Postnatal Depression Symptoms

Postnatal depression or baby blues is a mild temporary anxiety syndrome after the birth of a child.  It lasts for a few days or weeks. During this time a the mother experiences some symptoms like irritability, mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, sadness, crying etc. most often these symptoms go away but in some cases in can extend beyond two weeks causing severe mood swings, intense irritability and anger and not being able to bond with your baby.

Causes of Postnatal Depression

Physical, emotional as well as lifestyle changes cause postnatal depression symptoms.  After delivery, the estrogen and progesterone levels drop dramatically. This contributes to depression symptoms. The thyroid may also fluctuate making you very tried. Changes in blood pressure, metabolism and immune system can cause mood swings. There are herbal supplements for post natal depression. Choose a good brand if you want to use them. Sleepless nights drain the mother emotionally. Sleepless nights also mean looking tired and even less attractive. Anxiety creeps in and also some mothers question their capability to look after the child.  The mother knows all this but is unable to cope.

Support from spouse is important during these times. He should understand what post natal depression is about and step in to help. This is especially important if there is an older sibling. Financial constraints and breast feeding difficulties may lead to post natal depression. If the pregnancy was unwanted or a difficult one throughout the entire period, post natal depression symptoms sets in.

Consult your doctor if postnatal depression persists. It can lead to family problems and neglect of the baby. There is no need to feel ashamed to speak to your doctor. The doctor may put you in touch with a mental health counselor. Meanwhile try to cope with the situation by making simple life style changes. Call in a relative or friend to help with babysitting, and catch up on sleep, watch a movie or take a short coffee break with friends. Take care of yourself and you can take care of your baby well.

Herbal Supplements for Postnatal Depression

You can try herbal supplements for postnatal depression or different types of centers for depression treatment if you feel it is safer for while feeding the baby. Postnatal depression is recognized by The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a mental health condition which needs doctor’s intervention. The doctor will help determine if this is a short term baby blues syndrome or a more serious case. Doctors may resort to counseling or medication antidepressants olive leaf extract safe and hormone therapy depending on the severity of the postnatal depression symptoms.  Anti depressants are proven line of treatment during post natal depression. When the mother is feeding the baby, are herbal supplements for post natal depression may be tried.

This is a treatable condition and with support from family and friend it goes away in a few months. Sometimes your spouse may also feel depressed. Both need to make some changes and engage in physical activities like taking the baby for a walk together, making time for hobbies and avoiding isolation.