Coping With Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is the medical condition with moderate or severe depression that may occur in women after the delivery of their baby. The condition of the woman with postpartum depression may worsen with time. The symptoms of  PPD that may start appearing within a few days  or up to one year of delivery are moodiness, irritability, restlessness, distress, anxiousness and recurrent negative thoughts. This mental condition needs proper medical care and a patient can make efforts on her own to help her condition. Here are some ways to cope up with postpartum depression.

[Read: What is the Expected Duration of Postpartum Depression?]

Sound sleep is prerequisite for sounding mental health: With an infant to take care of, proper sleep  of eight hours seems like a distant dream, and it contributes in  making postpartum depression even worse. For a few weeks/ months, let your husband or any other family member don the cap of a babysitter, especially during nights. During the first six months after delivery, do not miss a single opportunity to sleep peacefully.

Take out time for yourself: When you’re dealing with a newborn, your schedule doesn’t allow you to take out even a few minutes for yourself. However, to overcome postpartum depression, setting aside a few hours for your social interests or hobbies is imperative. Take out only thirty minutes from your packed schedule to pamper yourself by savouring a glass of hot chocolate or calling a close pal on phone. A daily evening walk with your friends or family can be equally soothing  to your distressed mind.

Tackle it with nutrition: After sleep, your diet is the second thing, which  gets affected by depression. Due to depressive state of mind, skipping meals becomes a habit and subsequently, your health suffers. This has a direct impact on the quality of your breast milk. Moreover, it also leads to moodiness and increased irritation with the surroundings. Consequences of a poor diet call for the need of developing a proper eating schedule which will ensure a better physical and mental state.

[Read: Foods that help Fight Depression]

Confide in your close ones: If you restrict your distressed feelings to yourself, you will find it utterly difficult to fight post-delivery depression. Isolation will skim your chances of breaking away with your afflictions. To control your emotional outbursts and bouts of depression, share your feelings and emotions with your friends and family. The emotional outlet and support provided by the close ones significantly help a depressed person to emerge as a winner. Confide in your husband (isn’t your husband should be your best friend?) or a close friend. Talk as much as you desire,   provided  the listener is willing  to listen continuously and understands your situation.

[Read:How your Family is Good for your Health]

Along with the given tips to fight postpartum depression, you may also join a group of new mothers to understand motherhood better and discuss your share of worries, emotions and insecurities.

Read more articles on Postpartum Depression Treatment.