The baby blues: a cute name for a common but difficult form of depression. Though bringing home a new baby always comes with both good and scary emotions, some mothers find that the dominant feelings are negative and that they don’t quite go away.
This might be you. Though the “baby blues” are normal after childbirth, if you find your depression lasting longer than two weeks, you might have postpartum depression.
This is not at all because of something that you did wrong. Childbirth sets off hormones that fluctuate wildly, and a result is often depression. In fact, 1 in 8 mothers experience postpartum depression, according to professionals. You’re far from alone in this.
How do I know if I have Postpartum Depression?
The Office on Women’s Health lists the symptoms of postpartum depression, which include:
• Severe mood swings, including anger and hopelessness
• Guilt and feelings of being a “bad mother”
• Unhealthy increase or decrease in eating and sleeping
• Withdrawing from loved ones, including the baby
• Lack of interest in normally enjoyed activities
What do I do about it?
Thankfully, there are a wide variety of methods to navigate and treat postpartum depression. These range from natural solutions to professional help
Lean on your Support Group
Many women hide their symptoms from their partners, family and friends out of shame and fear of judgment. After all, people say welcoming a new baby is supposed to be a happy time.
Though it might seem like the right thing to do, keeping these struggles to yourself might worsen them. It is okay to communicate what you are going through to your support group. If you know any women who have experienced childbirth, consider sharing your symptoms with them. You might be surprised to find that more women have dealt with postpartum depression than you think.
Also, there is no shame in asking for or accepting help from your support group. They could help with cooking, cleaning, taking care of the baby or whatever else you might need. Your job right now is to take it easy and bond with your baby. Don’t beat yourself up for needing some extra help.
Prioritize Healing
Taking care of yourself might be hard right now. The best thing to do is to set realistic expectations for the next few months. You might not feel like a super mom, but nobody does at first. Focus on what you can do.
Ask your doctor to recommend a diet with the nutrients your body needs to replenish itself and make sure you’re eating consistent, healthy amounts. If you keep it, some women actually consume their placentas in pill form. Though experts disagree on the necessity of eating the placenta, it is very nutritious, and many women report feeling happy shortly after consumption. But again, if the thought gives you the ick, a healthy diet has the same result.
It’s important to become aware of the changes in your thought patterns. Consider getting a journal so you have an outlet for the negative thoughts that pop into your head. Journaling is an excellent way to foster mindfulness, which allows you to catch when your thoughts are headed to a harmful area. You can also try out yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises. Like the placenta pill, journaling and yoga aren’t for everyone, but they are worth trying.
Talk to your Healthcare Providers
Your doctors likely encounter postpartum depression all the time, and they often have standardized questionnaires and discussions prepared to help identify if you are suffering from PPD, or if your symptoms are caused by something else. Therapists and professional support groups are also available to offer professional help to set you on the right path to healing.
It’s important to remember that this is a temporary season of difficulty. Postpartum depression seems like a tall mountain to climb, but there are dozens and dozens of options available to help you. Even by taking small steps, you successfully navigate toward a healthy life for you and your baby.
Bethany Brewer is an Orlando-based creative writer and an editorial intern at Connecting Mothers Initiative. She has a B.A. in English from the University of Central Florida and uses it to write blogs, short stories and video game scripts.
Disclaimer: No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment.
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