Recovering from Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a condition that affects different people in different ways. Not only are the symptoms and appropriate treatments different for each person, but the recovery process is also very personal.
Recovering from postpartum depression involves ongoing treatment, family support, education and coping skills, and regular self-help practices. A full recovery from postpartum depression is almost always possible for anyone affected. Though no one can guarantee when it will disappear, it eventually does pass.
Postpartum Depression Recovery Process
While the process may differ for each person, certain practices can help you effectively recover from postpartum depression. These include continuing medical support, implementing self-care practices, prioritizing diet and exercise, and getting enough rest.
Ongoing Doctor Visits
As you recover, it is best to communicate with your doctor or a mental health professional. Communication with doctors shouldn’t end after a diagnosis is reached and treatments are prescribed.
Ongoing communication with doctors allows you to adjust your treatment plan as needed. It’s also a way for you to bring up any concerns you may have throughout your recovery. Seeing your doctor regularly can also provide a sense of support and understanding about your condition and symptoms.
Self-Care and Well-being Practices
To help ensure a healthy recovery, women should be proactive about self-care. While this can be difficult, looking after yourself during this time is important.
Self-care practices can include meditation, yoga, journaling, prayer, deep breathing, and anything else that calms the mind. Positive self-talk and reminding yourself of the temporary nature of postpartum depression can also help you during this time.
Ultimately, these self-care practices aim to limit the amount of stress you experience. This is why it’s important not to take on any unnecessary responsibilities or commitments, as these can trigger anxiety.
Diet and Exercise
Proper diet and exercise are important for everyone, especially for women suffering from postpartum depression. The food you eat can directly impact the symptoms you experience. If you are undereating or aren’t eating the right foods, it can worsen your symptoms. Nutritional deficiencies can cause fatigue and further compound sadness and irritability.
The amount of exercise you get can also directly impact postpartum depression symptoms — for better or worse. Without exercise, the body becomes weak and susceptible to illnesses that can aggravate depression and anxiety. Even in limited quantities, daily exercise can go a long way to managing postpartum depression symptoms.
If you’re concerned about your diet and exercise habits as you recover, consult a professional to coordinate a diet and exercise plan that’s right for you.
Rest and Relaxation
There is perhaps nothing more important during postpartum depression recovery than getting enough rest. Sleep deprivation is a terrible condition that can worsen postpartum depression symptoms. Without enough rest, the risk of becoming further depressed, anxious, and irritable increases. A lack of rest also affects the immune system, increasing your risk of illnesses and infections.
Ensuring that you are relaxed is important so you get enough rest. Part of relaxation should include spending time in nature and getting outside frequently.
Postpartum Depression Recovery Timelines
Due to the personal nature of postpartum depression, there is no definite recovery timeline. While most cases heal within one year after symptoms begin, many women might still experience postpartum depression symptoms years after their onset.
The most important aspect of ensuring the smoothest recovery possible is adhering to and adjusting your postpartum depression treatment plan. The more proactive you are regarding your own health, the sooner you will likely recover from postpartum depression. Women who leave their symptoms unaddressed and untreated can suffer from long-term postpartum depression.
Postpartum Depression Recovery Factors
The reason that postpartum depression recovery looks different to each person is that many different factors determine how you will recover. Some of these factors may include:
- The severity of the illness
- How soon you sought treatment after symptoms began
- The effectiveness of the treatment plan you are on
- Other life factors that contribute to depression symptoms
- Past medical and mental health histories
Any of these factors will determine someone’s ability to recover and even the time it may take.Tips for Postpartum Depression Recovery
If you’re currently recovering from postpartum depression, here are some helpful tips. These tips will help you to set realistic expectations about the recovery process.
- Don’t Compare Yourself to Others: It’s natural to compare your story to others to understand your suffering. However, this can create unrealistic expectations and place more added pressure on yourself. Remember that your recovery process differs from others for many reasons, and you cannot necessarily control the outcome.
- Forget Perfection: You may feel a strong sense of needing to be perfect, and not living up to this ideal can be hard. Instead, remind yourself that you’re doing your best, and that’s all you can ask for.
- Include Your Friends and Family: Suffering through postpartum depression alone creates a more difficult path to recovery. Avoid isolating yourself. Be sure to include your friends and family in your recovery process. This support will help improve your confidence.
- Adjust Your Treatment Plan as Needed: Remember that nothing is permanent regarding your postpartum depression treatment. If you feel that your treatment isn’t working, talk to your doctor to adjust it. Changing medications or including other types of therapies may be necessary.
- Don’t Rely on Medication Alone: While medication can dramatically improve symptoms, it shouldn’t be the sole approach to postpartum depression recovery. A holistic treatment plan with other well-being practices can greatly aid your recovery.