Postpartum Depression is classified as a moderate to severe depression that occurs in a woman after she has given birth. 80% of women experience some level of postpartum mood instability, the mildest of which is termed "baby blues". Symptoms of the baby blues include mood swings and crying, which fades relatively quickly. In some cases, baby blues can transition into Postpartum Depression, which occurs in ten to twenty percent of postnatal women. In very rare cases, Postpartum Depression can lead to Postpartum Psychosis, a very serious illness that involves hallucinations and delusions, among other symptoms. Postpartum Psychosis (and severe levels of Postpartum Depression) requires prompt medical treatment. Increasing your physical and social activity can help in reducing your chances of developing Postpartum Depression.
Here are a few tips to help in avoiding Postpartum Depression:
1. Exercise: 30-minutes of exercise per day can work wonders for the mind (not to mention your physical well-being). The psychological benefits of exercise include an increased self-esteem, stress reduction, avoidance of anxiety, improved sleep and much more. How does this happen? When you exercise, the brain releases chemicals known as endorphins. Endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of Morphine (but without the threat of addiction). The positive feeling after a workout is often described as "euphoric" and is typically accompanied by increased energy and a positive outlook on life. Go to the gym, if you have a membership. Take a fast-paced walk while listening to music. Dance with your new bundle of joy to one or two favorite songs. Exercise can be fun. It does not have to be a chore.
2. Social Activities: Get involved with some local play groups or groups of interest. Meetup.com is an excellent site for finding people in your community with similar interest; even such interests as getting children together for play dates. Play dates allow for you to socialize with other mothers of young children (and finally have an adult conversation again) as well as expose your baby to different people and cultures. You can also spend the occasional evening with your girlfriends or attend the social event at a church in your area. Socializing is one that those activities that can even occur at the grocery store, while running errands or at the neighborhood park. Try to get out of the house, with and without children, every single day. The mere encounter with fresh air can often be enough to lift and lighten your mood.
3. See the Light of Day: It is amazing what going outside and stepping into the sunlight can do for your mood. In fact, a lack of sunlight is considered one of the main causes of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of winter blues, as there is less available day light in the fall and winter seasons. People who suffer from this disorder are mentally healthy throughout the year but have depression during fall and winter. Similarly, if you do not leave your home during your postpartum phase, you are exposing yourself to less than desirable amounts of sunlight. So, check the mailbox yourself, instead of sending your spouse. Take out the trash and just linger outdoors, alone, for a few moments. Other activities to consider include jogging, walking, washing the car, gardening, organizing the garage and reading on the porch.
Go to http://www.Wombmart.com for more in-depth information and other studies.
Jereka Hunt is a Placenta Encapsulation Specialist who believes in the power of mother nature and alternative cures to common ailments. To get more information on Placenta Encapsulation, postpartum health and ways to avoid postpartum blues & depression, visit http://www.Wombmart.com
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