Giving birth to a baby is one of the most joyous experiences a mother will ever have. However, it is not always rainbows and butterflies. As you bring new life to the world, a range of new emotions come with it, too.
Studies show that most women feel the so-called “baby blues”for a few days right after giving birth. But if this feeling of sadness and emptiness does not go away for weeks, then you may be experiencing postpartum depression, which studies say affects one in every 10 new mothers. Extreme exhaustion is a normal outcome after delivery so determining whether what you are experiencing is depression or not may be a bit tricky. To help you clear out those blurred lines, here is a list of the most common signs of depression and how to overcome them.
1.Irritability and mood swings
New mothers suffering from postpartum depression easily get annoyed at random things. This may be due to a combination of hormonal changes and the overwhelming task of raising a baby.
2.Inability to sleep leading to insomnia
While raising a baby may be a good enough reason to get some sleepless nights, having difficulty sleeping can be a sign of postpartum depression. This is often linked to anxieties and the overwhelming feeling of being a new parent.
3.Difficulty bonding with your baby
Some mothers suffering from postpartum depression report difficulties bonding with their baby. This sense of detachment can be linked to a wave of anxieties that come with giving birth.
4.Excessive crying and feeling helpless
As a result of the aforementioned situations, a mother with postpartum depression often finds herself crying excessively because of the idea that the situation they are in is inescapable.
There are other symptoms of postpartum depression, which vary from one mother to another. Studies also say that this type of depression may not occur automatically right after giving birth, and may come in at a later stage even when the child is already a toddler. While there is no formula to strike it out all at once, there are ways to learn to live with postpartum depression in the hopes of totally getting over it one day. First, you must acknowledge that you need help. Raising a baby is by no means a daunting task. You must accept that you cannot do all things alone, and get as much help as possible especially as your body recovers from delivering your child. You can also seek professional help and get prescribed medication to help you with sleeping troubles. Another way to cope with depression is by bonding with your baby. Breastfeeding gives you more space to have that special connection with your infant, but even if you choose not to breastfeed, you can still bond with your baby by reading to them and doing other activities.
You can also discover new passion projects or hobbies to help you take it one day at a time. In her book titled “What Does My Baby Dream Of,” Angela Arnephy threw in questions and observations she had while raising her newborn. Angela herself suffered from postpartum depression and writing her own book became her outlet in coping with her condition. You can also try and observe your child in this way and let your endorphins stimulate happy thoughts. Another recommended way to deal with depression is by connecting with your partner. You do not have to be pressured to jump back onto physical activities, but make sure to communicate with your partner about your feelings and anxieties.
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