Understanding Postnatal Depression.
As our community grows, we want to explore different facets of Mental Health. One we really wanted to explore and understand was Postnatal depression. Here’s an article explaining a little bit about how yourself or a loved one might be going through after giving birth.
You’ve spent these past glorious months dreaming of the life you and your newest love will share. You’ve discovered a newfound bond – one so incredibly deep you didn’t understand until you experienced it. When your eyes met for the first time, you know instantly that you are forever changed; in the best possible way.
You take your little bundle home. The love continues to grow and take your breath away. How can someone so little capture your heart so quickly? Yes, you adore your baby. It’s just confusing. While you know how much you love your child, you know you are exactly where you’re supposed to be. Why doesn’t it feel as grand as you thought? Why do you feel overwhelmed? Unhappy and unsettled? Why do these negative clouds hang around in your head? Maybe you’re trying to convince yourself, you are happy - everything is perfect.
You should feel happy, right? Of course, you love your child, but you may be experiencing what 600,000 women experience. 1 in 7 women experience postnatal depression. You. Are. Not. Alone. All these symptoms you’ve been experiencing have a name and can be explained – and better yet, it can be treated.
Common symptoms
You haven’t been feeling yourself lately, and your time with your baby isn’t feeling like you thought it would. If you can relate to any of these symptoms, you may be experiencing postnatal depression.
Troubles eating or overeating
Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
Anxiety
Pain and illness
Mood changes
Unable to focus, cloudy thoughts
Feelings of guilt, hopelessness
Difficulty remembering
Not feeling a connection with your baby or other family members
Unable to enjoy things you love
Caring for postnatal depression
You think you have postnatal depression, now what? First, you stop. Take a deep breath. A quick moment to process and regroup. Understand that you aren’t alone, and how you’re feeling is perfectly normal. Remember Momma, you’ve got this. Next, talk with a trusted source, a doctor. Typically, a simple, easy evaluation is done.
From there, the best part – solution. You’re on your way to a wonderful healing process to reconnect you with your baby and family. There are different branches of treatment you can choose from to work to a healthier version of yourself. You can choose one or multiple.
Therapy
Medication
Self-care
Nutrition
Therapy
A healthy mind is important, and you deserve it. Talking through your thoughts and feelings with a professional is beneficial. You will work through your concerns and learn valuable coping tools you will have for a lifetime. Take a look at our extra care section to explore different options.
Medication
With medication, your doctor will prescribe you antidepressants. It may take a few tries to get the brand and dosage correct. It is also common to change the dosage as your body adjusts. Be sure to keep in contact with your doctor and update as needed.
Self-care
Self-care is underestimated. Self-care is vital and can make an astronomical difference. You need to learn yourself and what you need. Take the time to reconnect with yourself, what gives you peace and happiness that isn’t personal hygiene - like a shower - or an act of service - like making something for someone else.
Try different ideas until you find what works best for you. Reading a book, meditation, yoga, watching TV alone, your favourite drink, going for a solo drive, blasting your music. The hardest part is to schedule it. You need to make sure you’re doing it. Continue to grow and love yourself, rediscover yourself.
Nutrition
Nutrition plays a role in how we feel, it affects our body and mind. Our body can only run on what it’s given, cherish your body. Begin purchasing healthier foods and drinks. Without unhealthy food surrounding you, you’ll be less likely to consume it. Learn new recipes and grow your palate. Add drinking more water to your to-do list. Dehydration causes headaches, muscle aches, brain fog, and low energy levels. All things you want to avoid.
Make sure you’re connecting with loved ones and explaining how you feel.
Take time right now to begin your care journey!
