Many moms often experience postnatal depression after giving birth to their precious little miracles. Some women may even confuse it their PND for baby blues, but while having the baby blues passes within the first few days of having a baby, PND lingers on for a while. Often first time moms have no idea that they have PND, and often feel even worse due to not wanting to connect with their babies due to how they feel. However PND can be treated and supported, allowing for PND moms to feel more empowered and encouraged as they overcome postnatal depression.

Signs and symptons of PND

The signs and symptoms of PND are different for every mum. Your friends or family may spot the signs before you do, but you may feel:

  • sad or low
  • unable to enjoy anything
  • extremely tired, with no energy
  • hopeless
  • a sense of guilt
  • lacking in appetite
  • miserable
  • tearful
  • anxious

How to treat PND

1. Seek professional help – Even if that means sitting down with a professional, someone who is qualified to help with an action plan going forward. They encourage counseling, and some times taking safe medication that will treat PND.

2. Do not see yourself as a failure for needing help – If anything you are doing the best thing for you and for baby by going for help instead of suffering in silence.

3. Ask for help from family and friends – We always underestimate that our loved ones want to help us, therefore, in tough times we need to call on them.

4. Rest whenever you can – Follow your pace, and do not put pressure on yourself. Take each day as it comes, and show grace and kindness towards yourself.

5. Look for the good in every day – Make a mental note or write something down that stood out for you as a positive. This little practical action helps to encourage you to seek and note the good around us, as opposed to focusing only on the negative.

6. Speak openly and honestly with your partner – on how you are feeling as the days pass by.

7. Eat foods that both nourish and feed your central nervous system – which in turn affects your moods and emotions.

8. Get moving – even if that means taking a walk around the block with baby strapped onto your chest or in their pram. Soak up the sun and breathe in fresh air – it always does wonders for the soul.

Remember, you are not a failure because of postnatal depression, and you not a victim either. You are strong, and you will overcome it. Be gentle and kind with yourself, and trust in the process going forward. You are a wonderful mom!