Having a baby is a combination of excitement, joy, confusion and some fear. It's a big change--becoming a parent responsible for this little being, the uncontrollable hormones that fly off the charts after delivery. Many women suffer from wide-ranging emotions after pregnancy, and according to the Mayo Clinic, as many as 10 percent will suffer from postpartum depression and anxiety. These conditions can be treated--and must be for the health of you and your baby.
Step 1
Recognize the signs of postpartum depression and anxiety. A little apprehension is normal, but Rotary International says that experiencing negative emotions about your baby or just not showing any interest in her care can signal postpartum depression. Other symptoms include not feeling any joy or pleasure, concern about doing harm to your baby and feeling guilty or worthless. Postpartum anxiety, says Pregnancy-info.net, is characterized by panic attacks and severe concern over their baby's well-being.
Step 2
Talk to someone about your feelings. Postpartum depression and anxiety disorders following pregnancy are real concerns, and you need professional treatment. talk to your spouse, partner or a friend, and ask them to help you find a counselor or therapist to speak with about your symptoms.
Step 3
Try "talk" therapy. Psychotherapy can be very effective in managing the symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety. This type of therapy can help you talk through your concerns and fears, deal with your anxiety about being a new mom, and get to the root of the problem--then work through to a resolution.
Step 4
Talk to your doctor about taking an antidepressant. These medications can help alleviate the symptoms of depression, allowing you to function better and develop a healthy relationship with your baby. This works best when taken in conjunction with therapy, says Rotary.
Step 5
Explore taking hormones as treatment. Along with antidepressant medications, estrogen may be prescribed for women battling with postpartum depression to help manage symptoms. It's not the best choice for everyone, so talk to your doctor about whether or not estrogen therapy is a consideration for your treatment.
Step 6
Enlist the help of friends and loved ones. Dealing with a newborn is an enormous challenge, and it can sometimes be too much to handle. Many people will be anxious to help (and hold that new baby), so ask for assistance from friends and family to help you out with watching the baby and taking care of chores around the house.
Step 7
Realize that your feelings are normal, and don't expect too much of yourself. you don't have to be a perfect mother, and you won't do everything exactly right--it's OK to feel a little lost and like you just can't handle it all. Don't put too much pressure on yourself, and accept your limitations. When you do something well, pat yourself on the back and acknowledge what you were able to achieve.
Step 8
Express yourself in a journal. Writing is a powerful tool, especially when dealing with depression and anxiety. Get yourself a diary, journal or just a plain old notebook, and write in it daily. Jot down your thoughts, fears and concerns and be perfectly honest with yourself--note the good days and the bad. Take a look at your entries and see how your emotions are changing over time, and notice as you start to have more and more better days.
Things You'll Need
- Antidepressant medication
- Hormone medications
- Journal or diary
