Introduction: Postpartum depression is a form of mental disorder that affects 10-15% of women who have given birth and occurs within a period of up to one year after the birth of a child. Occupational therapy can play a key role in the treatment of mothers before childbirth and in the occurrence of postpartum depression. Purpose: The purpose of the diploma work is to explore what life is like with postpartum depression. Methods: The research was conducted in the form of a singular case study. We collected data through a semi-structured interview. We interviewed a mom with postpartum depression and her mom. Results: After the diagnosis, the mother faced negative emotions and a lack of information about the disease itself, which had a bad effect on her situation. By researching the Internet and reading various literature, she deepened her knowledge and understanding of postpartum depression, its risk factors and symptoms. There have been changes in lifestyles, occupations, and roles. She did not find herself in her new role as a mother, which was further affected by postpartum depression. Connecting with her child was not her primary concern. As a result of the disease, the family dynamics between the family members changed a lot, she saw everything negatively, and took any help and advice too personally and as an imposition of opinion. A big challenge was the relationship with the partner, which was put on the back burner when the baby arrived. She neglected many of the occupations she had before giving birth, which included taking care of herself, socializing with friends and family. Discussion and conclusion: We found out that in this case, postpartum depression occurred due to a poor birth experience and coping with depression even before conception. There was rejection of the child and, as a result, postpartum depression, a deterioration in the relationship with her partner, family and friends. The person began to regress emotionally, affecting the areas of self-care, productivity, leisure, and work. In this case, the connection between the person, the occupation and the environment is crucial, because they are all closely interconnected and intertwined into a meaningful whole, without which a person cannot function meaningfully and qualitatively.
|