Introduction
Postpartum depression is what you get after you have a baby. And not all new mothers get PPD (postpartum depression). Some women describe it as sad feelings, and some describe it as moments of rage. The feelings and experiences are different for everyone. I personally had the last one, short moments of rage followed by intense shame after every time I had a tantrum that I could not explain!
The major problem I saw was that whatever I experienced, so did the baby. And for baby number 3, I was so upset that a majority of the time, he couldn’t even eat. I would run out of milk even though we had intense lactation consultations going on, and I would have to bottle-feed him to get him to eat.
Had I been able to calm down, I think it would have been more pleasurable for everybody.
It was so intense going through postpartum depression and not knowing why I was acting the way I was acting. I think it is always good to get checked out if you think something is going on. For both mom and baby sake.
Understanding Postpartum Depression
When going through postpartum depression, it is difficult to know what one is feeling or thinking, and I had no idea that I was going through ppd. It was hard for me to recognize the signs.
Here are some of the signs you’re going through PPD
Consistent sadness, anxiety, or an empty mood
Feelings of hopelessness
Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
Fatigue or lower than normal energy
Difficulty sleeping
Trouble bonding with the baby
Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming the baby
Intense uncontrollable rage
This is not an exhaustive list. I’m sure there are a ton of symptoms I did not even mention. It can make leaving the house a trip riddled with anxiety, wondering how I’m gonna act while out in public. Am I gonna embarrass myself?, Am I gonna yell at someone or get angry for no reason and take it out on someone else? I just never knew how it was gonna go.
Seek Professional Help
I tried everything I could to not have to take medicine, but it turned out I needed it. And I encourage you that if there is a chance you need medicine, then get the help you need. For myself, I also found that I needed counseling to help with processing things.
There are a few different types of treatment. I’ve already mentioned one. Medicine, Talk therapy (counseling), and there are also support groups. These are nice because then you can find others who are going through similar situations as you.
Having a team around you doesn’t happen on accident very often. We have to seek it out. For myself, I do a lot of online meetings. Being a stay at home mom has its good things and its bad. Being stuck in the house a lot is sometimes something good and sometimes it just sucks to be stuck in the house!
Build a Support System
Some good ways to connect are by going to groups where you have something in common. Support groups, online mettings, or maybe a mentorship are good places to start. Service is another good way to connect. Look for community service opportunities in your area. Maybe even parenting groups if you are a parent.
Prioritize Self-Care
The list of things I need to take care of just keeps getting bigger. This time I’m suppose to be taking care of myself and it is suppose to energize me and refuel my system so that I can better take care of others!
Here are some ways to do that:
Read a book
Take a bath or shower (preferably hot for me)
Take a run or other exercise
Sit quietly and listen to relaxing music.
Meditate
Work on a puzzle
Use a coloring book or crossword
Work on a special hobby just for you
Stay Active
So one of the most important habits to have is exercise. This habit helps both your body and your mind, and can even sometimes help the spirit too! One day, I was working out and listening to my music, and I could have sworn I was having a spiritual experience in the middle of the crowded gym and only I knew.
Exercise can boost your mood and give you extra energy. It gives you all the feel-good hormones, so you are energized.
Some simple ways to add exercise to your day would be to have a walk after getting to the job. A quick walk around the block is sure to boost your mood.
Or maybe a quick walk around the block before you walk through the door
You could try joining a fitness class in your area. For my area, they have a free Zumba class at my local church.
Let’s not forget the handy treadmill. Don’t do what I do. I seem to find every excuse to not get on it lately. Obviously, I need to look at why that is. That’s why I just spent 15 minutes on it. The time limit doesn’t have to be long for it to be beneficial.
Focus on Nutrition
Now, once again, I have to remind you that I’m not an expert in this area, and I’m sure my advice here doesn’t count. Because personally, I have been fasting inconsistently and having a sandwich for breakfast every day. Not a healthy diet.
