It catches many women completely off guard; one minute they’re fine and the next something isn’t quite right. Postpartum depression affects nearly 80% of women and leaves them feeling alone, hopeless, hurt, and scared. Most women believe it can’t happen to them, but the reality is that it can and it does. Fortunately, postpartum depression is not a life sentence and is completely treatable with the help of your doctor. Getting help can be scary at first, but reaching out when you feel off is the most important step to feeling 100% you again. Here are five ways you can lower your risk and mitigate your symptoms.
1. Walking
The baby blues can hit anyone. Walking might be the last thing you want to do after just delivering a baby, however, it is one of the more useful ways to lower your risk and control symptoms. Frequent walks work by triggering the release of endorphins as well as increase the levels of serotonin in the body. Both chemicals are responsible for keeping you happy.
2. Speak Up
The minute you start to notice yourself feeling off and plagued with persistent mood swings, crying, and feeling like you’re not bonding with your baby, reach out to your doctor immediately. Your doctor can help you devise a treatment plan to get you back on track and feeling better fast. If you don’t say anything, you can’t get the help you need. There is no shame or stigma in reaching out and asking for help. Becoming a new mom is a wide array of new challenges and pressures, you shouldn’t have to carry the weight alone.
3. Eat a Whole Foods Based Diet
There are numerous studies that show the connection between our mood and our diets. Processed foods are often hormone laden and filled with preservatives that can have a damaging effect on our bodies. Before and after pregnancy, the body is at a very delicate stage. By treating it to natural, unprocessed foods you can help support your mood as well as provide whole nutrition to your body.
4. Make Peace With Your Inner Control Freak
A new baby can cause most of your old life to fall to the wayside. This means chores, cleaning, laundry, and everything else you did before the baby. For those women who are self-proclaimed perfectionists, this can be an especially difficult time. Mental preparation and acceptance that not everything will be perfect can help to cope with the constant changes and new routine.
5. Get Some Sleep
This is one of the more difficult ones, however, sleep deprivation or irregular sleeping schedules can increase your risk of depression. Even though getting sleep is a genuine challenge, try your best to make up for it during nap times. Delegate household duties and chores like cleaning or shopping to family members and loved ones. They can hold the baby while you sleep or after they have completed a chore.
North Brooklyn Wants to Assist You
Postpartum depression is not a life sentence nor does it mean that there’s anything wrong with you. If you feel like you are suffering from postpartum, call today to set up an appointment with one of our highly trained professionals.
