Tom Cruise and Brooke Shields publicly argued about the treatment of postpartum depression, or PID. The debacle between Cruise and Shields began when Tom Cruise criticised Brooke Shields' personal decision to treat her postpartum depression with medication. Cruise, as a member of the Scientology sect, believes illnesses can be treated naturally, as medication damages the body. In his opinion, Brooke Shields should have cured her depression through physical exercise.

Many people are insufficiently informed about this relatively common disease and its treatment.

 

But what is postpartum depression actually?

We have all certainly heard about it many times, but do we really know enough about this disease to understand it and help ourselves or those around us?

 

Pregnancy should be a reason for joy, especially because the mum-to-be is growing the baby inside her and is therefore closer to the baby than anyone else. But unfortunately, pregnancy also has another side, because the body undergoes serious changes and the hormonal balance causes an emotional rollercoaster. The pregnant woman also has to adapt her living conditions to the safety of the baby. Smoking, alcohol and certain physical activities must be avoided during this time. A healthy baby requires a healthy mother.

At the end of this emotionally and physically exhausting period of pregnancy is the birth of the baby itself. As much as the mother may be looking forward to her new baby, she also undergoes a series of fears about the impending birth.

 

In addition, many women suffer from so-called postpartum depression after giving birth. There are many possible causes that can trigger postpartum depression.

 

Giving birth is very stressful for the body. The actual physical stress during labour is one of the main causes of postpartum depression.

 

The next cause is the massive change in hormone levels. Mothers who do not yet feel mentally ready for motherhood are particularly susceptible to postpartum depression.

 

As soon as the first signs of postpartum depression appear, the woman should seek medical help immediately. In addition to the obvious detrimental effects on the mother's health, postpartum depression can also have a negative impact on the baby. Mothers can develop downright feelings of hatred towards their new child. The mother blames her baby for her weight gain because she feels less attractive and unloved.

 

The child's father should fully support the woman during this time and try to be understanding. However, professional help in the form of medication or therapeutic treatment is absolutely necessary.