Postpartum depression can be judged from multiple dimensions. The following is a clear judgment method:
1. Symptoms
Mood changes:
Persistent depression: Parturient women often appear gloomy, listless, and prone to tears and crying.
Loss of interest: Loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities or activities that you once enjoyed.
Self-blame and inferiority: I often feel that I am not qualified for the role of mother, worry too much about the health of my baby, blame myself, and feel guilty.
Cognitive changes:
Difficulty thinking: Feeling slow in thinking, difficulty concentrating, and memory loss.
Pessimistic thoughts: Feeling hopeless about the future, or even having suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Physical symptoms:
Fatigue: Feeling tired often and having trouble recovering even after resting.
Sleep disorders: insomnia, early awakening, or excessive sleep.
Appetite changes: loss of appetite or overeating.
Weight changes: Significant weight loss or gain.
Behavioral changes:
Social Withdrawal: Avoiding social activities and becoming distant from family and friends.
Irritability: Losing temper easily over small things, showing inappropriate anger toward babies or loved ones.
2. Duration
Symptoms of postpartum depression must persist for a certain period of time to be diagnosed as postpartum depression. According to the reference article, symptoms need to last for at least 2 weeks.
3. Severity
In addition to the manifestation and duration of symptoms, the severity of symptoms is also an important criterion for judging postpartum depression. Postpartum depression can cause damage to the mother's social functions and bring pain or adverse consequences to the mother herself.
4. Professional evaluation
Since the diagnosis of postpartum depression involves many aspects, it is recommended that mothers seek help from a professional doctor or mental health professional for evaluation and diagnosis when related symptoms occur. A doctor or expert will give an accurate diagnosis based on the mother's symptoms, duration, severity, and possible risk factors.