| Helping
a Loved One Cope with Postpartum Depression |
By:
Susan Tanner |
|
It
is not uncommon for women to have heavy mood swings
just after pregnancy. If these swings are extremely
severe, they may be caused by Postpartum Depression (PPD).
If it seems serious, consult a counselor or
psychiatrist who has experience with postpartum
depression.
Many people do not understand that postpartum
depression is a physical disorder. It is not something
that people can simply snap out of. A depressed mother
can no more snap out of postpartum depression than you
could snap out of the flu or bronchitis.
Although there is not a surefire cure for postpartum
depression, there is a lot that you can do to make the
new mom feel as comfortable as possible. Support and
encouragement are invaluable. Encourage her to
consider support groups. Social isolation will
intensify postpartum depression. Remind her that the
illness is only temporary and she will get better.
General fatigue is a common sign of postpartum
depression, and is often accompanied by a lack of
motivation, inability to concentrate, loss of memory,
and lowered interest in sex and activities that were
previously enjoyed. Assist mom with this by helping
her to develop a to-do list or schedule of tasks. At
this point in time, you may need to take on nearly all
baby related tasks. You can even help out with breast
feeding, especially for those late night snacks. Get
out of bed and get the baby, bring him to the mother
and help him to latch on and switch sides when he's
done with one. Throughout it all, mom can remain only
semi-conscious, and will certainly thank you in the
morning.
Postpartum depression can lead to tension and anxiety
which can cause headaches, neck pain, and chest
tightness. Mom may also start feeling panicked or
worried all the time. There are many things that she
can do to relieve this tension. Suggest walking,
swimming, yoga and meditation, massage, or hot
compresses on the neck and shoulders. If she develops
insomnia, try a warm bath before bed, a sleeping mask
or earplugs, or a light snack and warm milk to help
her sleep.
A combination of the postpartum depression, tension,
and insomnia can easily lead a mother into distorted
thinking and cause her to become unreasonable. She may
resent your attempt at helping her or get angry for no
reason. Keep in mind that it is the changes in her
body that are making her act that way. Try not to take
her criticism personally. Even if she is being
unreasonable, do not argue with her. Avoid blaming her
attitude on her hormones if that makes her angry. Some
women cannot stand the accusation that they are not in
control of their emotions. If you begin feeling
worried that you can't handle what's happening, do not
hesitate to seek counseling for yourself. Support
people often need help too.
Susan Tanner is a wife and mother of three. She is
also the editor of pregnancy-guide.net.
Pregnancy-Guide is an online community for mothers to
find support and valuable information. Please visit
Pregnancy-Guide at http://www.pregnancy-guide.net |
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