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You are here : home > Pregnancy > Once the Baby Arrives > Postnatal Depression

Postnatal Depression

Postnatal Depression

Postnatal depression or postpartum depression can be handled easily if woman takes care of herself properly. Some exercise and right diet can help a lot to cope with postnatal or postpartum depression. Read on to know the symptoms of postnatal depression and tips for coping with postnatal depression.

Cases of postnatal depression are increasing day by day and there are many women who feel low after the birth of their child. Some women do feel depressed during pregnancy and this is normally when it is an unplanned pregnancy. There can be many reasons behind this like financial problem, relationship problem or some kind of previous mental problems as well.

The cause of depression can also be because many women have to quit their jobs because of the complications in pregnancy and she needs more rest than in normal cases. No matter what the cause is behind the depression, it is difficult to deal with it. There needs lot of patience and involvement of the entire family is extremely important here.

What is Postnatal Depression?

Postnatal depression occurs in 10 - 12% of women and this is depression after child birth. This is not a new thing and there have been lots of very serious cases registered and not registered as well. The symptoms are similar to any other kind of depression. In simple cases, this depression lasts for two weeks and depending on the severity the new mother struggles to take care of her newborn baby.

Sometimes the reasons behind postnatal depression is obvious but most often it becomes difficult to find one. However, you should understand one thing that postnatal depression can happen to anyone and there is no apparent fault of the woman here. Depending on the severity of the problem you should seek professional help or family support.

Symptoms of Postnatal Depression

  • Depressed
  • Low appetite
  • Anxious
  • Feeling guilty
  • Negative thoughts
  • Irritation
  • Mood swings
  • Less or no interest in sex
  • Sleeplessness
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Psychotic symptoms like hearing unusual voices

Coping with Postnatal Depression

Usually the feeling subsides in two weeks or more as the new mother adjusts herself with the new routine. Some mothers are anxious about how to take care of the newborn and so coping with all responsibilities they feel depressed or irritated.

  • Seek Help From Family and Your Partner –

    Let your partner know that you are going through postnatal depression. Make him understand that you need full support from him so that you are able to handle the new responsibility properly and effectively.
  • Exercise –

    Consult your doctor and opt for some exercise or yoga asanas that will help you cope with the problem and also help you recover faster.
  • Seek Help From Books and Websites –

    Today there are many websites that offer parenting advices and you can either read the articles over there or put in your questions into the forum to get an answer from experienced and expert person.
  • Diet –

    This is extremely important and here you should take care of the nutrition. Add fresh fruits and increase the intake of milk especially if you are breastfeeding your baby.

When you are going through postnatal depression or you have the guilty feelings after child birth, do not hesitate to tell your partner and family members. If there is an elderly woman in your house, she will be able to understand this appropriately.

Seek advice from a medical professional only when you find that the problem persists and you are not able to cope with it. There are treatments that are offered to sever cases and the professional will take help of medication only when there is no option left.



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Mishti
Mishti.12 years ago
a very helpful article indeed. exercise and right diet can surely do wonders in keeping away the postpartum blues....
 
 
 
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Malti
Malti.12 years ago
good information on postnatal depression. by following the advice given in this article, i am sure it is possible to prevent [postnatal depression.
 
 
 
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Umesh
Umesh.12 years ago
Postnatal depression is often neglected issue. It can create havoc in the life of new mother. More awareness is needed for such issues.
 
 
 
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