10 Helpful Tips For Overcoming Postpartum Depression (PPD)

Childbirth is a physically traumatic process that affects women both physically and mentally. Pregnancy can dramatically interrupt a female's hormone levels which lead to physical, psychological, and emotional changes. These changes along with lifestyle changes that inevitably occur in a woman's personal life and relationships can be hard on new mothers.

It's normal for most women to experience bouts of sadness or stress during the first two weeks post-delivery, this is known as the "baby blues." Postpartum depression lasts longer than a few weeks and tends to be more severe. Depression after birth can impact a new mother’s life more significantly and can negatively affect her relationship with her newborn baby.

Postpartum psychosis is a mental illness that can occur after pregnancy and childbirth. It is a rare and serious disorder but can be effectively treated with psychiatric care. Symptoms may include hallucinations, delusional thinking, paranoia, aggression, rapid mood swings, and suicidal thoughts.

This condition can significantly impair an individual’s ability to function well or complete daily tasks. If left untreated or undiagnosed, postpartum psychosis can become very severe and could lead to harm of oneself or others. Because of the potential risks associated with this disorder, it is important for individuals to seek help as soon as possible.

You should seek treatment for postpartum depression if your symptoms don't go away after a couple of weeks, if your symptoms get worse, you can't care for yourself of your baby, or if you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. PPD is a serious psychiatric condition that can interfere with your daily life and relationships if not treated or taken seriously.

Postpartum depression may be more likely and severe if you have a history of mental health illness or depression. Mothers and people experiencing PPD should seek treatment from a professional sooner rather than later.

Many women experiencing postpartum depression feel isolated from their friends and family. They may feel insecure or guilty about opening up about their feelings, which can make PPD symptoms worse. Having a confidant is an important step towards PPD recovery.

When looking for someone to confide in, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and safe with them. Having a confidant allows you to express your thoughts and feelings and get them off your chest. Opening up about your struggles with postpartum depression is an important first step for recovery.

Joining a support group for new parents is a great way to connect with other parents who may be going through similar experiences. It can provide an opportunity to share stories, advice, and tips to help each other out. It can also be a great way to make friends and build relationships with people who understand what you’re going through as a parent.

The best way to join a support group is to ask your doctor or midwife for a referral. You can also search online for support groups in your area or look into local motherhood programs. Talking to other mothers or parents who are struggling with PPD can be helpful for understanding that you're not alone.

Self-care can be defined as anything that improves your physical and mental health. Self-care can be anything from going to the spa, listening to your favorite music, finding time to watch your favorite television show, or meditation. Self-care is especially important for new mothers who regularly sacrifice their own needs for their children's.

Mothers experiencing PPD may suffer from a loss of identity as they struggle to take care of their own needs while adjusting to motherhood. By proactively making effort to practice self-care, new mothers can regain some of their identity and sanity. Self-care will also help mothers relieve stress and improve their mood.

Eating healthy and exercising are essential components of living a healthy lifestyle. By eating nutritious foods and getting regular exercise, you can maintain your body weight, strengthen your immune system, reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, boost energy levels, and improve mental health and mood.

Eating healthy and exercising can improve symptoms of PPD by improving your overall quality of life. Exercise can also be meditative. It is one part of your day where you focus solely on the exercise you are performing to the exclusion of all other thoughts. It also releases endorphins, or the feel-good chemicals in your brain that improve your mood. A healthy meal plan and exercise routine is an important part of any postpartum depression recovery plan.

Rest is an essential part of life and should be prioritized to lead a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Getting enough quality sleep every night is key to feeling rested and energized during the day. According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Lack of sleep can negatively affect mental health, lower your immune system, and make it more difficult to participate in day-to-day activities.

New mothers and fathers are most at risk for sleep deprivation. If you're suffering from PPD, getting more sleep may help reduce your symptoms. Try getting more sleep by switching off caretaking duties between you and your spouse or seek help from family and friends who can watch your baby while you get some much-needed rest.

A study published by the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry provides evidence that social interaction with peers can help reduce feelings of depression. The research found that new mothers found relief and comfort in talking with other experienced moms who had suffered from postpartum depression.

After having regular conversations for four weeks and then eight weeks after delivery, the moms reported lower levels of depression. People who are suffering from PPD should regularly reach out to other mothers who may share similar experiences. You don’t even have to leave your house—try connecting with fellow parents or friends via video or phone calls for support.

When you’re struggling with postpartum depression, it can be hard to give yourself grace. You may feel like a failure as a parent and feel guilty for not meeting the expectations of motherhood. It's easy to be too hard on yourself as your adjusting to the new changes and expectations of being a first-time parent. Postpartum depression is a common struggle and nothing to be ashamed of.

