Supporting women living with postpartum depression

The birth of a new born baby can trigger lots of powerful emotions ranging from excitement to joy, fear and anxiety all at the same time which can end up in what we call depression.

This depression is what is referred to as Postpartum Depression  and in most extreme cases what medical professionals call Postpartum psychosis.

 Postpartum Depression is a complex mix of physical, emotional and behavioral changes that happen to some women after childbirth. According to DSM.5, a manual used to diagnose mental disorders, postpartum Depression usually starts within four weeks after delivery and the diagnosis of this  depression is not based on just the length of time between delivery alone and the signs and symptoms differ from woman to woman especially for first time moms.

Some of the signs and symptoms that follow postpartum Depression may include:

1. Severe mood swings.
2. Excessive crying.
3. Loss of appetite or Excessive eating in some cases.
4. Loss of energy.
5. Irritability/Anger.
6. Feeling of guilt or Inadequacy.
7. Panic attacks or anxiety.

Some of these signs may last longer in some moms than others and if not properly treated could result in suicidal thoughts or attempts.

It therefore becomes imparitive to help and also know how to help these mom's as most of them won't even acknowledge that they are depressed.

Here are some tips that would be. Useful in supporting women with postpartum Depression : 

1.  Don't Attempt to Counter their feelings: in the bid to cheer people up, there is the tendency to dispute their feelings with comments like ' oh that's not true, you are a great mom!' while this is a great way to speak, it usually does not yield more success. Instead let them understand that it is okay to feel certain ways and there are plenty women all over who feel just the same way. By doing this, the mom knows that she is not the only one with such experience.
2. Offer to go to the doctor with them: everyone loves a strong support system around them and by offering to do little things like going to the doctor's with them shows they have an advocate and a team on her side. Also find out if there are support groups for women around the community and encourage them to join. 
3. Avoid speaking about her weight: Nobody wants their their weight or body structure to be talked about. Instead compliment her beauty and the ways they have  handled the situation. Also make it a point if duty to reassure them of their beauty and strength.
4. Support her decision: a woman going through postpartum depression might make certain decisions gvaf might qppear uncool to you or others around her, yet it is not a good time to criticize or judge such decision. It is important to support such first then have a fair and open discussion about it. Remember that not all experiences are the same.
5. Show them Love: no one can refuse love! Take time out to do fun things that they love and reassure them of your over for them.
6. Encourage them to speak to a professional who can help them through bthe journey.

Once a person starts treating postpartum depression or anxiety l, they usually feel better in no time. The steps taken to help such persons through is what is mkst important. The moms will definitely appreciate your help when they are back to feeling like their Normal self again.

Felicia Oyeniran

Felicia is a social impact enthusiast who believes that change is possible with everyone doing their best to achieve it and she contributes her quota to humanity through her skills. Which is utilized by different non profit to achieve their aims an objectives of making the world a better place.

Instagram handle: oye_licia

Sources

www.mayoclinic.org

www.webmd.com

www.highlandspring.org

The journal of perinatal Education

www.healthpartners.com