New Mommy Love - Postpartum Love from Our Therapists

The birth of a new member to any family can most definitely trigger a wide range of powerful emotions. These emotions can range from excitement and joy to great anxiety and uneasiness. Most of the time, the uneasy emotions, anxiety and even depression can last up to about two weeks, but in some cases they continue for longer periods of time. When new moms are experiencing this more severe, long lasting form of depression it is usually the sign of postpartum depression. 

For any new moms that may be reading this, we do want you to know that postpartum depression does not mean you are weak or flawed in any way. It’s actually very common in new moms. Studies show that postpartum depression actually affects 1 in 9 new mothers. Getting back to feeling like yourself may take some time, but know that it is possible!

We would like to provide you with 5 things you or someone you know could follow to help on their new mommy journey to improve postpartum:

1. Rest:

   It is very important that you rest as much as you can. Although extremely hectic, try to schedule your sleep time around your baby’s sleep time. If possible, see if someone can give you a hand so that you can rest. 

2. Get out of the house:

   Make time for yourself. Whether this is simply going out to get a massage, an ice cream cone, visit some friends, or even spend time alone with your partner.

3. Join a support group:

   It’s extremely easy to find a support group with the help of technology! This may be extremely helpful if you are needing that extra support. Many other mothers are going through the same thing. Learning about their experiences may be not only insightful but helpful.

4. Don’t do everything alone:

   I know that sometimes you might want to do everything. However, you deserve a break too! Ask your partner, family or even friends for help if you really need it. Asking for help doesn’t make you any less of a mother. 

5. Don’t make any major life changes:

   Giving birth and welcoming a new child to the world is already life changing as is. More major changes can cause you heaps of unneeded stress. Sadly, there are life changes that we simply cannot avoid. When those occur, please try to reach out to family and friends to arrange support and help you ahead of time. 

It can also be helpful to have someone you trust take care of the baby while you are managing postpartum depression. If you are currently feeling this way, don’t juggle it all alone. Tell a loved one or talk with a professional. It may not seem like it now, but it will get better. 

Our Therapists Share 5 Depression Do's

A change in the weather is oftentimes what we need to pick ourselves up, get outside, and take a deep breath to begin a new day. Breaking out of the cold weather funk can be a real hassle and we can only hope the dawn of a bright, warn day can help us accomplish this. But what do we do when the funk doesn’t clear for the people around us?

How can we be there to help and support our loved ones who are having a tough time getting out of a depressive episode? 

1.The first step is finding what support looks like to them. 

Some people simply need space, but others may need some help or guidance. Reminding them that they are enough allows them to remove themselves from that overwhelming feeling of guilt, as they may feel guilty about not being at their “normal” level of functioning or appearance. It’s always a good reminder to let someone know that what they are experiencing is not their fault and that you can get through it together. 

2. Have empathy for their feelings. 

Sometimes it may be difficult to understand why someone thinks the way they do. It may be hard to conceptualize why your perfectly healthy teenager thinks they aren’t good enough or why your amazing husband is having a hard time with his appearance. Try your best to listen and ask how you can help. 

3. Promote self care!

Sometimes self-care becomes the last box we check on our to-do lists, and with depression, that box may be nonexistent. Without guilting someone into doing something they don’t want to do, you can use encouraging words to help get them out of bed to brush their teeth or wash their face. Try to encourage them to sit in a brighter room in the house, or open the blinds in their own room, getting out of a dark room can help them start to feel better.

4. Get outside and enjoy the sun! 

Just like the sun can brighten our moods after a cold winter, someone dealing with depression may feel this same kind of relief. Often, people suffering from depression stay indoors for long periods of time and become deficient in Vitamin D. This vitamin is vital for keeping bones, teeth, and muscles happy and healthy. It also supports brain function and your body’s immune response.

5. Or maybe just be a quiet supporter. 

It is common for those suffering with depression to also be in the dark about their feelings so asking them to explain why they are feeling that way may become exhausting. Being a quiet presence, so you can be there if they do need you, is more than enough.

Knowing they are not alone is the best way to help someone get onto the other side of depression.