Dealing with post partum depression

Whoever said it was impossible to be happy and sad at the same time was most probably a man. As a new mother, you are bound to feel excited and happy about the baby but at the same time you are depressed irritated and weepy, courtesy of the post partum depression.

Post partum depression is extremely common and affects about 96% of all new moms. Although hormone is one of the major causes for this condition, it has been observed that women with prior problem of depression and stress are more likely to suffer.

What are the symptoms of post partum depression?

• Feeling a sort of terrible loss and empty inside
• Persistent mood swings
• Uncontrollable urge to cry
• Lack of sleep and insomnia
• Lack of appetite and weight loss
• Anxiety
• Loss of interest in the daily humdrums of life
• Resentment towards the baby (in some cases)
• Suicidal thoughts

What are some of the effects?

Let’s face it, you are not really in your Sunday best mood, you are not even your usual self so as to speak of. All this is going to have a profound influence on both your and the life of your closed ones.

Your baby gets the rough edge, a lot of mothers have confessed to having thoughts of harming the baby. In normal circumstances too, most mothers tend to ignore the baby or do not follow a proper feeding schedule. That doesn’t really mean you are an evil mother and it is understandable that you are going through a difficult phase in life but you must try to cater to your baby’s needs.

What can you do about it?

First off, if you are a working mother, make sure that you take a well-deserved maternity leave. When you do not have to constantly worry about work and managing a baby together, things get a little easier.

Get help; call your mother or a friend who would help you in taking care of the baby. Post partum depression is a difficult phase for both you and your family and try to get whatever additional helps you can.

Talk to your husband about your feelings and emotions. Divide the work among yourselves and make sure that you get enough time to rest properly. Also, during this time sex takes a backseat as you are not in the physical or mental state to indulge in intimacy now. If your partner desires sex and you do not, be open and talk about it.

Try to do something that makes you happy. Do you like cooking or reading? You can just plug in your favorite movie of all times or listen to your choice of music to take your mind off of things.

Exercising is one of the best ways to get rid of post partum depression. Consult your gynecologist before resorting to heavy workout session but you can take a walk or practice yoga to help get rid of depression.

If matters get worse and you are unable to handle post partum depression, schedule an appointment with the doctor.