How To Overcome Postpartum Depression

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By Mummyitsok

It is possible to overcome postpartum depression – I think the best way to describe it is as a journey, as there are lots of twists and turns along the road and sometimes you get lost on a roundabout, but eventually you end up at your destination.

It’s no secret that anti-depressants can help you overcome postpartum depression, but I believe it takes a lot of hard work from the sufferer to get better too. If only we could take the pills and be instantly well again!

How To Overcome Postpartum Depression – A List of Things That Help

Eat A Healthy, Well-Balanced Diet

I know that food may be the last thing on your mind right now, but us humans do need food for energy and to survive. Plus you also have a little one to look after and they take up a lot of your energy.

If you can just grab yourself a banana or apple when your little one’s having a quiet moment, it really will do you the world of good to eat something.

Exercise

I find it’s all well and good telling people to exercise, but it’s not like you have time to join a gym. So, some realistic advice – stick your little one in the pushchair and go for a walk, this is exercise, and the fresh air and change of scenery will do you both the world of good.

You could even take along that apple and eat it on a park bench – double bonus points. If it’s cold out like it often is in sunny old England, you could do what I did. When my little man was a baby I’d stick on some music and dance for him —yes I probably looked a wally! Also, I’d pick him up and dance around with him – nothing like a bit of weight training.

Of course now he’s a toddler he has me dancing around the living room all day!

Rest & Sleep

You’ve heard it before, ‘Sleep when your baby sleeps’ – best advice I can offer you especially as a postnatal depression sufferer. Forget your to-do-list; it’s more important for your baby to have a rested mummy than the pile of ironing done. You two are the priority – everything else can wait.

Don’t Be Too Hard On Yourself

You’re suffering an illness and trying to look after someone else 24/7. You’ve got the house and husband and a cat. You’re not Superwoman — you can’t do it all.

So you haven’t managed to get dressed today – is your baby fed and healthy and happy, have you had that apple and a cup of tea? Then great, you’re doing amazing! Be realistic about what you can achieve.

Try to treat yourself once in a while, even if it’s just something simple like getting the hubby to watch the baby so you can have a lovely bubble bath.

Ask Loved Ones For Help

This is a hard step, one of the hardest, I won’t lie. It’s important for you to tell those close to you how you’re feeling, as it can be difficult for them to understand.

Plus talking really does help lift a weight off your shoulders. Let them help you – they want to help you.

If someone offers to babysit, do some of the ironing or cook you a meal – let them! Getting some help doesn’t mean you’re a bad mum!

Mummy It’s OK – You’re Doing Great!

Reproduced with permission, originally posted on mummyitsok.com