If you are experiencing postpartum depression, know that you are not alone. Having the baby can lead you to feel overwhelming emotions that might be difficult to control – but rest easy on the thought that that is normal.
The symptoms of postpartum depression can manifest as early as a few weeks after delivery or even after six months. Some of the symptoms include frequent mood swings, having difficulties connecting to your baby, and trouble in making decisions.
If you feel like you are experiencing these things and that it already starts interfering with your daily activities, then it’s time to consult a doctor. They can evaluate the symptoms and help you recover from this ordeal.
Along with their recommendations, here are things you can do at home to help address postpartum depression:
- Exercise
Exercise is known to be a form of antidepressant. In this case, it doesn’t have to be an intense workout. It can be as simple as walking your baby to breathe some fresh air or following a ten-minute workout routine.
- Eat Healthily
Consistently eating healthy foods can give your body enough nutrients. Having enough nutrients can help you feel better and at peace. To make sure that you can always eat healthy foods, you can plan your meal during the weekends. It can increase your chances of preparing healthy foods for yourself.
- Make Time for Yourself
Taking care of the baby while doing the chores at home can be an overwhelming task. But it doesn’t mean you’ll have to do it alone. You can ask some of your trusted family members to help you take care of the baby, so you can have time to rest.
Make sure to have a “me-time” at least once a week. Doing this can help you decompress and process your emotions.
- Sleep
Don’t forget to rest – you’ll need it. Women who sleep less are more prone to depression. You can take a nap when your baby is asleep too. If you are breastfeeding, you can pump breastmilk before you sleep so your partner can take over the night feeding for your baby.
- Think About Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can have a different effect on different women. For instance, it can lessen the risk for others who enjoy nursing their child.
However, there are also those women who experience what we call Dysmorphic Milk Ejection – a case when a woman develops depression while she is breastfeeding her baby. Some symptoms include sadness, agitation, and anger.
Choose the feeding method that works for you.
- Talk to Other People
Resist being alone and try to open up to your trusted humans about what you feel. It can help you shift and lighten up your mood. Knowing that you have someone in your life can assure you that you are not going through this alone.
There has been an increase in the cases of postpartum depression recently. It pays to know some of the things that you can do to address it. Just remember, there’s nothing wrong if you seek help.
