HOW TO MANAGE POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION?

Despite the happiness generated by bringing a child into the world, many women after giving birth, often experience postpartum depression. This is manifested in 80% of mothers who inadvertently and without apparent reason have a number of emotional changes that lead to feeling sad or angry. Although sadness is not strictly related to your baby, it may have consequences that could affect the baby, so it is necessary to understand what postpartum depression is, recognize its symptoms and seek effective alternatives to handle.

Postpartum depression is a depression that can occur within days of giving birth or within a few months, resulting in feelings of emptiness and loneliness, which usually disappear after some time, but if prolonged may require medical treatment.

Among its main symptoms include feelings of sadness, crying, anger, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, worry, irritability, headaches, tiredness, fatigue, lack of appetite and lack of interest in the baby. Considering these symptoms, postpartum depression can be managed through different alternatives such as:

Talking to your partner: Postpartum depression is not just a problem of the mother, but is also a condition that affects the whole family and one of the main ally will be her husband; so it is important to talk to him, just so he knows what you feel and increase their sensitivity to the situation.

Seek help from the family: It should never be a request to ask the support of our partners and family, to meet the needs of the baby and the home; this won’t only allow us to rest, but also to take care of us during the transition and adaptation to the role of mothers. It can be very rewarding, especially for new mothers to seek advice from the family and even friends who have been through the same experience.

Taking care of your physical and mental health: Some women after childbirth may feel tired and discouraged, therefore, rest and a good nutrition will be the priority; this will allow you to recover physically and mentally, and also, will help you to recover from spirit. It is also important that you take some time to yourself, visiting friends or being alone with your partner.

Visiting a psychologist: Studies show that women with postpartum depression have had good results with the help of therapies, because not only helps you identify your feelings and avoid mood swings; but also to take action to improve their condition. In case they present from a mild to a moderate depression, this visit will prevent that the mother intake of antidepressants or other medications that might have side effects on the baby.

Whether we are first-time mothers or not, all women can be affected by this condition, so the best thing is prevention, one way to avoid it is by organizing your baby’s needs and home; physical and mental care having the support of your friends and family.