subject: How to Overcome Postpartum Depression and Anxiety [print this page] How to Overcome Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
Giving birth to a baby can trigger many different emotions, but for many new mothers it can triggerpostpartum depression and anxiety. When these conditions occurs, a woman may feel bad because she's confused by thoughts and feelings that a new mother shouldn't feel.
Postpartum depression (PD) or "baby blues" is more than just that. Usually passing after a few weeks of giving birth, "baby blues" can make a new mother feel sad, irritable and overwhelmed. The symptoms of PD is more intensified, such as not feeling like yourself, unable to cope and changes in eating and sleeping patterns.
New mothers get very concern when they realize that they don't feel love for their child. In more severe cases, the new mother may have thoughts of harming their new child. Anxiety and maybe even panic attacks appears when a new mother has thoughts of harming her baby. The anxiety may even worsen when she thinks she can't handle this new situation. New moms may even worry about not being able to love, protect and take care of their child properly.
As anxiety races on, their thoughts progresses into beliefs that they can't do anything right for their baby. Guilt settles in, making the depression even worse. This is when it's critical and essential to get help as soon as possible, in order to keep the new mother from falling deeper and deeper into depression and anxiety.
Luckily there's help out there for women to overcome theirpostpartum depression and anxiety. Women can recover quickly once they realize that their condition is normal and that they're not alone. Many mothers go through it also.
One way to overcome postpartum depression and anxiety is linking up with a support group. Once you hear and connect with other stories, then you will realize that you're not crazy, that there are people out there just like you.
Also, make sure you get adequate help. Delivered meals, help with the baby, house chores will help in overcoming postpartum depression and anxiety. Also when the baby sleeps, you should sleep. Resting up is essential to overcoming PD and anxiety. If you can't sleep when the baby sleeps, find someone who can watch the baby.
Doing any activity that can get you out the house and away from the baby, even for a little awhile can also aid in your recovery. Everyday activities such as running errands, going out for walks and having lunch with friends.
It's also important to speak with your doctor and he/she will advise you on how to overcome postpartum depression and anxiety. Counseling and therapy might be introduced. Some women may need medication in order for them to cope with PD and anxiety, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety pills.
If you are a mother, that just gave birth, just remember that there's no need to compare yourself with other mothers, doing so will only exacerbate the symptoms even more. Every new mom has a tough time, but getting help and talking it out can help you overcome postpartum depression and anxiety.
