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MENTAL HEALTH CARE WITH EXPERTS – THE KEY TO HELP MOTHERS OVERCOME POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

MENTAL HEALTH CARE WITH EXPERTS – THE KEY TO HELP MOTHERS OVERCOME POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

02/08/2025

Motherhood is a sacred journey, but not without its challenges. After childbirth, many women experience a wide range of emotions, from happiness to stress, anxiety, and fatigue. If these difficult emotions persist and are not addressed, they can increasingly affect daily life, potentially leading to postpartum depression. This is a psychological disorder that often occurs after childbirth. However, this difficulty can be detected early and treated effectively if examined by a specialist in a timely manner.

Starting from unnamed emotions

According to M.Sc. Ho Ngoc Bao Tran, a psychologist at American International Hospital (AIH): In reality, globally, approximately 10% of pregnant women and 13% of puerperal women experience mental disorders, primarily depression (WHO, 2024). 

Postpartum depression can begin with "unnamed" emotions, such as fleeting sadness, unexplained fatigue, or a strange emptiness. If not listened to and cared for in time, these vague feelings can silently accumulate and become true depression, seriously affecting the mother's mental health and her bond with the child.

“Before pregnancy, I researched postpartum mood disorders quite thoroughly and thought I could prevent them. But when faced with reality, negative emotions came flooding in unexpectedly. I always feel lost, even though I know my family is always by my side and supports me in caring for the baby. Every morning when my husband goes to work, I feel inexplicably sad, as if I'm struggling with everything alone." – Ms. X.N.C (33 years old, HCMC) shared when she came for an examination at AIH. 

Some early signs of postpartum depression to be aware of include:

  • Unexplained sadness, frequent desire to cry

  • Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed, including caring for the baby

  • Difficulty sleeping despite feeling very tired, or sleeping too much but still feeling exhausted

  • Persistent anxiety, irritability, or unexplained tension

  • Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, self-blame

  • Feeling distant or having difficulty bonding with the baby

  • Loss of appetite or overeating.

“Initially, the mother may only feel sad for no reason, easily feels self-pity, anxious, and distressed. However, if not listened to and supported, these emotions can accumulate and lead to difficulties related to depression or anxiety," shared M.Sc. Ho Ngoc Bao Tran.

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If not listened to and supported, “unnamed” emotions can accumulate and become difficulties related to depression or anxiety.

How to prevent postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression doesn't just affect those who are “weak”; it can impact any mother. Prevention starts with strong psychological preparation during pregnancy, maintaining a reasonable rest and nutrition regimen, and especially having companionship and understanding from family members.

However, there are still ways to help reduce the risk and proactively care for mental health postpartum:

1. Prepare psychologically during pregnancy

  • Understand that emotional changes after childbirth are normal.

  • Participate in childbirth education classes that cover mental health and parenting skills.

2. Build a support network

  • Share your true feelings with your life partner and family members.

  • Accept help with childcare, housework, and rest.

3. Take care of yourself daily

  • Maintain a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and engage in light exercise.

  • Set aside personal time for yourself, even if it's just a few minutes each day.

4. Don't put pressure on yourself to be "perfect"

  • Allow yourself to make mistakes, feel tired, and experience fluctuating emotions.

  • Understand that "being a good mother" does not mean doing everything alone.

Specifically, listen to your own feelings. If you feel sad, tired, disconnected from your baby, or have a persistent feeling of hopelessness lasting longer than 2 weeks, do not hesitate to seek support from a psychologist. Because proactively seeking consultation is the first step to “caring for the mental well-being” of the mother herself, and for the entire challenging yet loving journey of motherhood ahead. M.Sc. Ho Ngoc Bao Tran commented.

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If you feel sad, tired, disconnected from your baby, or have a persistent feeling of hopelessness lasting longer than 2 weeks, do not hesitate to seek support from a psychologist.

The journey of motherhood does not end after a successful “delivery”

The moment a baby utters their first cry seems like the complete milestone of a mother's journey. However, for many women, that is just the beginning of challenging months. 

Understanding this, American International Hospital (AIH) is ready to accompany mothers during the psychological recovery phase and reconnect with themselves, with dedicated support from an experienced team of psychologists.

At AIH: 

  • Early screening for signs of postpartum depression.

  • In-depth psychological examination in a private, empathetic space.

  • Support in building a personalized treatment plan, combining consulting, therapy, nutrition, and comprehensive care.

Don't wait until emotions become a burden. Start with yourself, for a complete motherhood journey, and for a healthy start for your baby.

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL (AIH):

☎ Hotline: (028) 3910 9999
🌏 Website: www.aih.com.vn
📍Address: (Entrance from 199 Nguyen Hoang Street) No.6, Bac Nam 3 Street, Binh Trung Ward, Ho Chi Minh
  • by Admin AIH
  • In Tin tức & Sự kiện

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