60% of parents admit that, for them, the taboo of postpartum depression has not been lifted in society and that it is still difficult to talk about it freely.
- The mothers most at risk of postpartum depression are young mothers under 30 (40%), as well as those who are giving birth to their first child (35%).
- 40% of mothers and 42% of fathers think that this mental illness only affects young mothers, which is not true.
According to a new survey by the Qare teleconsultation platform, 30% of mums and 18% of dads have already experienced a postpartum depressive episode. However, the subject is still largely taboo: 40% of parents have never spoken to anyone about their postpartum emotions, and 14% have felt ashamed.
Only 5% of parents diagnosed
Doctor Fanny Jacq, perinatal psychiatrist and director of mental health at Qare, explains: “Postpartum depression is too often still a taboo subject. However, detecting and accepting these weaknesses, which are often temporary, must be a strength. Parents must be taught not to ignore the first symptoms and not to feel guilty about talking about them and seeking help”.
Another worrying figure when you know that very violent postpartum depression can lead to suicide: only 5% of parents have been diagnosed by a mental health professional. More than half of parents also believe that they were not sufficiently informed about this pathology before pregnancy, 78% of whom had never heard of it during their medical appointments.
When they are in psychological difficulty, young parents turn first to their relatives (46% of respondents), then to their midwife (17%), a psychologist (10%), a general practitioner (9% ) or finally their gynecologist (1%).
Dr Fanny Jacq explains: “the subject of postpartum depression is taboo in many respects. It is difficult for a young mother to admit that she feels depressed, isolated, after giving birth. But she also has few trusted places to broach the subject. No pre- and post-delivery exchange is planned with a mental health specialist to discuss mental and post-partum health. Today, more regular, longer treatment is needed for both mums and dads. They must be able to calmly approach their role as parents and know the help resources that exist.”
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is depressive symptoms that last more than two weeks after childbirth and interfere with activities of daily living. This condition is much more serious than “baby blues”, which affects 80% of women and lasts only a few days after childbirth.
Intense fatigue, uncontrollable crying, difficulty coping with stress, irritability, self worthlessness, inability to appreciate parenting, fear of hurting the baby, feeling empty… Many symptoms of postpartum depression are similar to those of classic depression. As with the latter, any prolonged behavioral change in the father or mother should lead to consultation with a psychiatrist or psychologist. The general practitioner can guide you in this direction.
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