Postpartum depression is prevalent among women who have given birth. However, most women shy away from speaking about it and choose not to disclose it probably because they feel that people will judge them. After giving birth, women encounter several emotions ranging from extreme joy to extreme sadness. If the feelings of sorrow somehow supersede the feelings of joy and start interfering with your everyday life, there is a high chance that you are experiencing postpartum depression. Some other symptoms that one may experience include difficulty bonding with the baby, frequent mood swings, feeling out of control and exhausted most of the time. If these feelings get intense, a mother starts disconnecting from the child and may even neglect the child. Postpartum depression is a serious issue mothers face and should not be taken lightly. This condition can be overcome by treatment, among other things. Below are some tips to help you with treatment for postpartum depression.
Antidepressants.
One of the treatments used to resolve some immediate issues such as lack of appetite and sleepless nights include the use of antidepressants. They are considered very useful in helping mothers deal with symptoms of postpartum depression. However, you need to discuss with your doctor, about the choice of antidepressants since some are known to find their way to the breastmilk, causing risks to the baby. There is a debate on whether lithium causes infant toxicity when used as an antidepressant. It is therefore essential that you and your doctor weigh the potential risks of the antidepressants against the benefits. If the benefits outweigh the risks, the doctor may recommend the antidepressants, but this should be under close scrutiny.
Therapy.
Women experiencing mild depression may easily benefit from regular counselling. Finding a good therapist is of importance because they help the mother to deal with the sudden adjustments of motherhood. Interpersonal therapy allows the mother to speak about the problems they are experiencing with close friends, their partner and helps to identify how these problems relate to the feeling of depression. The therapist then advises the mother on how to deal with relationship problems, to reduce the feeling of neglect and sadness. Cognitive Behavioural therapy is also recommended because it helps the mother to get rid of unrealistic expectations about motherhood, and teaches them to see every experience of motherhood as a learning opportunity.
Home Remedies.
Apart from antidepressants and therapies, women can also embrace simple lifestyle remedies to help them deal with postpartum depression. The mother is advised to spare some time away from the baby to do something they love, such as painting or swimming. This helps them to relax and feel rejuvenated. They should also avoid isolation as this may cause them to delve deep into their negative thoughts. Interact with other mothers and see how they cope with postpartum depression. For your good, try and get some exercises, eat a balanced diet and sleep well.
Mothers experience a lot during pregnancy and motherhood. Mixed emotions can take a toll on their mental and physical wellbeing. It is good to love and care for these mothers. If you notice some symptoms that may suggest they are undergoing postpartum depression, talk to them and reach out for medical professionals for help. Treatment for postpartum depression is accessible.
