How to Deal With a Depressed Mother

Having a baby can be one of the most joyous, and most overwhelming, times of a woman's life. Many women go through a time of extreme emotion after giving birth, usually marked by mood swings and crying spells. In some cases, these emotional trials last longer and develop into a severe type of depression known as postpartum depression. It is estimated that 15 to 20% of new mothers experience postpartum depression after the birth of a child. Only a doctor can diagnose postpartum depression, but prompt diagnosis and treatment can help a new mother manage the symptoms and properly care for herself and her baby.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor
• Medication

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Instructions

Dealing with Postpartum Depression

• 1

  Recognize the signs of postpartum depression. Symptoms can appear any time in pregnancy or within the first year after a child is born. Everyone's symptoms are different, but in general postpartum depression signs include irritability or anger, sadness, lack of interest in the baby, marked changes in appetite or sleep patterns and thoughts of harming the baby or yourself. See a doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

• 2

  Seek professional help. Counseling allows a new mom to talk through her feelings, and work with a professional to understand the issues and develop strategies for handling problems. In some cases, it can help to have a partner or other family members join the counseling sessions so that they can learn strategies for helping a new mother cope.

• 3

  Take medication, if prescribed. Postpartum depression can be treated with antidepressants, although some mothers are hesitant to take antidepressants because the medications can enter breast milk. Your doctor can recommend a medication that does not have harmful side effects for your baby if you are breastfeeding. Hormone treatments have also been shown to helpful in treating postpartum depression; estrogen treatments can counteract the rapid drop in estrogen that occurs after giving birth that is thought to contribute to postpartum depression.

• 4

  Develop a healthy lifestyle. The Mayo Clinic recommends that new mothers make healthy lifestyle choices to help ensure a faster recovery from postpartum depression. They recommend a healthy diet and regular exercise, as well as avoiding alcohol. Spending time with friends and family can be helpful, but set realistic expectations for yourself. You do not have to have a spotless house or be supermom. Finally, make time for yourself, even if it is just an hour or two to relax and regroup.

• 5

  Ask for support. Postpartum depression is not anyone's "fault," and it can happen to anyone. Mothers who have dealt with any kind of depression in the past, or are under increased stress because of financial, health or other concerns, do have a higher risk of experiencing postpartum depression. Remember that postpartum depression is an illness, and you need to get help. It is important for partners, friends and relatives to be understanding and supportive of a new mother, and offer any help that they can.