Suicide prevention of postpartum depression "Naturally snuggle up" is effective. Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Research Group July 31 6:05

In order to prevent suicide due to postpartum depression, etc., Nagano City provides interviews with women who are new to childbirth by public health nurses, and helps people who think that they want to commit suicide by talking to them early When we started, the research group of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare summarized the results of the study, saying that "it had the effect of preventing the condition from worsening compared to the case without support."

The research was conducted by a national research group represented by Dr. Yoshiyuki Tachibana of the National Center for Child Health and Development.

The research group, together with Nagano City, has been working with Nagano City for four years to see if there are any signs of depression based on a questionnaire that public health nurses use internationally when interviewing a woman who has just given birth. I came.

In addition, when a thought that suicide was desired was heard, we carried out an initiative called the “Nagano Model”, in which public health nurses immediately listened to the story and helped them to get closer to their feelings.

Based on a questionnaire about 230 women in the city who were pregnant before the introduction of the "Nagano Model" and 234 women who were pregnant after the introduction, the mental condition after a certain period of time. As a result of the confirmation, 27 people were judged to be "suspicious of suicide" before the introduction, but only 10 people were decided after the introduction.

Dr. Tachibana said, “It was found that it is effective for public health nurses to notice the instability of their mothers early and to listen to them, and to help prevent suicide. We would like to introduce it in the local government and save as many mothers as possible from the suicide crisis."

With approach of Nagano-shi

In Nagano City, where about 2,800 newborns are born each year, since 2016, we have begun efforts to grasp early signs of postpartum depression, etc. in order to support mothers who have just given birth.

As part of the initiative, a public health nurse who received specialized training gave a mother's story using a questionnaire that is used internationally during a "newborn visit" that takes place 1 to 1 and a half months after delivery. Listen.

If you feel that you want to commit suicide, follow the manual that defines suicide prevention measures, such as "speak in good faith" and "listen to the complaints of the other person," and connect with your mother's feelings to provide the necessary support. Is to go.

As one of the city's "Mother and Child Health Coordinators," Mieko Shimizu, a public health nurse who plays a central role in the efforts, said, "By incorporating the concept and method of suicide prevention, we can help mothers feel closer. I can do it now."

From the viewpoint of the adult, we also interview mothers in the “Medical examination for obstetrics and maternity” held two weeks and one month after childbirth in cooperation with medical institutions so that they can detect any abnormalities in the mother more quickly.

According to Mr. Shimizu, although the city has not analyzed it in detail, there are some people who need continuous support such as people who think that they want to commit suicide and people who have a strong anxiety about childcare as they make efforts. It means that there is a feeling that they are gradually decreasing.

Mr. Shimizu says, "I would like to provide continuous support during pregnancy and after childbirth so that the mother is not left alone."