Many women silently endure postpartum depression
After giving birth, many women fall into a state of prolonged fatigue and stress, even depression, but choose to remain silent, hide their illness and withdraw instead of seeking help from family or doctors.
Ms. Nguyen Thu Minh (32 years old, Hanoi) said that after giving birth to her first child, she often fell into a state of boredom, fatigue and insomnia because of the nights when her child cried but did not dare to share with anyone.
I often cry alone, feeling always worried and exhausted because I have to take care of my young child alone. But I think it's just because I'm weak, so I try to endure it, I don't dare to tell my family," Ms. Thu Minh sadly shared.
Similarly, Ms. Hoang Anh Thu (29 years old, Hai Phong) said that she had fallen into a state of withdrawal, limiting communication and avoiding contact with people after giving birth.
I don't want to meet anyone, including relatives. There are days when I just want to be alone, but I don't know what problem I'm having," Ms. Anh Thu said.
After a long time falling into a state of withdrawal, limiting communication and almost being isolated from family and everyone around, Ms. Anh Thu decided to go for an examination when she felt her spirit became increasingly unstable.
I had to try to overcome that period on my own. When I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with postpartum depression, I really understood that what I was going through was not normal. At that time, I started my treatment journey," Ms. Anh Thu shared.
Need to detect and treat postpartum depression early
Regarding this issue, Dr. Nguyen Khac Dung - Mai Huong Day Mental Hospital - said that postpartum depression is a dangerous mental illness, if not detected and treated promptly, it can cause serious consequences for both mother and child.
Doctors said that it is necessary to take patients to see a doctor for advice and support when they have at least 5 symptoms of depression lasting more than 2 weeks.
“You must see a doctor immediately if the mother has suicidal thoughts or acts or thoughts that cause injury to the child,” Dr. Nguyen Khac Dung emphasized.
Also according to the doctor, the family needs to take the pregnant woman to a specialist for examination when signs of psychosis appear such as confusion, paranoia, auditory hallucinations or not recognizing themselves and their space.
''When examined, doctors will give treatment directions depending on the severity and specific manifestations of the disease. If detected and treated early, depression can be completely cured without leaving sequelae or complications," said Dr. Nguyen Khac Dung.
