It’s not easy being a new parent. We’re simultaneously juggling the demands of our own lives and the responsibilities of raising a new child. There’s always the danger that we will accidentally do or say something that will set our child off in the wrong direction. It can be hard enough when everything goes according to plan, but what about when things start going wrong?
What is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is a serious, often life-long condition that affects new mothers. It’s a type of depression that can develop after childbirth and may last for up to six months. Symptoms of postpartum depression include sadness, loneliness, frustration, anger, and emptiness. It can also interfere with a new mother’s ability to care for her baby and can lead to problems such as poor sleep increased alcohol and drug use, and suicidal thoughts. If we think we might be experiencing postpartum depression, talk to a doctor or therapist.
There are many ways to treat postpartum depression, and getting help as soon as possible is essential.
Living With Postpartum Depression
There are many things we can do to survive postpartum depression. First, talk to a doctor or mental health professional about our symptoms. They can help us get the treatment and support we need. Another thing we can do is take care of ourselves physically and mentally. Drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods, and get enough sleep. Exercise regularly and engage in enjoyable activities to help lift our mood. Talk to others who have gone through postpartum depression about their experiences. It can be helpful to hear someone else’s story and discover what worked for them.
The Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
The symptoms of postpartum depression can vary from woman to woman. Still, they generally include feelings of sadness, emptiness, lack of energy, insomnia, and anxiety. Some women also experience feelings of guilt or worthlessness. Depression can be so severe that it interferes with the mother’s ability to care for her baby or perform daily activities. In some cases, postpartum depression may go undetected for months or even years.
How to Get Help for Postpartum Depression
If you are feeling sad, hopeless, and suicidal, please reach out for help. There are many ways to get help.
- Talk to a doctor. A doctor can check if we have PPD and prescribe medication if needed.
- Talk to a therapist. A therapist can provide helpful advice and support during this time.
- Reach out to a peer support group. A peer support group is a great way to connect with others who have been through similar experiences.
- Use the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. This hotline provides 24/7 support for people struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
- Use the Crisis Text Line by texting “HOME” to 741741. This service provides support and advice for people in crisis.
If we are in danger or have reached out for help and are still waiting to receive a response, please call 911.
Raising Kids While Managing Postpartum Depression
It can be hard to balance parenthood and postpartum depression, but it’s not impossible. Here are some tips for raising kids while managing postpartum depression:
- Make sure we’re getting the help we need. If we’re struggling with postpartum depression, don’t try to handle everything alone. Seek professional help as soon as possible.
- Get plenty of rest. We will need our energy to take care of a newborn and deal with postpartum depression simultaneously.
- Talk about what’s going on. Having an open dialogue with our partner or family about how we feel is essential. They can offer support and understanding.
- Tackle one task at a time. When things feel overwhelming, take a break and return to it later when we have more energy. That way, we will get more done in less time rather than putting everything off until later when things get even harder to manage.
- Make sure we have a support system. If we’re struggling with postpartum depression, make sure we have a supportive network of friends and family members who can help when needed.
- Don’t bottle things up. If we’re feeling overwhelmed, it can be helpful to talk about what’s happening with someone else. It can help loosen the grip that postpartum depression has on our minds.
If we’re struggling with postpartum depression, don’t hesitate to seek help. It can be challenging, but we can get through it with the proper support.
Get Help Now Fight Back Postpartum Depression
If we are struggling with postpartum depression, there is help available. We may feel lost and alone, but some people care about us and want to help. Treatment for postpartum depression can be very effective, and with the right treatment plan in place, we can begin to feel like our old selves again. Don’t let postpartum depression get to us; get the help needed to start healing.
