Taking The First Step in Getting Help for Postnatal Depression

Post-natal depression is more common than you might think. With new parents feeling unable to talk about it, the true number of those with postnatal depression can be underestimated. However, opening up and seeking help is the best thing you can do if you have symptoms.

Knowing what to look for

If you have a new baby, it's usual to feel a little upset or worried for the first few weeks. You will experience a variety of emotions and not all of them will be joy. If you find yourself feeling this way for longer, it might be postnatal depression. Other symptoms to be aware of include a loss of enjoyment, a constant low mood that never seems to lift, feeling cut off or cutting yourself off from others, trouble sleeping even when your baby is asleep, lacking motivation to do much, or finding yourself thinking about doing things that scare you.

Difficulties in opening up

It can be hard to open up for several reasons. One common reason is a fear of having your baby taken away, or of the authorities questioning your capability to look after your own child. Another reason can be failure, or worrying about how others will perceive you. As postnatal depression is more commonly associated with new mothers, this can also make it more difficult for new fathers to speak to someone if they find themselves experiencing symptoms.

Being open about how you're feeling is the first important step though. It can lead to getting much-needed support. Keeping it hidden can lead to bigger problems.

What kind of help is available?

While there are certain things you can do yourself, it's recommended that you speak to a medical professional in addition to trying these. By speaking to friends and family and getting their support, you can manage the problem and ensure that you have people around when you need help. This can involve family members helping you with the day-to-day care of your baby, and ensuring that you look after yourself by eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep. Your doctor can refer you to therapy, whether one on one or in a group, prescribe antidepressants if necessary, and discuss your options and other ways of tackling your postnatal depression.

If you prefer to have therapy from the comfort of your own home, you could try Brightside Review. This website offers medication and therapy for those suffering with postnatal depression (among other conditions such as depression and anxiety), and it has a risk-free 30-day guarantee.

Learn to ask for help

It can feel like failing at parenthood when you see other new parents managing or exceeding all expectations. That's not the case, and postnatal depression certainly isn't something to feel ashamed of. You don't get to see how other parents behave behind closed doors. They could also be struggling, or they could be coping fine. However, it's not a competition, and asking for help takes a lot of courage, so it's not a sign of weakness. No matter how prepared you think you are, having a baby will always bring the unexpected. Opening up about how you're feeling can encourage others who are struggling to come forward. The idea that you have to be the best at everything when it comes to parenthood is inhibiting enough, and not a helpful process when suffering from postnatal depression.

Other ways to deal with postnatal depression

As well as seeking help, it's important to take care of yourself, as already mentioned. This can be easier said than done. However, making time for yourself is important. Befriending other parents can help – if you're willing to open up about some of your struggles, the chances are that they will also. You'll realize that you're not alone.

Putting in the effort to wash and dress each day may not seem important if you're at home looking after your baby all day. However, it can help, and if you feel up to going out for a walk, you'll be more likely to do it if you're already dressed.

Meditation and mindfulness techniques may also be beneficial. It may be difficult to find a quiet place and time when you have a newborn, but a few minutes at a time is better than nothing.

However you deal with postnatal depression, it's important to seek help, talk about it, develop your own support network, and do what you can to practice self-care. A combination of these is the best approach. You don't have to suffer in silence.