How To Deal With Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is one of the most common types of depression noted across the globe. It is the depression that occurs in mothers after childbirth. The common symptoms are loss of appetite, insomnia, difficulty in bonding with the baby, and often intense irritability. There are different ways to deal with the condition. But the first thing you should do is to make an appointment with an experienced psychotherapist. If you are diagnosed with postpartum depression, then let the doctor decide the best way to help you. Counselling, Motivational Interviewing, and other therapy may help in reducing the symptoms. Diagnosis: Your psychotherapist will talk you through your feelings, your thoughts, and your mental health. The first thing a professional would do is to distinguish the short-term case of postpartum baby blues and a severe form of depression. You should be as transparent as possible with your doctor as it helps in creating the best treatment plan for you.
The evaluation process may include: ●
Depression screening, which may involve filling the questionnaire
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A blood test to ensure that an under active thyroid is not causing the symptoms
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You may have to go through several other tests to rule out other causes
Treatment for Postpartum depression: Treatment, as well as recovery time, depends on the severity of the condition and the patient's individual needs. If you are diagnosed with baby blues, then you can relax as it usually passes within a few days or a week. Baby blues ●
Rest as much as you can
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Talk with your friends and family members and ask help from them
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Try to connect with other new mothers
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Give yourself enough time and take care of yourself
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Don’t drink alcohol and don’t use recreational drugs that can cause mood swings.
Postpartum depression Psychotherapy (known as talk therapy or mental health counseling) and medication are both used in treating Postpartum depression. With Psychotherapy: Psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professional helps you to reduce the symptoms by counseling. You can talk through your concerns with your therapist, and it will help you to solve problems, cope with your feelings, set new goals, and maintain a positive attitude in a difficult situation. With Antidepressants: You may get a prescription from your doctor to take an antidepressant. Though these medications have little side effects, they can still enter breast milk. You should work with your doctor to clear out potential risks and benefits of taking these antidepressants.
With the right treatment, the symptoms of postpartum depression reduce. However, the patient should continue the treatment even after feeling relaxed as it reduces the chances of relapse.
How to cope : â—?
The first thing that a patient needs to remember is that postpartum depression is a common medical condition, and it is no one's fault. The condition can be treated with proper care.
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The best way to deal with the condition is to seek help from your therapist. You can also ask the therapist about a local support group that you can join.
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The sooner is better. It is better to start taking active steps to see improvement. As the treatment will reduce the symptoms, you will begin enjoying your motherhood.
Preparing for your appointment:
When you visit a mental health professional, you will get the right treatment plan for you. You can take your close friend or family member with you for reminding you of all the information you have discussed. ●
When you visit your psychotherapist, you should prepare a list and include
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The symptoms you have been suffering
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How long you have been experiencing the symptoms
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All your health-related issues, which should consist of both physical and mental conditions
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The current medications you take, including both prescribed and over-the-counter medications. You should also include the supplements you take.
Questions to ask: ●
Your diagnosis.
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Available treatments for you.
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Is there any side effects of the treatment?
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How much time it will take to see the improvement in the condition?
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If you are prescribed medications, ask about its side effects.
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What are the lifestyle changes you need to make?
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Are you at increased risk of mental health disorders?
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What are the chances of reocurring?
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What you can do to prevent a recurrence?
You should not hesitate to ask your doctor any questions. It is better to clear doubts in advance about the condition and also about the treatment. You should look for a reputed medical clinic and book your appointment. Summary: Postpartum depression is a very common mental health condition, and it can be treated easily. All you have to do is to seek the right help. You should stay among the positive people, meet other new moms (you can join groups for that), you should discuss every detail about your experience with your therapist, and within a few weeks, you can see improvements. The therapist will develop a treatment plan for you, which may include different methods such as Motivational Interviewing and other counseling techniques. Meanwhile, stay positive adopt a healthy lifestyle and take care of your baby.