Post-Partum Depression: What You Need To Know
by Timmothy Miles
When you have a baby, it can be the most beautiful time of your life. For many new mothers, however, the period of time after having a baby can be difficult. Combined with the physical recovery and not getting enough sleep, it can be a hard time. Many mothers deal with what is commonly referred to as the "baby blues." This is normal as the hormones are drastically changing. This typically subsides within a few weeks. Sadly, many women do not get past this time. Those women are likely suffering from post-partum depression. Here are some things you need to know:
What Does Post-Partum Depression Mean?
Post-partum depression is a depressive disorder that impacts many new mothers. Post-partum depression affects how a woman sees the world. It is a period of sadness, anger, and anxiety. The mothers who deal with this condition have difficulty thinking clearly and often withdraw from anything outside their homes. Post-partum depression can cause some women to have a difficult time bonding with their new babies and feel inadequate as a parent.
Can You Prevent Post-Partum Depression?
It is hard to say if you can prevent post-partum depression. You cannot control the rage of hormones going through your body or how they will affect you. However, there are some things you can do to help reduce the impact post-partum depression can have on you.
If you have a history of depression or mental illness, speak to your doctor ahead of time about treatment for post-partum depression. If you do not have a support system, try to get into groups of other new mothers ahead of the birth to have a place to land once you have the baby.
Most importantly, you need to take care of yourself. Eat a good diet and drink a lot of water. Try to get as much sleep as possible. Get outside and into the sun whenever you can, as sunlight is a great natural mood booster. All of these things will improve your mood and decrease the odds of dealing with post-partum depression or will lessen the impacts if you do have it.
How Is Post-Partum Depression Treated?
There are several things that can treat post-partum depression. If you are feeling depressed, you need to recognize it and reach out for help. You may think the way you feel is because of the major change in your life mixed with the lack of sleep. However, if you have depressive feelings, you need to take time to care for yourself. Talk to a counselor about how you feel. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to help you. Do not ignore your feelings. Get help as soon as you think you need it.
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Counseling can be a great help with many aspects of your life. Whether you are struggling with your work life, personal life or love life, talking with someone who can help you wrap your head around the way that you are feeling can help you find balance and create a better way of life for yourself. Our blog will show you several ways that a counselor can help you with the different areas of your life. You will also learn a few tips that can help you improve things on your own and information to help you know what to expect when you go to a counselor for the first time.