It takes time to recover from PPD with treatment and ample support available. Knowing that you're not alone in this struggle and taking the time to practice self-care are both very important steps in the healing process. Above all else, understanding that the experience of postpartum depression is valid should be your top priority — so go easy on yourself when you need to most.

Asking for help is often seen as a sign of weakness, but it can actually be empowering. The sense of strength that comes with admitting that you need assistance from others and going out of your way to find it is invaluable. Learning how to turn to reliable sources for comfort and advice can dealing with postpartum depression much more manageable.

The first step in asking for help is being honest about what you're going through. Reach out to those you trust, whether family, friends, or coworkers, and tell them what’s going on in your life. Your support group will likely be more than willing to help you in any way possible whether that's by lending an ear, being a shoulder to cry on, or helping you with day-to-day tasks that make new motherhood easier.

It’s important though to remember that it’s okay to be mindful about how many tasks you can manage in each day. Overloading yourself with errands when you should be taking care of yourself might actually make you feel more anxious or overwhelmed. This may mean skipping some errands altogether or setting aside a few hours here and there throughout the week to complete them so that it doesn't become too much in one day.

Finding what works best for you will ensure that you’re successfully taking steps each day as a means of self-care while still able to fully focus on caring for your newborn.

Mothers who are breastfeeding may worry about medication passing through breast milk and potentially harming the baby. Fortunately, there are various antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications available that are safe to use while breastfeeding.

It's always best to consult your doctor first before taking any medication as they will be able to advise if it's suitable or not. Taking medication alongside therapy allows one to tackle both treatments simultaneously, giving a greater chance for faster results in improving mental health.

One of the most important things you can do is make sure to take care of yourself both during and after your pregnancy. This means getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and taking some time for yourself. Taking care of yourself physically and mentally will make the task of parenthood less arduous. It's easier to navigate postpartum depression when you are starting with a healthy mind and body.

Building a strong support system before and during your pregnancy will be helpful to you in times of need. Knowing you have people to rely on when you need them can be helpful in reducing your stress and workload. Make sure to keep your friends and family close during this period of your life and don't be afraid to reach out to them for help.

If you believe you are at risk for postpartum depression, talk to a therapist or licensed mental health professional now. They may be able to help you understand what to expect and how to cope with your symptoms of PPD. Establishing a relationship with a professional now will make it easier for you to find help when and if you are diagnosed with postpartum depression.

Many new mothers are constantly on the go whether they are out and about running errands for their household or working moms. A photo engraved keychain with the image of their new baby makes a thoughtful and useful gift.

Photo engraved keychains come in multiple styles and metals and include the option for letter engraving. A keychain is a unique way for a new mother to keep a photo of her beloved newborn with her when she is on the go.

Picture jewelry is a beautiful way to celebrate a new baby. Color photo engraved jewelry allows you to laser engrave a newborn's picture onto a beautiful jewelry pendant that a new mother can wear close to her heart always. Color photo engraved new baby jewelry is realistic rendering of a photograph onto a metal pendant.

New mothers can wear their picture jewelry to keep their baby close to them when they return to work to help them cope with missing their baby. It can be a source of comfort for mothers who can't always be near their baby.

Photo engraved jewelry with birthstones is a beautiful and meaningful way to commemorate special occasions or honor loved ones. The process involves etching a high-resolution image onto a piece of jewelry, usually gold or silver. It’s then enhanced with the addition of a birthstone, adding an extra layer of personalization.

This type of jewelry is perfect for marking important milestones such as the birth of a new baby. Photo engraved jewelry with birthstones are beautiful gifts for new mothers who want to commemorate the birth of their baby. You can personalize the jewelry pendant with your favorite photo of the mother and baby, the baby's birthstone, and a special engraved message.

A postpartum gift box is a collection of items designed to support new mothers throughout their postpartum recovery. They are typically filled with items such as candles, tea, snacks, skincare products, and relaxation tools. The purpose of a postpartum gift box is to provide reassurance for difficulties associated with such an emotional time in a woman's life.

It is intended to give the mother an opportunity to take time for herself and ease into the transition from pregnancy to motherhood with confidence. You can choose the items for a postpartum gift box and put it together yourself, or by one pre-made. Retail websites like Etsy offer postpartum gift boxes with unique items.

A meal service delivery subscription can be very useful for new mothers who are juggling household chores such as caring for other children. Cooking meals is a laborious and time-consuming task that new mothers often struggle with. A meal delivery service means one less task a new mother is burdened with. It ensures that she and her family can continue to eat healthy, balanced meals with minimal prep and cook time.

Gifting a new mother therapy sessions may not be super common, but they can be incredibly useful. Many people are resistant to seeking out help for their mental health, even if they need it. Gifting a new mom therapy sessions may make her more likely to pursue help for her mental health, especially if she suffers from postpartum depression.