postpardum depression?

Question

Anyone have any ideas on how to beat postpardum depression without meds?

I forgot to mention that my son is already 13 months old. I've had this feeling since he was about six months old. Maybe it's something else?

Answer 1

Make time for yourself, let someone else watch your baby for a while, while you go shopping, take a walk, etc. It worked for me. I was depressed after my second child, and you just have to give yourself some "me" time. Good luck

Answer 2

As a past survivor of postpartum depression and anxiety, as well as a group leader for a support group I can give you a few tips.
1. Self care. Essential every day to take some time out for you.Whether it be a bubble bath, a 10 minute walk or a drive, self care is essential.
2. Diet. have plenty of healthy and easy to grab snacks on hand. You need good nutrition to beat this.
3. Exercise. Exercise each and every day. It releases feel good endorphins and helps you sleep.
4. Seek out others. I was never a group person. I just did not want to spill my guts to others. But wow, what a relief to find a group of "normal" women who were going through what I was going through. That day was the most instrumental day in my recovery.
5. Talk about it. 1 in 5 women suffer with some form of PP adjustments.
6. Supplements: There are herbal supplements that you can take. At the very least, please take a good multi vitamin daily.
7. You are a good mother! The guilt is almost worse than the Post Partum. Recognize how many women suffer with the very same thing as you. It does not mean you do not love your baby. Your tank is just empty right now. Use some of the strategies above and see if you feel better. Recognize that rcovery comes in steps. Slowly more good days than bad. It comes and goes. Be patient.
8. If you find you are not getting better, see your doctor.

I hope that helps you and I really feel for you. PPD is so hard.

Answer 3

You know what, I wanted to do it without meds, but they help ease the process so much, they kind of give you a plateau to start off from. You have to find activities to get yourself involved in, i.e. going for walks alone or with a friend, have some ME time, and talk with others who are going through the same thing - you may want to join a group therapy session for a few weeks. You feel so much better when you truly feel you are not alone in your feelings. You also have to learn to identify what is the "depression". It is probably affecting more areas in your life than you think. It can also cause indecisiveness, "all or nothing" thinking ...ex. well, I'm gonna be late, so I just won't go - it's okay to be LATE!, etc. It helps way more when you can learn with a group how to spot the other areas the depression is affecting you, not just the obvious. And no, withdrawn/socially anxious is not just how "you are". You should talk to a professional truly. There's nothing like having a non-judgmental person to talk to that is not going to think you're "crazy".

Answer 4

you need to get active join an exersice group or a book club or aven some kind of craft group. things that get you active and around others are a great way to beat the blues.
You can start a mommy child group so moms and kids can get together, go to differnt houses parks, or small kid type places like a mcdonalds with a playland. I hope you try these ideas one at a time and for at least 4 to 6 weeks to give the item you are trying a decent chance

Answer 5

A baby nurse. No joke. The second week of my sons life I was a wreck. The doctor thought it was ppd, but I think it was sleep deprivation, hormones, and lack of independance. When my son was 4 wks old we hired a baby nurse to wake up with the baby at night. She put him on a schedule, got him to sleep longer, taught me how to take care of a baby, and gave me freedom of movement. At first I felt guilty about not spending every moment with my baby, but I got over it. And the extra help eased the transition into motherhood for me. All that said, it's very expensive, so if you can't do that, then at least schedule a regular babysitter or get family to help on a routine basis. (I don't know about you, but I couldn't get a deep sleep if I was alone with the baby. So hiring a sitter while you nap frees your mind to fall into a deep sleep).
Also:
-- hang out with friends. Avoid isolation at all costs.
-- you can try St. John's wort, but it might make you even more sleepy
-- exercise to work out your emotions

Good luck.

(BTW, I went to a therapist who was by all accounts, terrible. She prescribed me meds sight-unseen, and told me aweful stuff that took me months to shake. I won't burden you with the details. Rather than paying for a therapist, I found paying for a babysitter much more effective. But meds & therapy really work for some people.)

Answer 6

go back to work as soon as you can, get out of the house as often as you can like going grocery shopping and taking walks things like that. Put the baby in a stroller and get some fresh air. a daily routine helped me.

Answer 7

i went through postpartum depression without meds and believe me, it was the hardest thing to do. GO FOR MEDS!!!!! mine was severe and i didnt get help. get help it makes it easier

Answer 8

Wellbutrin saved me but you want natural ways....

I have heard that exercise can help but I felt too bad for anything until the wellbutrin.

Answer 9

you will need lots of family support to make it through this and try talking to your doctor and see if there is something he/she can recommend.

Answer 10

CALM DOWN AND ADAPT TO YOUR NEW RESPONSIBILITY
BE COOL STOP STRESSION OVER NOTHING IN DOUBTING YOUR ABILITY TO LOVE THAT CHILD UNCONDITIONALLY AND SUPPORT WITH ALL U CAN


LOVE IT, LOVE IT AND LIVE IT

GOOD LUCK