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:
sadness or tearfulness
hopelessness
little or no self confidence or self esteem
irritable, restless or agitated
insomnia
extreme fatigue
self critical
eating disorders
lack of interest in socialising or unable to relate to others
memory loss, and
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:
eating healthy foods
napping when the baby naps
exercising
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
doing relaxing things that you enjoy such as journaling, reading, meditating etc.