Mental Health information

Have you got a friend or relative that is going through postpartum depression? This is a serious condition but the good news is that it is also treatable; you can help with that treatment. Many women go through the baby blues due to the sudden drop in hormones when they give birth. However, there are some that will find that they struggle with overcoming the blues and their fears and anxieties make everything seem worse.

The trick is to be there for your friend, partner or relative. This can really help them get through postpartum depression. Look out for the common signs, which are extremely similar to normal depression. While you are doing this, think of what you can do to help them through this stage.

Offering a shoulder to lean on can really help many new moms. They will be able to open up and talk about their fears that they are having; maybe they are feeling inadequate or are resenting the fact that they do not get any time to themselves. Do not judge them, because that will just make them feel worse; take your time to listen since that is all some women will need.

There are high chances that the new mom is exhausted and has not even had time for a shower, let alone a nap or to exercise. Offer to look after the baby for an hour or to fold the laundry so the new mom can shut her eyes; even 10 minutes will give her body the chance to rejuvenate a little. Helping out around the home is a sure way to help her overcome this postpartum depression.

There are times that you will not be able to be that shoulder to lean on. That does not mean there is something wrong with you; it just means that the new mom would rather talk to someone professional. Help her find someone that she is willing to talk to and offer to be there if she needs some support; even if it means sitting out in the waiting room for her.

There are a few different types of techniques that can be used to help treat postpartum depression that doctors will mention. One of those is called Emotional Freedom Technique, which could really help because it offers a way to talk and also expel the negative thoughts. Allow the new mom to make up her own mind on which technique she chooses and be supportive of her; having the support from home and her friends, will help her make a quicker recovery from postpartum depression.

By Andrew Wilkie

Millions of parents go through postpartum depression. This is mostly a condition with women but there are some men that will go through the depression linked to the time after the baby’s birth. The whole reason it is so common with women is because of the sudden change in hormones; this can be very difficult to deal with and understand, especially with the first child.

However, there are ways to help with the postpartum depression as long as you are willing to recognize and seek help for the treatment. There is nothing that can be done unless you are willing to admit that there is a problem. If you do not admit anything, you will be putting your baby’s life at risk as well as your own.

Talk to Your Partner or Friends

When you know you’re struggling with this type of depression, talking to your partner could really help you deal. You could also turn to friends or relatives to help you. There are high chances that your female friends who have had children will have been through this and can be the support that you need.

Allow your friends to visit and help you around the house. There is no shame in admitting that you need some help and choosing to look after yourself when you can. While the baby is asleep, have a nap yourself; this will help you to feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle the problems when the infant awakes.

Eat Healthily and Drink Water

You’ll find that you’re spending so much time looking after the baby that you’re forgetting about yourself. Being tired will only make the postpartum depression worse so it is worth taking the time to renew your energy levels.

Eating a healthy diet will help with this. Don’t rely on the chocolate and coffee to give you a boost; take the time to cook a healthy meal or throw a salad together. Also, make sure that you drink plenty of water to help your body still alert; this will definitely help your brain.

Don’t Overwork

You may be used to running around and organizing everything but when you’ve had a baby, you need to slow down. Spending some bonding time with the baby can really help the postpartum depression. If you constantly run around and do everything, you’ll only tire yourself out by doing something like this, which will make the depression worse.

Seek Medical Help

There is no shame in talking to your doctor about this. There are now many techniques that they can offer, which will help you with the postpartum depression. Antidepressants are not always the answer, since they will not help with the long term. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is one type of care that has been proven to be successful. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is another one that you may hear about.