As some of you might know from my recent posts on Instagram, I’ve been very open about my journey as a new mom.
My little bundle of joy has brought me more happiness than I can put into words, but amidst the joy, I’ve also been wrestling with postpartum depression or PPD.
That’s right, you read that correctly: postpartum depression. 🤐
It’s something that many mothers face yet it is rarely talked about, hence I decided to break the silence and share my journey of tackling PPD with you all in hopes that it might help you or someone you know, because it’s okay not to be okay.
What Is Postpartum Depression?
For those of you who might be wondering what is postpartum depression, it is a mood disorder that can affect women after childbirth due to the drop of hormones after delivery, and the stress, anxiety and emotional rollercoaster that comes with parenting a newborn.
It’s very real and more common than most people realize.
In fact statistics from the CDC say that around 1 in 8 women experience symptoms of postpartum depression. But remember, it’s perfectly okay not to be okay.
Now you’re probably thinking, “Is this me? Could I be going through this?”
understanding is the first step to overcome any situation.
So let’s dive into the symptoms.
The Symptoms
Postpartum depression can show sorts of signs like:
- Feeling sad, hopeless, empty, or overwhelmed
- Frequent crying
- Having trouble bonding with your baby
- Eating much more or much less than usual
Recognize some of these? Hang in there, mama. You’re not alone and there’s help available. Let’s talk about some strategies to tackle PPD.
Strategies to Conquer PPD
We can try implementing some strategies at home. Did you know simple actions like maintaining a balanced diet, rest, exercise, and stepping outside can have a positive effect on our mental health? Sounds almost too good to be true, but give it a shot.
Second, remember you’re not alone in this. Connecting with others – be it online communities, support groups, or friends and family, can make a world of difference. As they say, shared joy is double joy; shared pain is half the pain.
Lastly, never hesitate to seek professional help. Remember, it’s okay to need help, it’s okay not to be okay.
The Deeper We Dive, The Better We Swim
Remember, everybody’s experience with postpartum depression is different. So, take the time to understand, be gentle with yourself and take active steps towards overcoming it. After all, you’ve got this!
Have you battled postpartum depression? Maybe you’re in the thick of it, or have been there before? If so, I encourage you to share your stories with us down in the comments! After all, our struggles might just make someone else’s path a little easier.
Share this post with anyone who might need it. If you’re looking for more content related to motherhood, mental health, and much more feel free to follow me on Instagram and Twitter.
Always keep in mind, it’s okay not to be okay. You are stronger than you think.
