By :Ratidzo Makombe
Childbirth is a life altering event. Often mums struggle with their mental health as they adjust to the change in hormones in their bodies, identity and the demands of a newborn. This can often lead to Postnatal depression.
Postnatal Depression ranges from an extremely common and short lived attacked of mild depression (“baby blues”) to full blow depressive states.
Common symptoms may include: feeling of sadness, guilt, disinterest, agitation or anger directed towards the baby. Mothers may also suffer from insomnia and a loss of appetite.
While this is common with an estimated 1 in 5 women suffering, there are ways to manage this.
1. Resist isolation. Support from family, friends, online support groups and trained medical professionals can help new mothers to cope better. By giving mums a chance to rest, they are more likely to better manage with newborns.
2. Exercise. Getting outdoors for some fresh air and exercise releases endorphins which boost mood. 3. Eat well. Healthy eating helps your body feel better and gives it the nutrients it needs, consider whole foods such as carrots, cheese, apples, and peanut butter for easy to grab on the go snacks. Focus on healthy Omega- 3 fatty acids which can be found in some fish.
4. Practice Savouring. By learning to focus on the immediate mums can avoid the constant worry or fears brought on by living in the future. Where possible try to build a habit of identifying the good, enjoy the moments and practicing mindfulness. Remember to be kind to yourself and prioritise your mental health.
Your mental health matters
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