Post Partum Depression and General Overwhelm
Additional Information
You've had a baby. Maybe your second, or maybe even your third. It should be the most wonderful time in your life but instead, you're feeling emotions that don't reflect how you're actually feeling, that you can't explain or shake.
Some symptoms you may be experiencing are being unusually exhausted and lethargic, overly emotional and, or, crying all the time, sad, unmotivated, triggered by things that don't normally trigger you, you're quick to anger and may feel less patient. These feelings of anxiousness (anxiety) and or depression, may suddenly feel very real to you, and you may be feeling completely overwhelmed.
This is all very real, very normal, and temporary.
Your body goes through many changes during pregnancy, and one of the biggest changes involves hormones. Hormones regulate just about everything, and so it is not unexpected that after birth, you're feeling out of sorts and frustrated, on top of the myriad of emotions I mentioned earlier. PPD usually sorts itself out over the first few weeks after birth, but sometimes, it's more pervasive and lasts weeks into months.
PPD can affect all aspects of your life and relationships, impeding a happy and healthy lifestyle, a connected and calm relationship with your spouse or partner, and connectedness with your baby. Life suddenly seems to be in upheaval with your emotions leading the way. Again, this is all very normal. There are many things you can do to help yourself that we plan out together, depending on your lifestyle, symptoms, and level of PPD, and knowing that Post Partum Depression is not a life-sentence is the first step. Self-compassion play a large role here, in your mindset; overcoming PPD will take some effort and work, and over time, will dissipate.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) plays an important role in managing Post Partum Depression, and any associative or concomitant health challenges that may be presenting itself such as dissociative behaviour like not feeling you want to be social or do anything, trouble sleeping, executive nervous energy (anxiety), difficulty eating or a disinterest in eating, and lack of motivation and, or inspiration.
PPD is resolvable. Together, we will figure out a plan of action that works for you and your lifestyle and schedule to help you feel better and happier, and manage and reduce the symptoms of Post Partum Depression. In the meantime, do your best to keep hydrated, eat nutrient-dense foods, stay away from processed and high-sugar food items, and don't worry about the extra dust or mess for the moment.
You will get through this. We can do that together.
