Getting through postnatal depression

If a new mother in your family is suffering from postnatal depression, it is difficult to deal with the person. But the family and friends of the new mother must be supportive and lovingly help her through this phase. Here are some tips on how to help:

Allow and help the mother of express her anxieties openly. Do not disregard them, as they are real to her.
Mothers going through postnatal depression find it difficult to cope. Make sure that there is someone with her at all times.
Encourage her in whatever she is doing and praise her when she is making a sincere effort. Try not to sound patronizing.
Do not force her to do anything she does not want to.
Ask her to take time off and go out with friends while someone takes care of the baby.
Do not say things that will reinforce the feeling of guilt, which is already present because she is unable to appreciate and enjoy the baby.
Do not point out mistakes she makes, jobs she hasn't been able to finish or comment on the way she looks. She maybe feeling miserable just watching you do things more efficiently than she can.
There are numerous ways that family and friends can help and support a mother going through postnatal depression. We have gathered some tips from depressed mothers on the areas they would like help:
Be sensitive enough to understand when they need help and when they want to be left alone.
Help in running the house and the care of other children
Shop for the things the new baby needs and the mother cannot go out to buy.
Postnatal depression is such an illness that it can easily be hidden from family and friends. In most cases the women are so ashamed and guilt ridden about the way they feel that they do not ask for help at all. Many doctors have started screening women for postnatal depression with the help of a simple questionnaire. This is being done to help those who require it. Help is offered through counseling, forming support groups or use of medication.
Counseling: In this form of the treatment the mother is encouraged to talk openly and honestly about her feelings. The therapist listens to her without being judgmental or critical. Together they will find a way to cope with the situation at hand.
Support groups: Meeting and talking to others who are going through the same experience gives the mother an opportunity to realize that she is not the only one, going through postnatal depression.
Medication: Doctors usually prescribe anti-depression or hormones or even Prozac. But studies show that these medications are not good for the baby as the mother is breastfeeding. Counseling and support groups can help just as efficiently in recovery.
Here are a few things the mothers' suffering from postnatal depression can do to help them through this period:
Talk about your feelings to anyone who will give you a patient hearing. It would be best to talk to your husband or a friend. You should talk to your doctor as well.
Just take care of yourself and remember that what you are going through is not your fault.
Doctors have found that joining exercise classes, yoga or a walking club helps new mothers relax and helps them recover easily from depression.
Keep in mind that this is just a passing phase and that you will get better, even if it takes time. Recovery may be speedy if you ask for help and support from family or even take professional help.

source-babycare.iloveindia.com