Did you know 1 in 10 women suffer from postpartum depression? And dads too can suffer from postpartum depression?
It’s so natural to feel a whole lot of different emotions during pregnancy and after delivery. But having an understanding on some key symptoms of postpartum depression can make a difference.
Postpartum depression doesn’t always show up immediately. While most cases show up during the first three months after baby is born, it can actually strike at any time till even up to the first year after birth.
Since PPD may not always go away on its own, it is vital to seek help as soon as possible, irrespective of when you notice the first signs.
Symptoms of PPD include ongoing feelings of:
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sadness or tearfulness
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hopelessness
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little or no self confidence or self esteem
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irritable, restless or agitated
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insomnia
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extreme fatigue
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self critical
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eating disorders
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lack of interest in socialising or unable to relate to others
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memory loss, and
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indifferent or lack of desire to take care of yourself and/or baby and partner.
Some women feel better in a few weeks whereas others may suffer for months. However the good news is that PPD is one of the most treatable forms of depression. Talk to your doctor about treatment options, which can include talking therapy (CBT or IPT) or other treatments might even include antidepressant medication (some are safe for nursing mums).
Other additional and useful tips with treatment (if needed) can be by taking care of yourself:
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eating healthy foods
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napping when the baby naps
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exercising
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reaching out for help from a family member or close friend or a professional caregiver to help with the house chores and with the baby and
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doing relaxing things that you enjoy such as journaling, reading, meditating etc.
