The significant emotional and physical changes that occur with having and caring for a new child are to be expected, so experiencing highs and lows in the first few weeks and months following birth is normal. But for many, feelings of depression and anxiety can overshadow the celebration of welcoming your new family member.
 

Feeling overwhelmed, unrelenting weeping, a lack of newborn bonding, and doubting your capacity to care for yourself and your child are some signs of postpartum depression to watch out for. We all worry about our kids, but those experiencing postpartum depression are so worried that it impedes their ability to enjoy their baby and to enjoy their life.

It might be challenging to take care of both you and your baby if you suffer from postpartum depression.

“I think it’s important for folks to understand that this is not just feeling sad or crying. It also can be feeling almost paralyzed by fear about something bad potentially happening to your child, and that is incredibly painful for the parent.” -says a mother of newly born.

What are the symptoms of Post Partum Depression?

The symptoms of postnatal depression are similar to the symptoms of depression. They include:

• Feeling sad or low
• Being unable to enjoy things that normally bring you pleasure
• Tiredness or loss of energy
• Poor concentration or attention span
• Low self-esteem and self-confidence
• Disturbed sleep, even when your baby is asleep
• Changes in appetite
  
  
  

  You may feel detached from your baby or partner, and even have thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby. It can be incredibly frightening to consider hurting your child, but keep in mind that this doesn’t guarantee you’ll do it. You can get the assistance you require as soon as you talk to someone about your thoughts and feelings, such as a friend, relative, doctor, or midwife.
  
  Things to do to protect against postpartum depression?
  Psychoeducation to develop positive coping strategies, manage stress and build supportive networks can be helpful in protecting against postpartum depression. Learning about and comprehending mental health and wellbeing is necessary for this. It is comparable to physical education in that you use what you learn about how your body functions, how to care for it, and the effects of certain strains or pressures to your mental health.
  
  Having a support system at home looking after your mental health is incredibly important. Involve your partner, friends and loved ones in learning about how they can support you through the postpartum period. Make contact with friends and relatives before the birth of your child and let them know how you would appreciate their assistance.
  
  What are some of the ways to support yourself if you are experiencing postpartum depression?

• Make sure you are getting enough care and support at home
  Are you getting enough sleep? Are you eating adequate meals? “A lot of new parents are taking care of their baby and they’re not getting a decent meal,” says Dr. Stuebe. “Getting a nutritious, protein-filled meal can help you feel just a little bit more human.”
  
  

• Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
  There are a number of psychotherapies such as cognitive behavour therapy (CBT) or interpersonaltherapy (IPT) that work really well for postpartum depression and anxiety.” Talk to your healthcare provider about finding a mental health professional to help you navigate these feelings.
  
  

• Medication
  There are a number of medications that are effective for managing and reducing symptoms of postpartum depression. While antidepressants can occasionally pass through breastmilk in trace amounts, there is typically little effect on milk production and infant health. “In the absence of a clear harm signal it makes a lot of sense to treat and continue breastfeeding,” recommends Dr. Stuebe. Before starting any medication, make sure to talk to your health care provider about an option that works best for you.
  
  

• Speak to people with similar experiences
  Often, we can feel that we are the only ones feeling how we do. Speak to your health care provider about peer support and advice groups available to share thoughts, feelings and experiences. It is also important to speak with your friends and family members about how you are feeling.
  
  

• Be kind to yourself
  You might have many expectations for yourself as a parent, but none of us can meet all our expectations all the time. Don’t worry if you don’t do something you planned to, or if you find yourself feeling worse again. Try to treat yourself as you would treat a friend, and be kind to yourself.
  
  

How can my partner support me at home?

Throughout human history, communities have cared for babies together. “Everybody needs a village, and it’s incredibly important that people who have just given birth have someone taking care of them while they’re taking care of their baby.” Dr. Stuebe recommends that partners or other loved ones can be supportive by doing the following:

• • Make sure that your partner is eating enough and often enough

• • Ensure that your partner has time to bathe themselves

• • Allow your partner to get adequate sleep by sleeping in shifts

“You are not alone, you are not to blame, and with help you will get better.”

When should I reach out for help?

If any of your symptoms are becoming stronger after two weeks or lasting more than two weeks, you should consider seeking support. 

Though there can be stigma surrounding reaching out for help, the most important thing is to take care of yourself and put your health – and your baby’s health – first. There are many trustworthy medical professionals who will respond to your questions confidentially and with kindness.

You are dealing with a lot of change right now. “Give yourself grace. Recognize you may not be as calm and collected as you usually are,” says Dr. St. “Also know that if these feelings stick around for some time, it’s not that you aren’t a good parent, it’s just that your brain has been asked to do some gymnastics.