Postnatal Depression Test

Following childbirth it is natural for women to feel low moods. This can be mild, normal or severe. About 10 to 15% of mothers feel post natal depression. For something like substance induced depression symptoms, you are feeling low and tearful, irritability, anxiety, lack of appetite etc. Postnatal depression occurs in mothers with previous history of the same. It is good to meet the doctor at the early signs of postnatal depression. The doctor will run a postnatal depression test by asking a series of symptomatic questions. It is more like a screening quiz. The doctor will decide on how severe the case is and prescribe a line of treatment accordingly.  The likely questions in this screening quiz goes like this:-

•    Signs of irritability, depression or crying a lot
•    Lack of energy
•    Not able to sleep even if very tired
•    Overeating and gaining weight
•    Lack of interest in sex or pleasure activities
•    Feeling guilty
•    Headaches, chest pains, hyper ventilation

The doctor will go on to the next step depending on how the answers are.  Although the exact trigger for postnatal depression symptoms is not known hormonal changes can be one good reason. During pregnancy the levels of the estrogen and progesterone increase and it falls rapidly 24 hours after birth and continues to do so. Doctors feel this could be one reason. Once you go through postnatal depression test, doctors will begin the treatment accordingly. The treatment is based on how severe the depression is.

Psychotherapy

Usually psychotherapy is considered only in severe cases and when there are antidepressants fears are they used in treating post natal depression.  Breast feeding mothers need to talk to their doctors before using antidepressants. In postnatal depression natural remedies like yoga and meditation and consciously changing life style may help.  Stop pushing yourself and start resting and taking naps when the baby sleeps. Get help from your spouse and friends. Take short breaks and go out for a coffee with friends. Exercise regularly and eat healthy.

Online Postnatal Depression Test

Postnatal depression tests are available online. Soon after delivery, if you find any symptoms of anxiety or depression, you can take the test and evaluate yourself. This way you don’t have to feel ashamed and can start the medications early. Always involve your partner and speed some time alone with him. Let him help in daily chores and take turns to keep awake at night.  This way you will bond with the baby as a family.

Postnatal Depression Natural Remedies

While experience postnatal depression natural remedies like keeping a watch on your blood sugar and thyroxin levels, trying some alternative healing like aroma therapy, massage , etc. will help to bring down the depression. These herbal remedies are not harmful especially when breast feeding. There are homeopathy medicines too for postnatal depression. When taking homeopathy it is good to consult a skill full doctor because certain allopathic drugs and homeopathic pills should not be taken together. If you experiencing postnatal depression natural remedies like protein diet can be eaten. Protein is said to be a mood cure food.  Chinese doctors prescribe herbs and roots to cure postnatal blues.