One of the biggest parts of postpartum depression is the loss of control and not knowing why. It shows up differently for everyone.
Some women, after they deliver, feel sad and cry all the time. Often not knowing if they are still dealing with the baby blues. While other women don’t cry at all but have sudden anxiety attacks or huge amounts of uncontrollable rage.
There are many different treatments. Some are therapy and/or medication for a temporary time. These are the most common.
For myself, I have tried many different treatments. Through my last 2 pregnancies, I took Maca powder. It was used to help control the hormones and is all-natural.
However, after my last pregnancy, I realized I needed to be on something else. I had been refusing to go on medication because I have a history with it and felt that it had destroyed a huge part of my life.
But when I almost hurt my own child and had to start walking away…that’s when I realized just how serious it had become.
This time I told the doctors, and we watched and waited. When the same symptoms began, I knew it was time to get help. We started a medication at a low dose and have been waiting to see if it helps or hurts.
In the meantime, I have been doing some things to help me stay somewhat level. I believe they have helped me maintain my sanity when I do not feel safe.
Shower Everyday
The first thing I have been doing that has helped more than I thought it would when I was told is a shower. I used to take a shower every morning.
After having the baby, I took it at night. But I found that it was affecting my sleep. And after having a baby, the biggest need is sleep! Then there is a shower. It clears the mind and relaxes the body. At least it does mine.
Walking Away
Another lifesaver has been when I realize I have had enough and am about to blow my top. Usually over something silly.
Sometimes it’s my toddlers getting into stuff, and sometimes it’s to have the last word with my husband. I say “whatever” a lot. It’s my way of accepting a situation that I don’t like and can’t do anything about.
Staying Hydrated
This has been very difficult for me lately. I don’t normally have a problem with drinking water. But lately I can’t seem to get enough. Not even recommended.
Not getting enough water can also simulate signs of depression. Getting enough can boost your energy levels and also help control blood sugar levels.
Counseling
Now I know some people are like, ” I don’t need a counselor. That is what I have friends for.” I used to think that. But I have found that there are only so many people I trust around my sensory boys.
So I don’t have the friends I used to, and the friends I do have are too far away. Also, they lead too busy a lifestyle to hang out with us. Yes, I know, then how can I call them friends?
Not knowing how to trust people or make new friends has led me to need a counselor. A counselor is a friend with extensive knowledge and problem-solving skills. Something I have been in dire need of lately.
Resting
For myself, this can be considered hiding at times. Which is not a good thing. Especially with3 children. However, sometimes it can be a lifesaver. My bedroom is a safe space. So while we have been switching birth controls, I have spent a lot of time in my bedroom.
The hormones from the birth control actually skyrocketed me into postpartum depression. So resting has been essential to my recovery. I don’t get a lot of it, so I need to use my time well!
Exercise
This is so important, and I hear it from other ladies all the time. Are you exercising? Well, no. Well, then that is your problem. That’s why you’re in postpartum depression. It’s not, but I’m sure they are right, and it has a lot to do with it.
Exercise helps to relieve stress, and it is also known for increasing energy levels and balancing out hormones. It also helps with keeping off extra weight. Always a plus.
A good sweat can give you a natural high and raise your serotonin levels. Those are the feel-good chemicals released in our brains that control things like depression.
In Conclusion To Postpartum Depression
I wish I had more to offer right now. Many of the good habits I thought I had down, sadly went down the toilet during the last pregnancy.
I feel like I am starting over in so many ways. Being unbalanced in what seems like every way is not helping. But being honest with my doctor and looking for help when I need it is a great start to being re-stabilized.
These are just a few things that have been helping me in this very trying time while I deal with postpartum depression.
This is an older post that I am updating, but I feel the info is still helpful. The kiddos are in school now, and I survived postpartum depression just to be shot into perimenopause. That’s what I get for starting over and having more children.
