If you’re worried you have postpartum depression, this article will help you.
In my experience as a doctor and a Holistic Wellness Coach of 10 years, I’ve treated mothers with postpartum depression. Many weren’t even aware that they had it but because they sought help, they’re now better than before.
In this article, I’ll give you 3 surefire signs that’ll guarantee you’re experiencing postpartum depression and what you can do to stop it.
What are the signs of postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression is shown when a mother experiences extreme uncontrollable sadness, inability to bond with their newborn child, and harsh self-criticism from four weeks to one year after giving birth.
3 symptoms of postpartum depression
Postpartum depression isn’t the same as baby blues.
The latter takes place only in the first two weeks of childbirth. Meanwhile, the former begins at 4 weeks and lasts up to one year after delivery.
It gets triggered when you experience the following:
Life stressors
Change in hormones
Family history of mental illness
Emotional and physical exhaustion
I should also tell you that postpartum depression is a major depressive disorder. It’s serious and you need as much help as you can get.
And so, let me share with you 3 signs to spot it.
#1 Severe uncontrollable sadness
It’s challenging to have a baby.
But, postpartum depression is different from the natural stresses of being a mom. In fact, even mothers who have ample support and resources still go through it.
If you have it, you’ll experience extreme sadness.
You don’t even know why you feel this way. More importantly, you can’t seem to shake it off no matter how hard you try.
You simply can’t stop crying. And, you lose interest in the things that used to make you happy.
#2 Inability to bond with baby
The majority of moms that come to me and ask for my help are confused.
They don’t understand what’s happening to them. They can’t bond with their newborn child.
Being a mom should bring happiness.
That’s why in addition to their inability to interact with their babies, they feel ashamed too.
#3 Harsh self-judgment
Moms experiencing postpartum depression are too hard on themselves.
They undergo so many things such as:
Overwhelm
Incontinence
Bowel problems
Less social activity
Body image issues
Breastfeeding snags
Lack of proper sleep
No time for self-care
Postpartum bleeding
They also have to deal with the unrealistic expectations of being a mother. They internalize this and turn on themselves.
Thus, they don’t feel good enough.
3 ways to heal from postpartum depression
It’s time to free yourself from the chains of postpartum depression.
You won’t get stuck with this. And, you can enjoy a happy motherhood experience with your baby.
Here are 3 ways that you can break free from it.
#1 Proper exercise and nutrition
When was the last time you took good care of yourself?
Being a mother requires you to give so much. But, you need to recharge and replenish so that you can do that properly.
Start exercising regularly and eat the right type of food. Give your body the nourishment it needs to recover.
#2 Serious self-care
You need yourself, too.
Being a mom is only one aspect of your life. So, go ahead and permit yourself to engage in activities that you love.
Read a book. Have a long warm bubble bath.
It’s not wrong nor is it selfish.
When you’re fulfilled, everyone around you, especially your baby, benefits.
But, alone time can be daunting when you have so much to do. This brings us to the third item on this list.
#3 Ask for support
Let others help you.
Whether it’s for taking care of the baby or for emotional support, allow yourself company in this journey.
If you have relatives that can assist you, seek them out. You could also hire a trustworthy nanny.
Also, undergoing therapy and getting the aid of a mental health professional will help you break through postpartum depression.
Get expert help online
You can heal.
With more than 10 years of experience as a clinician and as a certified life coach, I’ll help you push through your struggles.
You’ll get better in every aspect of your life through my effective holistic health approach.
I love to help people.
That’s why I became a doctor in the first place. And as a mother, wife, and entrepreneur, I can relate to the complexities of life.
Where to find Dr. Tomi Mitchell
You can book a FREE 15-minute consultation and schedule a 60-minute session through this link.
Join my Facebook group
Are you a mom or a female doctor? I have groups just for you.
Get inspired
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Thank you for the time to read this article. See you in the next one!
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