But I encourage you to find somebody whose advice you admire for nutrition so that you too (if you don’t already) can have a healthy diet. Check out sparkpeople.com, also now it is peopleone.com
The main thing I know about diet is that you have to shop on the outside of the store for it to be healthy. Most of the foods on the aisles have too many additives to be considered healthy.
Conclusion
Recap:
- Understanding postpartum depression
- Seek Professional Help
- Build a support system
- Prioritize self-care
- Stay active
- Focus on nutrition
Take proactive steps, and if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, get checked out right away.
Call to Action
I invite you to share your experiences in the comments! And follow for more similar content.
Edit 1 This is the post I wrote 3 years ago where I tried to upgrade it for my life today. But It just sounded awful to my ears.
One of the biggest pieces of postpartum depression is the loss of control and not knowing why. It shows up differently for everyone.
Some women, after they deliver, feel sad and cry all the time. Often not know if they are still dealing with the baby blues. While other women don’t cry at all, but have sudden anxiety attacks or huge amounts of uncontrollable rage.
There are many different symptoms and treatments. Some are with therapy and/or medication. These are the most common.
For myself, I have tried many different treatments. Through 2 of my pregnancies, I took Maca powder. That was used to help control the hormones and is all-natural.
However, after my last pregnancy, I realized I needed to be on something else. I had been refusing to go on medication because I have a history with it and felt that it had destroyed a huge part of my life. But I was willing to try anything.
Shower Everyday
The first thing I have been doing that has helped more than I thought it would, was when I was told, take a shower. I take a shower every day so I can feel human.
After having the baby, I took it at night. But I thought that it was affecting my sleep. And after having a baby, the biggest need is sleep! Then there is a shower. It clears the mind and relaxes the body. At least it does mine.
Update: We are back to evening showers as it helps with the nighttime routine, which gets everyone ready for bed. The routine starts with the shower.
Walking Away
Another lifesaver has been when I realize I have had enough and am about to blow my top. Usually over something silly.
Sometimes it’s my kiddos getting into stuff, and sometimes it’s to have the last word with my husband. I say “whatever” a lot. It’s my way of accepting a situation that I don’t like and can’t do anything about.
Staying Hydrated
This has been very difficult for me lately. I don’t normally have a problem with drinking water. But lately I can’t seem to get enough. Not even recommended.
Not getting enough water can simulate signs of depression. Getting enough can boost your energy levels and help control blood sugar levels. Not getting enough water can cause headaches.
Counseling
Now I know some people are like, ” I don’t need a counselor. That is what I have friends for.” I used to think that. But I have found that there are only so many people I trust around my kiddos.
Then one day, I realized I was verbally vomiting all over my friends every time I saw them. I spoke with my sponsor about the proper people to share the proper problems with. Not everyone is the go-to person for everything!
Not knowing how to trust people or make new friends has led me to need a counselor. A counselor is a friend with extensive knowledge and problem-solving skills. Something I have been in dire need of lately.
Resting
Getting enough rest is essential after having a baby. Not to mention the surgery that I went through to get the little one into the world. So, yes, rest is needed.
Exercise
This is so important and I hear it from other lady’s all the time. Are you exercising? Well, no. Well, then that is your problem. That’s why you’re in postpartum depression. It’s not, but I’m sure they are right and it has a lot to do with it.
Exercise helps to relieve stress and it also is known for increasing energy levels and balancing out hormones. It also helps with keeping off extra weight. Always a plus.
A good sweat can give you a natural high and raise your serotonin levels. Those are the feel-good chemicals released in our brains that control things like depression.
In Conclusion To Postpartum Depression
I wish I had more to offer right now. Many of the good habits I thought I had down, sadly went down the toilet during the last pregnancy.
I feel like I am starting over in so many ways. Being unbalanced in what seems like every way is not helping. But being honest with my doctor and looking for help when I need it is a great start to being re-stabilized.
These are just a few things that have been helping me in this very trying time while I deal with postpartum depression
