Postnatal Myth: Postpartum Depression and Anxiety Go Away On Their Own
That would be wonderful! But is it true? Some myths are, as we all know.
This one…
…sadly…
…is not.
The fact is, these issues can only grow worse when not dealt with in a productive way.
Just like breastfeeding is a learned set of skills, and requires work and honest self-evaluation, vanquishing Postpartum Depression and Anxiety requires effort.
What Are Some Ways To Deal With Postpartum Depression and Anxiety?
Talk with Someone.
After having a baby, or even a second or later child, life can seem weird, depersonalized and dissociating.
It’s good having someone who will listen.
Don’t choose that ******* cousin from Princeton who always complains and never cares to listen.
Right now, you need a shoulder to lean on, so find a relative or close buddy with whom you can talk.
And then, if that’s not sufficient, find a psychologist.
Get a Lot of Bed Rest.
First of all, some mothers require a lot of bed rest, and can even be ordered by a doctor.
While this helps with both recuperation and Postpartum Depression and other associated issues, too much lying around can bring on depression for some women, especially those people who are accustomed to being quite active, right until the week of delivery.
If that describes you or your postpartum loved one, remember that when you’re not experiencing bed-rest
Get Regularly Scheduled Postpartum Massage Sessions.
Postpartum Massage has been proven in many research studies to help new mothers to keep higher serotonin levels, and reduce substances in the body associated with stress.
Just like sleeping in one day doesn’t really constitute getting bed-rest, one session of Postnatal Massage won’t do as much, either.
The best choice for the new Mom is to get weekly, or bi-weekly sessions of Therapeutic In-Home Postpartum Massage.
Having to leave the house when she doesn’t need to shouldn’t be an option.
Some cultures, from Italy to India, even require the new mothers to stay in for forty days. At least, they did…
Do Whatever Postnatal Exercises You’ve Been Cleared By Your Doctor To Begin
Postnatal exercise can be great. Whether it’s walking after the first few months, or just light yoga in the home, physical activity can be a great help.
Ask Your Mum To Make Your Childhood Favorite Traditional Food
Assuming your mother is helping out, ask for your childhood favorite traditional food.
She will gladly prepare it, and this comfort food can make you feel more in-your-life and less ungrounded and chaotic.
Take Time Out For Yourself.
Keep meditating, if that’s what you do.
You can read and watch TV and movies.
You can write.
You can play games on your laptop or tablet.
Don’t sneak a peek and see what’s going on at work!
Don’t!
Instead, take a hot luxurious bath with Epsom Salt.
Dim the lights and experience stillness.
And, then, it’s back to breastfeeding, eating, and sleeping.
The Epsom Salts are not well-studied, but many people feel that an Epsom Salt bath makes them feel more relaxed, and their bodies less tight.
It’s worth a try.
Field T. Pregnancy and labor massage. Expert Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2010 Mar;5(2):177-181. doi: 10.1586/eog.10.12. PMID: 20479957; PMCID: PMC2870995.
