Does anyone have any non-drug remedies for postpartum depression?

Question

Or at least something that will help. I can't live like this and I don't want to take antidepressants. I know that it is all just hormones and I won't feel like this forever, but I could really use some help right now.

Answer 1

A really healthy diet will help. Exercise will help, just going for a walk if that's all you feel like doing. Get a journal and write, then write some more. Don't censor. And be sure to take vitamins. Get someone to recommend some good vitamins and supplements for you. I was able to stick it out this way and pulled through to the light at the end of the tunnel. It helps th have someone to talk to who is articulate and sympathetic, so I hope you have that. Good Luck.

Answer 2

Hello, I have three children and with my first two never had any problems with postpartum depression...but the last one....wooo hooo. I did breastfeed for three months so I didn't go through anything right away. But after the 3 months I did go through it. What helped me was going to the gym or for a walk, or making sure I told someone how I was feeling. Taking some time out is great. If it gets to severe...then its time to tell your obgyn or another kind of dr.

Answer 3

I too went through PPD. What helped me was just having someone to talk to, or people that could relate. If you are not getting enough sleep or sunlight, make that a priority. Also, seek a support group, take lots of B vitamins (helps with depression) and take an hour or longer AWAY from the kids where you can do something for yourself, whether it is a manicure, a movie, or just a walk around the block. Good luck. You are not alone.

Answer 4

I don't want you to just take antidepressants either. What you need to do is take extra good care of you. Line up some of your friends to take care of the baby from hours to days. During the time they are there, you can take a nap, go for a walk, take a long bath. You need to baby yourself--you've just been thru a difficult situation. Don't worry, you are not the only one with this condition. There are even self-help groups for post partum depression. Alot of the information I listed here was found on: www.pioneerthinking.com/lvn_babyblues.html

Answer 5

I know you want a non-drug remedy but I cant think of any. I did the whole herbal thing, but it didnt really work. I was on several antidepressants including Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil and an anti-anxiety drug called Klonopin. The anti-depressants made me feel weird -- dizzy when driving, extremely dry-mouthed. The only thing that worked for me was Klonopin. I took it for about a year and I still take it occasionally.

Answer 6

Depression is not all hormones and is a serious problem. You can try weaning yourself off the antidepressants and then try st johns wart after you totally get all the med out of your system but if the herb doesn't work do go back on your medication as depression is very serious even post partum depression.

Answer 7

Honestly I felt the same way when I suffered with it and I wish I wouldn't have muscled through it life was pure and simple h*ll. You can try St. Johns Wart, excersise, yoga and meditation. If you don't see a change though don't suffer just go to the doctor and have them put you on an antidepresent. It probaly will only be short term.

Hope you feel better soon.

Answer 8

Saint Johns Wart

Answer 9

Fish oil is rich in EPA that tends to get depleted following pregnancy. EPA is a key constituent in neurological function. I'd try it -- it's quite helpful in postpartum depression. And the added benefit is that through your breast milk, your infant will also get the extra boost to his/her neuro-function & development.

Answer 10

Herbal Remedies.

Arsenicum album: A woman who needs this remedy feels extremely insecure about her situation, wanting constant help and support. She can be extremely picky and controlling toward others—or seem very restless, yet exhausted and incapable. Women who need Arsenicum sometimes feel despair from insecurity, with thoughts that deeply frighten them.

Aurum metallicum: When this remedy is indicated, depression can be dark and despairing. The woman may feel worthless and see little point in life. Problems may be worse at night, or when weather is dark and days are short. Women troubled by depression in the past (not necessarily related to pregnancy) are often likely to respond to Aurum. Professional help is needed if depression is severe.

Calcarea carbonica: This remedy can be helpful to a woman who is overwhelmed by working too hard and taking on too much responsibility. Weakness and fatigue make her feel depressed. Anxiety, insomnia, and nightmares may develop. A person who needs this remedy often feels sluggish, cold, and easily tired by exercise.

Cimicifuga: This remedy is often useful when a woman is depressed for both emotional and hormonal reasons. She may feel “a dark cloud” has crept over her life and that everything is wrong. Extremely anxious and gloomy, she may start to think herself incapable of caring for the baby—or she may become excitable and talkative, saying and doing irrational things.

Ignatia: This remedy often is helpful if a mother feels tense, upset, or grief-stricken after childbirth. The grief may be based on an actual loss (for instance, the baby may have health problems)— but often occurs if the birth was difficult, and not as beautiful as she imagined. Defensiveness, hysterical behavior, sighing, sudden outbursts of tears or laughter, and insomnia are often seen when this remedy is needed.

Natrum muriaticum: This remedy can be helpful to a woman who feels sad and sensitive, and wants to be alone to cry. She may be brooding and withdrawn, anxious about her mothering abilities, or doubtful and discouraged about her relationship with the baby’s father or other family members. Despite her sadness, she may seem angry or offended if anyone tries to console her. Women who need this remedy may also have headaches or palpitations when depressed.

Phosphorus: A woman who needs this remedy has an active imagination with tremendous fear—thinking of every possible danger or misfortune that might occur. She is very worried that she won’t be able to cope if something happens, and terrified that harm might come to the baby, wanting constant company and feeling afraid to be alone. A woman who needs this remedy may also have a tendency toward easy bleeding and exhaustion, which may have added to her fear and nervousness.

Pulsatilla: This remedy is often indicated for women who are emotional, tearful, and sensitive in situations involving hormonal changes. The woman may feel extremely insecure and needy—wanting constant affection, reassurance, and nurturing. She is likely to feel worse when warm and in a stuffy rooms, improving after crying and from being out in open air.

Sepia: This remedy may be helpful to a mother who feels worn out and indifferent after childbirth, and does not want other people making demands or expecting anything of her. She may have trouble bonding with the baby, and may not even want to have it close to her. Most women who need this remedy feel resentful and overburdened (though some only feel exhausted, irritable, and sad). A feeling that the pelvic floor is weak or that the uterus is sagging are other indications for Sepia.