The birth of a baby gives rise to a variety of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. But it can also result in something you might not expect — depression.
Postpartum depression is not uncommon and is not a character flaw or a weakness. Sometimes it's simply a complication of giving birth and drastic lifestyle change.
Postpartum depression symptoms most commonly include these among many others :
- Depressed mood or severe mood swings
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Overwhelming tiredness or loss of energy
- Fear that you're not a good mother
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
These thoughts may lead to life-threatening thoughts or behaviours and requires immediate treatment. Here are 5 secrets to help you fight postpartum depression:
1. Daily Exercise: is beneficial. Regular exercise help you keep your mind and body healthy. A simple walk in the park with your baby in the stroller will do wonders. Studies show walking was found to be a statistically significant way to ease depression.
2. Wholesome Diet: Healthy Eating alone will not cure PPD but a habit of eating nutritional food can help you feel better. It energises the cells and lifts up our mood.
3. Self Love is your suit of armour in this battle. We know that being kind is virtue you'd teach your little one from the start but we need to understand that being kind to oneself is also super important . For Eg : you'd feel stuck breastfeeding or house chores all day but you need to take time out for yourself. Accept help from your family / husband to baby sit so you can utilize this time to decompress.
Take a nap , listen to your favourite music , draw yourself a bath . Do anything that makes you happy as you very well deserve it.
4. Do not forget to rest: It's widely known that moms should sleep when the baby is sleeping and it is rightly said so. In the early days post delivery the baby does not sleep through the night and it may be helpful to take naps and try sleeping early. New Moms who sleep well are less susceptible to get post postpartum depression.
5. Fish Oil: Now is a good time to add fish oil to your diet. According to an article published by the Journal of Affective Disorders, women who have low levels of DHA have higher rates of postpartum depression. Seafood is an excellent dietary source of DHA. If vegetarian flaxseed is an option you can go for.
