When postpartum depression lasts, and worsens, it is called postpartum psychosis. If your postpartum depression lasts and gets worse, you need to get immediate medical attention. Depending up the severity of your postpartum psychosis, it might need a brief hospitalization. In addition, your doctor will probably prescribe some medication and refer you to a psychologist.
In addition to medication and talk therapy, there are some things you can do when postpartum depression lasts. You will find ways to get past the day-to-day tedium of depression and move forward to enjoy your life and your baby.
The following are things you might find helpful and that will help you find peace and relief in the weeks to come, and that will help you to find joy in your life and in your baby.
First, learn to take time for yourself. If you can afford to, schedule a babysitter for a regular time. Use the time when your babysitter is there to relax and enjoy yourself. This way you practically guarantee time for yourself and you will have something to look forward to; you will find relief and joy knowing your scheduled time is coming.
Mom with baby.
Next, learn to focus on little things to look forward to during the day. The things you can find joy in might surprise you. For example, you might find joy in being able to take a nice hot shower, uninterrupted or in going for a walk in the sunshine. You might also find joy in taking a bath. If you can focus on the things you find joy in, rather than the difficulties of having a new baby, you fare far better.
Depression often makes it difficult to concentrate for long periods of time. However, reading something uplifting and motivating can help you lead a positive and healthy life. So, each day spend a little time reading something uplifting as this will lighten your mood.
Indulge a little. Buy that magazine you like to flip through at the checkout. Put an extra dash of cream in your morning coffee or buy a truffle to eat after lunch.
Be with others. Create opportunities to spend time with family and friends who can provide some comfort and good company.
Ask for help. One of the best ways to get past postpartum depression is to reduce or eliminate the feeling of being overwhelmed, and you can do that by asking for both emotional and physical support. Let people make you dinner, watch your other children or even clean your bathroom if that is what needs doing.
Rest. Give your child a quiet place to sleep, and until your postpartum depression subsides, nap when the baby does. The more rested you are, the better chance you have of getting past the debilitating symptoms of postpartum depression.
Exercise. It helps lift the mood and it will get your body back into shape.
As it may take time to feel better, take it one day at a time. Postpartum depression can be gotten rid of but you have to get help to make that happen.
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