Postpartum depression affects about half a women in the US alone every year and nearly half of cases remain undiagnosed, leaving women and men to suffer with this severe depression as well as the care of a new child on their own. If left untreated it can develop into postpartum psychosis which can have devastating outcomes. Postpartum is caused by severe hormonal changes, stress of caring for a new born, and women with a history of depression, mental illness, severe PMS or who had medical complications are at higher risk of developing PPD.
How do I know if I have Postpartum Depression?
- Feeling sad or empty
- Feeling numb emotionally
- Frequent crying
- Feeling irritable
- Bouts of anger or tempter tantrums
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Abnormal appetite
- Feelings of low self-esteem
- Disinterest in activities
- Tendency to isolate oneself
- Obsessive concern with the baby
- Disinterest in the baby
If you or your loved one experience any of the following seek medical care immediately:
- Visual or Aural hallucination
- Delusional behavior
- Paranoid and irrational beliefs
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Thoughts of harming or killing the baby
- Extreme agitation
- Violent outbursts
- Rapid mood swings
- Refusal to eat or sleep
- Confusion
- Disorientation
How can I prevent Postpartum Depression?
There are no guaranteed ways to prevent postpartum depression because it is directly related to the flux of hormones experienced after childbirth.
How can I treat Postpartum Depression?
- Keep up a healthy diet after giving birth.
- Get as much sleep as you can.
- Set aside time to relax everyday.
- Get out, get sun. Vitamin D deficiencies can cause depression which can worsen PPD.
- Share your feelings with friends and family. Seek a support group if necessary.
- Exercise! Exercise releases good chemicals called endorphins that help to boost mood.
- Ask for help if you need it!
- Set realistic expectations. No one expects you to be the perfect parent, just the best parent you can be.
- Bioidentical hormones such as those found in soy can help to stabilize the wildly changing hormones.
- Take a SAM-e supplement to help increase serotonine and dopamine levels naturally.
- Omega-3 fatty acids help to normalize brain function.
- Folic Acid is found in leafy greens, fruits, beans and grains and is important in helping with brain function.
- Avoid things that cause mood swings such as caffeine and alcohol.
