By Mummyitsok
Does Postpartum Depression go away? Yes! Absolutely! Postpartum Depression is very treatable, and with the right support from your family and GP you can fully recover from the effects of Postpartum Depression.
Does Postpartum Depression go away? You can and will recover from a maternal mental illness. Postnatal Depression is treatable.
How long does it take?
Of course each case is very different, as is the length of the recovery period. Thus the exact length of time it takes for postpartum depression to go away varies from person to person. Things like how long it was before you sought treatment, how severe your illness is, and how well the treatments you receive are working for you, will impact on the length of your recovery – but it is totally possible. The sooner you start on your road to recovery, the sooner you will get back on track. (Please don’t leave it 18 months like me, bad idea!)
If you feel your treatment plan isn’t working for you, it’s important that you speak up and let your health visitor and GP know. There are many treatments available and it can be trial and error finding what’s best for you. All medications affect people differently. I fully support the use of antidepressants as a treatment for Postpartum Depression. I know some are not keen on taking them but for me they have worked wonders.
Talk to someone
Having someone to talk through your feelings with is a massive help. It can be a friend, partner or health professional. Whoever it is, it’s important to be honest – don’t worry about what other people think. As long as you are doing what’s best for you and your family, that’s all that matters.
It’s also very important that you look after yourself. A healthy diet and a little fresh air and exercise can go a long way. Please be patient on your recovery journey; it’s best to take it slow to minimise the risk of a relapse. Don’t stop taking your medication as soon as you start to feel better. It’s important to listen to your GP’s advice regarding weaning off your tablets. It can be a long and slow process, but one that’s best done properly.
Don’t compare yourself to others
Each recovery plan is different; each length of recovery is different – don’t compare yourself to other mums with Postpartum Depression. Your plan is the only one you need to worry about. It’s not about getting better quickly or that so-and-so recovered in 6 months – it’s about YOU. Give yourself a break, woman!
Yes, it can suck having a mental illness. However, it doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong or that you aren’t cut out to be a mum – far from it – mental illness can and does happen to anybody and any point in their life. You aren’t failing your baby – You are a good mum! If you weren’t a good mum you wouldn’t be so worried thinking you’re a bad mum! Postpartum Depression is temporary and you can and will get better.
You’re not a bad person
Don’t worry about set-backs and having bad days / weeks. It happens and is part of the recovery. Not every day is perfect but that’s OK. Be kind to yourself, you have an illness. This does not make you a bad person, we all get unwell and whether its physical or mental, it’s important to get proper treatment.
Mummy It’s OK – You’re Doing Great!
Reproduced with permission, originally posted on mummyitsok.com
UNITED STATES
UNITED KINGDOM
Leave a Comment