Tips For Managing Postpartum Depression

Being diagnosed with postpartum depression feels like the end of a dream.

Once upon a time, you may have had a vision of a perfect life with a baby and you snuggled up, happily. You were the most in control, well-managed mom, and there wasn’t a single issue. The baby’s health was excellent, your health was excellent, and everyone lived happily ever after.

That’s a beautiful fantasy, but for some of us, the reality is a little different.

Life post birth comes with the same troubles that life can often bring, and that can seem really unfair. Once you’ve been diagnosed with postpartum depression, your life is going to change, and don’t worry, it isn’t all bad. You can still be an amazing mother; and the baby? Well, that brand new life is pretty perfect, isn’t it? You’re not broken, you’re just struggling right now, and you’re in need of some help.

Fortunately, that help is available to you.

What you’re going to focus on once you’ve been diagnosed with postpartum depression is getting about the business of living well and managing the condition. But how do you do that?

Tips for managing postpartum depression:

1. Do not be afraid to ask for help – research shows that women who have practical and emotional support from their partners, family, and friends, are less likely to suffer from postpartum depression.  Those who have already been diagnosed need that support even more. There’s no shame in it, so try to be patient with yourself and ask for what you need.
2. Follow the treatment plan – remember that you went to the doctor for a reason, and they gave you your treatment plan so you could begin getting better. That means you need to follow the treatment plan to the letter. Go see the therapist, take the medication, or do whatever you need to do in order to get well.
3. Let go of your perfectionism – easier said than done, I realize. When you envisioned being a mommy, this was not the plan. That’s a hard thing to let go of, but you’re here now, and it is OK not to be perfect. You’re doing everything you possibly can to keep yourself and your child safe. That IS perfection if you think about it.
4. Join a support group – occasionally you’re going to try to explain to your loved ones what you’re experiencing and they just won’t understand. Joining a support group gives you access to people who share your struggles, and have been in your shoes. Having someone to say they understand is majorly validating. You owe that to yourself. If you can’t make it to an in-person support group, consider an online support forum or Facebook group to talk with women who understand.

You are doing so much better than you think you are.

Learning to respect and care for your mental health post pregnancy is critical to doing well with postpartum depression. Be certain to reach out for your support system, especially on the days when you are struggling. If you can manage this, you won’t fail.

About Rachel

Rachel Fink is a blogger at Parenting Pod and a mom of 7 kids. She is passionate about spreading awareness for mental health issues such as postpartum depression and ADHD. Make sure to follow her on Facebook HERE.