Post-partum depression hits in ways people can’t imagine. You get swept up in a wave that is stronger than you. It’s not a choice and you aren’t as in control as it may look from the outside. With imbalanced hormones and a newborn who needs constant attention, it’s a wonder that women find their ways out of it. Both of my babies were born in late summer. And with both of them my post partum was strongest 3-6 months after their births which landed me in the dead of winter when Vitamin D is low and depression is hardest to combat anyway.
For me it literally took a concious effort. I had to strategize and plan how I was going to pull myself out of the undercurrent. The first thing I realized is that post partum is partly a chemical imbalance and supplements should be used to restore your health. However, it doesn’t need to be pharmaceuticals. One of the quickest and most helpful resources that I started seeing a difference in less than a week was taking Dr. Christopher’s Mindtrac. I took about four a day and within a couple of days my mind felt a little less foggy and I was able to deal with life a tiny bit better.
Being on the herbs took the edge off of my post-partum. However I needed to train my mind to look forward to the future and have things that I could be excited for. So I took part in a tiny bit of retail therapy. I didn’t go overboard, mostly. There was a period of time that each week I would go on Amazon and allow myself to order a new t-shirt, a cookbook, or something pretty that I could add to my craft box. I kept it in small dollar range so I didn’t go broke. Also Amazon is pretty awesome at finding some things for really cheap if you look hard enough. For some reason, this kept me a little bit excited each week when something came in the mail and was what I needed to get me through some of my harder weeks.
Maps on a wall. This one is still implemented in my home today (and baby is two). Like I mentioned above, both my kids were born just as we are headed into winter. Winters in central Utah are rather intense and there is a period of time where the temps don't rise above the teens (even for the high) so going outside is really not an option. Even without postpartum I definitely experience seasonal affective disorder and it gets intense enough that I sometimes feel pannicky. I suddenly lose all desire to be where I am. Ever experience that? It's not pleasant especially when you're kind of literally and figuratively stuck. I learned that road maps can help with this. I have an indescribable fascination with road side state maps. Especially if they are states that you want to be in (but can't). I ordered mine on Amazon and now have Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico road maps on my wall. They make awesome conversation pieces when guests are over and are probably the best functional (and cheapest!) decor out there!
Creative outlet. This one takes a bit of time because obviously you don't have time for hobbies with a newborn. When I was pregnant, especially the second time, I had nausea throughout the entire pregnancy, I was even nauseous up to the day I went into labor! Ugh! So during my pregnancy not only was I constantly exhausted and nauseous I also had absolutely zero desire for hobbies or any creativity for that matter. And I embraced it and took it easy. However a few months after the baby I could feel that creative itch really come back and, happily for me, it came back with a vengeance. Suddenly I was filled with millions of ideas and that little fire was once again in me to create. Creating and hobbies in general are a natural antidepressant.
Got off social media. Oh wow. This one is indeed one of my favorite. This is also great for people with dysfunctional families. Whenever I get just the tiniest bit overwhelmed on social media by something as petty as just family drama. It won't take long before I “snap”. I don't simply “logout” of Facebook. I deactivate my account and it works like a gem. I usually do it for at least a week and the longest I've gone is a month. I sound like a wannabe marathon runner explaining this BUT that's just how addictive social media is. It is SO healthy and feels amazing when I do this. I literally feel tension in my neck disappear and the added benefit is that I have more time! To put into this blog even! Yay!!
Gave it time and put myself first. Just what it sounds like. Fully coming out of postpartum for me takes, usually until the following spring so about eight months to maybe a year. Give it time. Also with this last baby I knew what I was up against and was a bit more experienced. I was assertive with putting myself and needs first.
Put my focus into this blog. Because I love this blog! This is my safe space for my thoughts to form and more importantly, I can document my life.
