Postpartum depression or postnatal depression affects almost 16% of all women after birth. In fact, the numbers may be even higher because many women never report the situation and try to get through by coping on their own. Postpartum depression tends to occur about 10 days after giving birth. Women may feel overwhelmed and tearful due to changes in hormone levels after pregnancy. While it may disappear within a few days, sometimes it lingers on and worsens.
This depression can last from about a month up to a year after childbirth. The symptoms include having trouble thinking clearly, feeling sad or lonely, crying for no apparent reason, lack of energy and feelings of hopelessness. Many women may try to suppress these feelings because they feel they are ambiguous with the happy joyful feelings they should be having about the birth of the new baby.
Postpartum depression is a very real problem and left untreated it can worsen into psychosis. This is a much more disturbing type of depression where you may have hallucinations and paranoia. Once treated, however, these symptoms often clear quickly.
The first step towards overcoming postpartum depression is to recognize that you have it and seek treatment. There are many types of treatment available. The sooner the woman seeks help and starts on treatment the faster recovery will begin. The most common treatments include psychological treatment and medical treatment. Your doctor will recommend a treatment method based on your specific diagnosis.
Many women can help themselves feel better as well. Start by establishing a routine that includes some exercise or activity for you each day. Exercise helps stimulate the body and improves the ability to get rid of depression. Eat a balanced diet and get plenty of sleep. If the baby keeps you up at night learn to nap when the baby naps to ensure that you are getting enough sleep. Enlist the help of your husband or of friends or family to help care for the child from time to time so all the burden is not on you.
Support groups can be immensely helpful in coping with postpartum depression. Talking to other new mothers helps to validate your feelings and ensures you that you are not alone. Have friendships outside the family. These encounters help you stay stimulated and fulfilled and can help you feel less overwhelmed about the new baby. Take some time for yourself, even if it is just a 30-minute bubble bath. These times will help restore and refresh you so you can better deal with the stress of the new baby.
