important for you and your family to understand her situation, as she is the one who is most suffering.
First, family members should spend more time talking with her and share parenting experiences to help her avoid feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or panicked. Do not neglect the needs of the adults while focusing solely on caring for the child.
Second, encourage the new mother to engage in moderate household chores and physical exercise. This can help distract her and, more importantly, physical labor or exercise can naturally trigger the release of happiness-inducing elements in the body. Avoid traditional taboos for postpartum women, such as not leaving the house, not going out, not doing chores, or even not watching TV. These restrictions can only make her feel more bored and monotonous, worsening her depression.
Third, encourage the new mother to do more activities she enjoys, such as participating in social events and interacting with others.
Fourth, if the situation is severe and medication is needed for depression, it is essential to take it under the guidance of a doctor.