Many people get depressed and sad during holidays from missing relatives that have passed, lost traditions, plus the dark wintery weather can induce seasonal depression. Put that together with postpartum depression, and it presents a triple whammy. Coping with postpartum depression during the holidays is surely possible with a few extra steps.
What Is Postpartum Depression?
Let’s begin by saying that postpartum depression, or PPD, is very common. It can even affect new fathers too.
Every new mother feels overwhelmed when they bring their little one home, but there are additional symptoms which identify postpartum depression.
PPD can include any of the following behaviors or feelings:
- Feeling sad and hopeless
- Frequent crying
- No interest in the baby and not feeling connected
- Feeling worthless, guilty, or thinking you are a bad mother
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Eating too much or not enough to stay healthy
It is a more serious problem if the mother has thoughts of hurting herself or the new baby. If you suspect a friend or relative is having these thoughts and it is more than just baby blues, contact Psychiatry Unplugged for guidance.
Give Yourself a Break
Don’t expect everything to be perfect, easy, or simple. Repeat after me: You’re stressed with all the new responsibilities, you’re not getting enough sleep, and motherhood is hard.
Take a nap while the baby is sleeping. Get some exercise by walking the baby around the neighborhood or go shopping, even if it’s just the “window” kind.
Changing your environment can be a real morale booster. Meet up with a friend or invite one over for tea.
You don’t have to have the perfect holiday decor. Nothing has to be picture perfect. Streamline your decorations and only include those things that are truly meaningful to you.
Break up with social media for a while, and limit watching the news.
Practice saying, “no.” No one will think less of you.
Start Some New Memories
Plan activities with just you and your new baby. Play holiday music and sing along and to your little one. Make this a tradition every year.
Watch your favorite holiday movies.
Find some holiday books to read to your baby. All the while be aware of the joy these new traditions can bring for you. Your partner can help.
Overcome the Paralysis
Depression can make you feel paralyzed. Look in the mirror and assess what you can do. Then pick one goal or task at a time, and do them. Once you begin this process, it can become easier to move on to the next.
If postpartum depression becomes too much for you, tell your partner, closest friend or relative, and ask for help. That is also part of overcoming the paralysis and making progress.
Getting help early is a holiday gift for yourself.
Contact Psychiatry Unplugged if you feel overwhelmed from postpartum depression. You are not certainly alone and we are here to help patients throughout the United States. We have clinics in Los Angeles, Burbank, and Las Vegas and we offer telepsychiatry to patients in California, Nevada, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, and Washington.
Sources:
7 Things You Should Know About Postpartum Depression — 1907 Foundation
“I’m happy to be a new mom. But why am I feeling so sad?” – Mayo Clinic Press