How to Treat Postpartum Depression: You Are Not Alone
Too often, moms find themselves suffering with postpartum depression. Usually through fear, they end up suffering alone and in silence hoping for it to go away or just get through it. Research actually shows that if left untreated, mothers can experience postpartum depression for months or years depending on the severity. Needless to say, finding out how to treat postpartum depression is the best course of action.
Postpartum depression is actually more common than many realize. Until you’re in it and feeling all of the emotions and confusion, it’s very difficult for a mom to put into words how she is feeling. If you are a mom who thinks she might be suffering with postpartum depression, take some time to learn about the signs and symptoms to help you understand what you are feeling.
You don’t have to be formally diagnosed with postpartum depression in order to treat it. There are multiple ways to treat postpartum depression. The trick is to find the method(s) that work best for you and your lifestyle.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is a mental health disorder some moms experience after having a baby. There is no telling which mothers will experience it. It doesn’t matter how much money you make, how many babies you have, where you live, etc., postpartum depression can impact anyone who gives birth.
Postpartum depression is a temporary mood disorder. But if it’s not treated, it could go on to impact a mom’s life for an extended period. To learn more about the difference between postpartum depression vs the baby blues, click here.
9 Ways to Treat Postpartum Depression
If you are a mom who is struggling with postpartum depression, there are several options to consider to treat it. Learn how to treat postpartum depression with the following treatment ideas.
Make an Appointment with Your Doctor
It is always best to consult with your doctor to share what you are feeling and experiencing after birth. Doctors can be the first line of defense and could be the one to help you make a plan for treatment. This could mean finding additional resources like therapists or medications.
Schedule an Appointment with a Therapist
Scheduling an appointment with a therapist is one of the most important ways to treat postpartum depression. A therapist who is well versed in postpartum depression can help you understand what you are feeling and experiencing following the birth of your baby.
As a therapist, I help women navigate anxiety, grief, and parenthood through one-on-one virtual counseling sessions. When women feel lost in the trenches of trying to be a good mom, they are left with questions not many people have answers to. I am here to help guide you and would be happy to chat during a free consultation to make a plan together.
Write in a Journal
Journaling is a very therapeutic method to help treat postpartum depression. This is an opportunity for you to write down your thoughts and experiences with being a mom. Consider questions like how are you feeling, what thoughts did you have today, what did you do today, and what your goals are. These questions will help you (if you are honest with yourself) to dig deeper into this new version of you.
You don’t have to write a perfectly poised entry every time you write in your journal. Do what you feel called to do; write notes, doodle, scribble, etc. Whatever it takes to help you get that mental break that journaling does for you.
Change Your Nutrition
Nutrition can be a big piece of the postpartum puzzle and how different food types can make you feel. You may find certain food like sugars, caffeine, dairy, etc., trigger a response in your body that impacts your mood. You can start by eliminating certain food to see if there is any difference in your mood. On the other hand, you might find adding in other food could help boost your mood.
Exercise
If you have been approved to workout following birth, exercise is a great way to boost endorphins, which helps boost your mood. If you can commit to just going for a 15 minute walk around the neighborhood each day, you are well on your way to helping treat postpartum depression in your life.
Join a Support Group
Support groups can be a huge benefit to you. Realizing you are not alone can tremendously improve your mental health. It’s when moms try to hide their struggles and suffer alone is when things can get really dark. If you join a support group of moms who have been where you are, it becomes a safe space for you to share your experience with them and confide without judgment.
Take Breaks
Taking breaks is essential to learning how to treat postpartum depression. You need time and space to just breathe and not think about the next task you need to complete. As little as five minutes each break can help relieve the mental stress.
Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries for family and friends is important in life. If you don’t want to do something, you can say so. You are only responsible for caring for your baby and doing what makes you feel fulfilled. Set those boundaries with others and enforce them.
Make Time for You
Set time aside for you to do things that make you happy. You need to make time for you in order for you to be the best mom you want to be. Postpartum depression has a way of breaking down the confidence mothers have in themselves. Prevent this from happening by spending time with yourself and remember who you are.
Give Yourself a Fighting Chance Against Postpartum Depression
All of the ideas listed here are ways to treat postpartum depression. They aren’t meant to be a cure, but you have to give yourself a fighting chance. The more you can do to combat the impact postpartum depression can have on you, the better your chances are of coming out of it with less trauma.
Use one or multiple ideas from this list to include in your routine. Fight back against postpartum depression. You are stronger than you think. If you would like help navigating this experience, let’s chat and make a plan together to help you combat this.