Becoming a parent triggers an array of emotions, from joy and excitement to anxiety and fear.
Postpartum depression is a treatable psychological disorder. Unlike the baby blues, postpartum depression rarely disappears on its own. The condition can occur days or even months following the birth of your child and last for many weeks or months without treatment.
It can be managed effectively, and you will feel better. But first and foremost, it is important to reach out to your healthcare provider and ask for help.
Do not struggle with postnatal depression alone. It is not your fault that you are depressed, and being depressed does not make you a bad parent.
Today, we’d like to share various coping methods that moms in our community found helpful to overcome postpartum depression. They are personal ways to cope with the condition, to be used together with guidance and advice from your doctor. While every mom is different, having many options is always helpful.
“Long walks”
“I wasn’t diagnosed or treated with my first because it was 18 years ago and never talked about so we all suffered. But after a while I saw many therapists and went on medication. After my second daughter turned 2 years old it came once again.”
“I again, sought counseling and knew what it was that time and so did my husband – so he was more understanding that time around. The first time around, not so much – we barely made it. I’m not a very active person so just talking about and learning about it helped me.”
“Journaling really helped me. Reading as well. Joining local mom groups was a godsend too, helped me see I wasn’t alone.”
“Support from family… and for me medication.. I am a doula now and I believe postpartum help and plan is needed for all new moms!”
“Plus having a doula during pregnancy and birth! “
“Walks and friends helped the first time. No meds.”
“My doula helped me prevent it the second time around by trying more of a natural approach and it worked out for me.”
“Telling my husband that I was going through depression and he stayed with me for 1 or 2 weeks. Took me to different places and took care of our baby so I get enough sleep.”
“Living in a building that had activities and amenities.”
“Play dates with other moms on a weekly basis, and speaking with a therapist. I went on meds for a few months and it helped me tremendously after my 2nd. Having a super supportive partner is also key. 👍🏻. After the birth of my 3rd, I scheduled an appointment with a therapist before I started work again; I think this really helped me manage my anxiety with 3 kids.”
“Deff making time for yourself, and letting others know what you are going through so that they may be able to help. Being a mom, brings so much change to your life.. it’s not talked about enough.”
“Making something I enjoy a priority, make sure I had help so I could escape at least a few hours a week. My therapist also really encouraged me to learn something new that would help me take my mind off the difficult things.”
“Paxil for 6 months”
“Talking with a therapist, medication and support of family and friends. Many women reached out to me that had gone through something similar and that made a big difference.”
“And know – this too shall pass.”
“Good Supplements. I recommend, trace minerals.”
“Rest & yoga. Long walks. Good luck.”
“Seeing a good therapist is huge. As well as anti depressant and someone telling me it’s okay to feel the way I feel. That I’m not alone. Also having support and someone telling me it’s okay to take the medication. There is so much stigma surrounding anti-depressants.”
“Support from family members was a great help.”
“Working out massages getting my nails done me time”
“Only medication. Sport, shopping, going out only made me feel even more tired. Also, talking about it and stopping to pretend like I’m ok.”
“Paternity time- he allowed me to just have skin to skin when I needed it and his time when I needed sleep. Skin to skin was a tremendous help. Medication and just being open about it.”
“Crazy, but I’m talking to a friend she broke it down for me. Basically, having a newborn (or two in my case) is torture. It’s seriously how they torture people in prison. Keep them up all night, cry every time you try to eat. For some reason in my mind it turned everything around. I think knowing everyone feels the same helps a lot.”
“Being constantly surrounded by families and friends who take turns to visit us to help out with the baby, cooking and just keeping us company.”