{"id":6776,"date":"2019-06-03T05:14:06","date_gmt":"2019-06-03T05:14:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=6776"},"modified":"2021-06-11T15:59:37","modified_gmt":"2021-06-11T15:59:37","slug":"14-effective-solutions-to-fight-postpartum-depression","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-effective-solutions-to-fight-postpartum-depression\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Effective Solutions to Fight Postpartum Depression"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Postpartum depression is a medication condition that has a variety of symptoms. Most people who suffer from this experience mood changes, irritability, lack of energy, sadness, hopelessness, and even chronic pain. Postpartum depression is common in new parents, and if left untreated, it can worsen. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many ways to fight the symptoms of depression, but the first step is admitting there is a problem. If you aren\u2019t feeling like yourself and think you may be suffering from postpartum depression, you should talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Seeking treatment for this disease will not only make you feel better; it will make you a better mother, wife, and friend. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many ways to treat postpartum depression and only you, and your doctor can determine which option is best for you. Don\u2019t be afraid to ask for help and don\u2019t be ashamed of your symptoms. Here are a few effective solutions to consider. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Sunlight<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sunlight<\/a> can help your body produce Vitamin D, which is important and useful for fighting depression of any type. If you are suffering from postpartum depression, you should make it a point to spend some time outside in the sun each day. Even 30 minutes can make a big difference. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people get depressed in the winter because of the lack of sunlight, and if you are already suffering from postpartum, it can make your condition worse. If you can\u2019t get outside or if the sun isn\u2019t out, try taking a Vitamin D supplement or consider Ion Therapy. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can talk to your doctor about other options that can help increase the Vitamin D in your system and help fight off postpartum depression and improve your overall mood and health. If you do plan on taking a Vitamin D supplement, it\u2019s a good idea to talk to your doctor to make sure it will not interfere with other medications.  <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Medication<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Postpartum depression<\/a> is much more common than many women realize. Doctors have been helping women with the condition for many years, and there are many medications that can help ease your symptoms. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be scared to ask about medication if you have tried other ways of coping but aren\u2019t having any luck. Your doctor will work with you to find a medication that works to treat the symptom, but won\u2019t cause any serious side effects. As with many medications, you may have to try several different kinds before you find one that works for you. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you start taking medication for your postpartum depression and start to feel more depressed or have suicidal thoughts, talk to your doctor immediately. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should never stop taking your medication suddenly and without consulting your doctor. Most medications are effective and safe for all women, but your doctor will know which one is best for your health.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Ask For Help<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many women are embarrassed by the symptoms of postpartum depression and don\u2019t want to talk about it. They assume the way they are feeling is wrong and makes them bad parents. This isn\u2019t true, and postpartum depression is an illness caused by chemical changes in the body. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t talk about your problem or speak up and let someone know you are suffering, you may never get relief and the depression <\/a>may get worse over time. Even if you aren\u2019t ready to talk to a doctor, or if you have and still don\u2019t feel right, find a friend or family member to open up to. Sometimes just talking to another person about your feelings and problems can make things better. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another option is to find a counselor who will not only listen to your thoughts but help you make sense of them and better deal with the symptoms of postpartum depression.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Exercise<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Exercise <\/a>helps improve blood flow to the body and brain and can help improve the symptoms of postpartum depression. One of the symptoms of depression is a lack of energy. Most people don\u2019t want to exercise when they are depressed, but that is all the more reason to do it. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you exercise, you get to leave the house and put some effort into taking care of yourself. The more you exercise, the more energy you have and the better you feel. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chemicals are released in the brain that can help fight depressions. You don\u2019t have to exercise for long periods of time or any specific location. A short jog or a walk can help a lot. You can try yoga or even exercise tapes in your living room. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are moving and focused, you will see an improvement in your symptoms. Talk to your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough for exercise before you begin. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Personal Time<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you are a new parent, almost all of your time and attention goes towards your baby, especially in the early years. This is why so many women struggle with depression. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While your child <\/a>does need a lot of effort and attention, they don\u2019t need it all. You deserve to take care of yourself and have some personal time. Find someone you trust to care for your baby and get out of the house for a couple of hours a week. This will help you feel better and give you something to look forward to. No matter how much you love being a mom, getting caught up in the routine of carrying for a young child can be draining.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take the time to get your nails done, go to dinner with your spouse or friends, or even go to the grocery store alone. This will leave you feeling refreshed and help you get through those long days and nights of taking care of a baby.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Sleep<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sleep <\/a>is important for new mothers, and if you aren\u2019t getting enough of it, you could be more susceptible to postpartum depression. When you sleep, your brain and body get to rest and take a break. Otherwise, your brain never gets to stop working, and things can start to go wrong. It can be hard to get enough sleep when you are up every few hours to feed or check on a baby. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If possible, ask your partner to help out a couple of nights a week. You can also ask a friend or family member to help out. It\u2019s normal to miss out on a little sleep, but if you are not sleeping at all or are sleeping so little that it affects your mood and daily routine, you need to ask for help. Try to sleep when your baby sleeps, even if it is in short spurts. Let the housework and other things until you feel rested and have the energy to deal with them.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Hobbies<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s always nice to have a hobby that gives you something to focus on and allows you to escape the mundane routine of life. Just because you have a new baby doesn\u2019t mean you should give up your favorite hobbies. In fact, it\u2019s all the more reason to take up a new one. You are more than just a mom and having a hobby allows you to explore all the different aspects of your personality. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can be creative, funny, and care-free. These things aren\u2019t always an option when you are focused on caring for a baby. Once you feel like you can do more things while your baby naps<\/a>, find something you love, such as painting, sewing, writing, or gardening. Think about the things you enjoyed doing in your free time before your child was born, and make a little time for those things again. You deserve to have hobbies and experience some fun.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Don\u2019t Over Do It<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Being a mom can be difficult and demanding, but you have to be careful not to overdo it. You deserve to take breaks and rest. If you push yourself too hard, you may become resentful and stop enjoying motherhood. While being a parent is stressful, it\u2019s also very rewarding. Don\u2019t let the routine and chores associated with parenting make you forget about how much you love taking care of your baby<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t push yourself to get chores done; instead, hold your baby and do a little each day. Things will get easier as your child gets older and soon it will be easier to get back in the routine of taking care of your home, getting your work done, and caring for your child. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are really falling behind, ask for some help. Have your older children or spouse chip in around the house. You may even want to consider hiring a maid or a babysitter to keep an eye on your baby while you get things done.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. CBD Oil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The nation is buzzing with the decimalization of marijuana <\/a>across the United States. At the present moment, six states legalized cannabis recreationally, while a further 24-States allow for the use of cannabis with a medical license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cannabis contains more than 400-active terpenes and polyphenols that give the plant its healing power. Of these compounds available in marijuana, THC and CBD offer the most therapeutic benefit of the cannabinoids on offer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

THC is the active ingredient found in cannabis that gives it its psychoactive properties. It\u2019s this cannabinoid that lawmakers have an issue with and the compound that enacted marijuana prohibition in the 1930s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, cannabidiol, or CBD, is another polyphenol found in cannabis that has no psychoactive effects. Recent research on CBD shows that it has a potent nervine impact on the body, reducing stress in the nervous system. This effect makes CBD the ideal natural remedy for fighting PPD, as CBD increases the amount of serotonin in the brain, lifting the depression.
