Master of Science, Doctor Pham Van Duong, from the Department of General Internal Medicine at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, observed Mai's severe condition, which included thoughts of self-harm, and advised hospitalization.

Following a cesarean section for her first child, Mai faced challenges with a lack of breast milk and a frequently crying infant. Her husband worked abroad, leaving her to manage childcare alone for most of the time, which led to severe stress and feelings of wanting to "disappear".

Upon her husband's return, he took Mai for a medical consultation. Doctors prescribed antidepressants and sedatives, alongside psychological counseling. After two weeks of treatment, Mai's stress levels decreased, her sleep improved, and she was discharged with a plan for regular follow-up appointments.

Doctor Duong consults Mai during a follow-up appointment. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Duong explained that postpartum depression is a mental health disorder that can manifest weeks to months after childbirth. This condition is often linked to hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, childcare demands, or insufficient support from a partner or family. Symptoms include insomnia, loss of appetite, persistent sadness, and feelings of inadequacy as a mother. Severe cases may involve thoughts of self-harm or harming the infant.

The World Health Organization reports that about 13% of postpartum women worldwide experience mental health disorders, predominantly depression. It is important to differentiate this condition from "baby blues", which involves transient sadness, tearfulness, and heightened sensitivity during the first few days after childbirth.

Treatment for postpartum depression varies based on severity. Mild cases often improve with psychological counseling, sleep management, increased childcare support, and reduced maternal stress. For moderate to severe postpartum depression, medication and ongoing monitoring by a specialized psychology and psychiatry department are necessary.

Van Anh