Health Tip: Coping With Postpartum Depression

Depression during and after pregnancy

(HealthDay News) -- Depression frequently affects women who are pregnant or who have just given birth.

Advertisement

Related Stories • Freedom More Important to Happiness Than Wealth, Study Finds • Weight-Loss Surgery Can Be Effective Despite Depression • Sleep-Deprived Teens May Crave Carbohydrates Related Videos PTSD: The War Within Women Magnets Relieve Depression Sex - The New Crack? Related Slides Depression Related Encyclopedia • Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) • Dysthymia • Seasonal Affective Disorder

The National Women's Health Information Center offers these suggestions to help new moms cope with postpartum depression:

• Try to sleep or rest as much as possible.
• Don't push yourself to be perfect or to do more than is possible.
• Ask for help from loved ones.
• Make time for yourself, away from being a mom.
• Talk to your partner and loved ones about what you're dealing with.
• Get together with other moms to find out what they went through and how they dealt with it.
• Join a support group for new mothers.
• Avoid making significant life changes while you're pregnant or just after pregnancy.
• Talk to your doctor about whether you may need medication or psychological therapy.

-- Diana Kohnle