New mothers who are able to utilise the support of family and friends are better able to cope with the stressful period following the arrival of their baby, and are less likely to develop postpartum depression, according to psychiatry expert and Senior Consultant at Hamad Medical Corporation’s Mental Health Service Dr Suhaila Ghuloum.
Like other illnesses, depression can be managed with the right treatment, which may include psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both. Participation in a support group may also help.
According to a research published by HMC in 2013, the prevalence of postpartum depression among psychiatry patients was just under 18%. The study also confirmed that risk factors in Qatar are similar to those found worldwide. These include lack of marital or family support, a complicated pregnancy, a history of depression, and various sources of stress such as financial problems, for example.
“Postpartum depression is different from ‘baby blues’ which are extremely common and usually go away on their own within a few days,” Dr Ghuloum explained. “In baby blues, the new mom may be prone to emotional outbursts within a couple of weeks of having her baby. She may be extremely sensitive to any comment, cry or be upset easily, sometimes for no apparent reason, and be generally moody.”
“Women’s mental health is a primary focus of public awareness for the National Mental Health Strategy. Postpartum depression is one of the priorities because it is relatively easy to treat, and once treated, the rewards are evident. When untreated, however, it can take a toll on a parent’s health and also affect the child’s development,” added Dr Ghuloum.