3 Things You Didn’t Know About Postpartum Depression

If you’ve just had a baby, your life may not be pure bliss. New mothers encounter new challenges every day, especially if it is their first child. An issue that is now finally surfacing is postpartum depression, also known as PPD. Around 15% of mothers experience PPD, which is different from what is known as the “baby blues.” Due to a new mother’s shift in hormones after giving birth, it is normal that the first two weeks she will be experiencing swift mood changes, feeling weepy, overwhelmed, and tired. However, PPD lasts longer than the first “dip” in a new mother’s mood. Knowing the symptoms of PPD and how to treat it is the best way you can make sure to get the best care if you experience any of these symptoms.

1.  Taking Omega-3 Can Help

First, learn to pinpoint possible symptoms of PPD. Usually, a new mom is going through physical and mental shifts while taking care of her new child. Her sleep schedule will be off, which makes her more stressed out, on edge, and unable to completely function properly. Giving birth is sometimes a very traumatic experience for the body, especially if there were complications involved. So, feeling “off” and upset for two weeks is normal, but after two weeks, be aware that if the symptoms persist, it may be PPD.

Some symptoms include:

●     Feeling disconnected or detached.

●     Loss of interest in activities or hobbies

●     Long bursts of crying.

●     Feeling guilty that she is not doing enough.

●     Not feeling bonded to the baby.

●     Advanced forms of PPD include thoughts of self-harm or hurting the baby.

Something most mothers do not know about prevention of PPD is that taking a supplement can avoid symptoms of depression. Taking an omega-3 supplement manages depression [https://www.webmd.com/depression/features/fish-oil-to-treat-depression#2] and helps a new mother manage her hectic life. Omega-3 boosts brain function and increases activity in the brain, which boosts memory and overall brain function. Omega-3 also contains antioxidants which support the growth of healthy cells. The dosage of how much a mother should take to absorb the correct amount of omega-3 is between 500 and 600 mg per dose. Websites like Review Critic contain detailed comparisons between different products and give recommendations of which product is the most appealing to a customer. Look through different brands before picking an omega-3 supplement that contains the correct amount of omega-3.

2.  PPD Can Happen At Any Time

Another fact that isn’t well-known about PPD is that it can start at any time after giving birth. Usually, mothers start showing symptoms around two or three months after birth, [http://www.postpartumprogress.com/the-symptoms-of-postpartum-depression-anxiety-in-plain-mama-english] but symptoms can start for up to 12 months after birth. Depression can progress slowly, and suddenly a new mother can wake up and something may have drastically changed in her mind. Her busy life taking care of her baby which was bearable before may suddenly weigh heavily on her. That’s why being aware of symptoms is so important and in many situations it is advisable to search the best online therapy sites, BetterHelp is a great place to start looking for professional help. Everyone can have a bad day, but continued feelings of anxiety and helplessness is a sign of PPD.

Luckily, PPD is entirely treatable, as long as the mom is open and vocal about her fears and worries. If you are wondering if you have PPD, speak to a healthcare professional and close friends. Getting support and advice from friends is the way to get help to get you out of this fog.

3.  Your Symptoms Can Be Different

A surprising fact that most mothers don’t know about PPD is that everyone may have different symptoms. If you’ve spoken to friends who have experienced PPD before, you may be on alert looking for specific symptoms that may never occur, even if you are suffering from depression. Some mothers that are suffering from PPD experience rage, instead of sadness. This is easily looked aside as it is not usually characterized as PPD. It is also likely that a mother may experience a mix of different symptoms. Predicting PPD is also useful. A mom is more susceptible to suffering from depression if she has family members that have suffered from mental health problems. It is more likely that a mother develops PPD if she has depression in her family history. If you experience one or more symptoms on the list, you should seek medical advice. You can also keep a mood journal to track any changes if you think you’ve been feeling on edge.

Know Yourself

The best way to recognize and treat PPD is to be aware of your body and how it functions. That means that reading articles, doing research and asking advice from trusted friends and colleagues is a great way to stay informed. Some facts that are not known about PPD is how an omega-3 supplement can help, how your depression may develop at any time within the year postpartum, and that there is are a variety of symptoms of PPD. The best thing a mother can do for her child is to stay in touch with herself and her thoughts. If she is experiencing many negative symptoms for more than two weeks, she can talk to somebody about it and get help. There are support groups that postpartum mothers can attend, and in some cases, she can start taking antidepressants. Knowing that you are not alone in this fight is a great way to recover from PPD.

About The Author

Carolyn Green is 28 years old and likes to practice yoga and meditation. She is currently studying for her Masters in Kinesiology, so health and fitness are key in her studies and her life. She lives in Colorado.