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10. Speak to a Psychologist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some new mothers may gain relief from symptoms of PPD by talking with a family member or friend about their emotions. Sometimes, having someone to talk to helps you sort out the mess in your mind, providing you with insight into your current mental state<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there are cases where the new mother could benefit from talking to a clinical psychologist. While friends may be supportive, they may not be able to sit and listen to your story about how you wish you never got pregnant \u2013 especially if they are struggling to conceive with their partner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to divulging your deepest, darkest secrets or emotions, you need an impartial third-party that will not judge your mental state. Psychologists receive medical training to teach them how to interact and communicate with mentally distressed patients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, there is nothing you can say that will shock the therapist, and they will help you navigate your way through your current mental state, helping you handle the feelings of PPD.
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11. Change Your Diet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It may surprise you to learn that what we eat plays a significant role in our mental state. If your diet contains substantial quantities of refined carbohydrate <\/a>and trans-saturated fat, these nutrients will diminish your physical and psychological health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recent research shows that more than 60-percent of Americans enjoy their lunch from the drive-thru window of their favorite fast-food restaurant. While this practice may save you time, it ruins your health. The brain requires healthy nutrients for optimal function. When we eat an inflammatory diet filled with refined carbs and saturated fat, it takes a toll on our mental health as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The inflammation caused by these foods affects the neural pathways in the brain, resulting in cloudy thinking and impaired judgment. Go through your fridge and kitchen cupboards, and throw out all the sources of bad foods in your household. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Replace these foods with sprouts, whole-grains, and other forms of fermented foods high in prebiotic fiber and probiotic enzymes. You may find that after a few weeks of eating a healthy diet, your symptoms of PPD dissipate.
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12. Aromatherapy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are dealing with a case of postpartum depression, then you most likely experience negative emotions throughout the day. These feelings leave you in a terrible mental state of confusion, sadness, and frustration at your current situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try using essential oils to lift your mood and brighten your outlook on life. Plants and herbs consist of polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Manufacturers distill extracts from herbs, flowers, and medicinal plants into essential oils that are readily available for purchase from your favorite online health retailer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve had a hard day dealing with your symptoms of PPD, run yourself a hot bath. Add a few drops of lavender<\/a>, sage, and chamomile essential oil to the water, and relax in the tub for half an hour. Breathe in the medicated steam, and let your mind relax. The potent nervine agents in the chamomile oil relax your nervous system, while the soothing effects of lavender and sage help to release tension.
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13. Acupuncture and Massage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are struggling with the negative emotions produced by postpartum depression, then treat yourself to some rejuvenating therapy to lift your spirits. Make an appointment with an acupuncture <\/a>therapist for treatment. Acupuncture involves the use of long needles inserted into the top layers of the skin and muscle groups. The therapist inserts the needles on pressure points throughout your body to relieve stress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After your acupuncture session, visit a massage therapist. Massage is a relaxing and uplifting therapy that stimulates the production of \u201cfeel-good\u201d neurotransmitters, known as dopamine. When the brain experiences and increases in these neurotransmitters, it elevates mood. Massage helps to unlock the tension in your body, returning you to a sound state of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After your therapy, return home immediately and run yourself a hot bath with the essential oils mentioned in the segment above. The warm water helps to soothe stiff muscles and prolong your feeling of enhanced mood.
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14. HRT<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some women may experience a drop in hormone <\/a>production in the first two weeks after giving birth. This reduction in hormonal output is commonly known as \u201cthe baby blues.\u201d However, most women experience a steady increase in hormone production over the two weeks, where they start to feel better after each passing day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, some women do not manage to get their hormonal system back online, and they may end up developing hormonal deficiencies in estrogen \u2013 the primary female hormone in controlling mood. As a result, they end up experiencing a permanent state of depression that never lifts, ruining their outlook on life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this case, a doctor may issue the patient with a hormone replacement therapy protocol to improve hormone production and return the patient to a sound state of mind. HRT involves the introduction of exogenous hormones to the body to balance their hormonal profile and lift symptoms of PPD.
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