I received this link in my email and thought I would post the link for people to look at the website. I think this is relevant to both postnatal and depression suffers as we can all use these skills.
Pictures: 10 Habits That Cause Depression
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20013199-10391704.html
Can Stress Reduction Techniques Help With Postnatal Depression?
A huge number of mothers suffer, sometimes without help with some level of Postnatal Depression. It is estimated that between ten and fifteen percent of all mothers will face the potentially severe effects of this illness. The severity of this condition can vary massively but at no point should even the mildest form be taken lightly. The effects normally begin to show within the first month after birth and can develop to last for months. Stress reduction and management should therefore be considered a high priority and it’s learning a way of life which may help to minimize and effects of Postnatal Depression.
It is estimated that 1 in 10 women develop Postnatal Depression. The first signs of Postnatal Depression usually develop within the first month after birth. However, it can take up to a year for some women to develop full-blown Postnatal Depression. Without the correct treatment or understanding the condtion is very likely to worsen and potentially impare the bond you create with your new child. So how do you know if you have the condition and how can you cope if you do?
The Signs and Symptoms of Postnatal Depression
The main sign of Postnatal Depression is constantly feeling low. It could become worse at specific times throughout the day but that is not always the case. You will also be extremely irritable. Most women who develop Postnatal Depression will take it out on their partners. This causes a lot of stress and tension within the relationship and it can often lead to feelings of guilt.
Perhaps the most distressing symptom of Postnatal Depression however is a detachment from your child. This is likely due to the worry that you feel over the baby’s health. Constant anxiety and worry over even the smallest of things is normal during Postnatal Depression, you may look for reassurance more often from your partner.
Other common signs of the condition include loss of appetite, feeling constantly tired, losing interest in sex and you may not enjoy anything anymore. It really can be a distressing condition and without treatment, it can potentially last years.
How to Cope If You Develop Postnatal Depression
If you are suffering from Postnatal Depression then the good news is that there is help available. You do not have to suffer in silence. A visit to your physician without doubt should be your first priority. They will be able to fully diagnose the problem and help you to find ways to combat it. It may be suggested in some cases that anti-depressant type medication is the best course of action or counselling sessions may also be recommended.
It would definitely help you to talk to your partner and anybody else who will listen and let them know how you are feeling. Helping you to limit the build up of stress which on a daily basis is a top priority. Many women feel ashamed to admit how they are feeling. The main thing to remember is that Postnatal Depression is actually quite a common condition and it is not your fault if you develop it.
Communicating with those around you is so important, do not attempt everything on your own. Like other forms of depression, a high percentage of women attempt to cope silently with this condition which can make it very tough. Trying to cope on your own and failing to “snap yourself out of it” will only lead to further negative feelings. Always be willing to accept any support offered and whenever possible treat yourself to as much quality rest as you can. New mothers need to try to get as much rest as they when they have a new baby. So sleep as much as possible and that will ensure that you are refreshed and better able to deal with your daily stresses.
Try to get as much exercise as possible. Taking your baby for a walk in the park could be great exercise. If you can get a babysitter, why not take some time out and go for a walk yourself? Getting out of the house on your own will really help you to recharge your batteries.
Finally try not to blame yourself or your partner for the way that you are feeling. Communicating with your partner and family about how you currently feel is important, being affectionate also with your partner and keeping that bond with them intact. Daily hugs for example can be very therapeutic and it can comfort you when you need it the most.
Postnatal Depression can go away by itself but the road to recovery may be extremely stressful and traumatic. Therefore, it is always better to get help and to admit to how you are feeling. The condition can really spoil the experience of being a new mother and it can weaken your relationships with your partner as well as your baby. If your depression is quite severe then you may want to ask your doctor about anti-depressants or indeed he or she may suggest them.
Doing everything that you can to de-stress yourself would be solid advice. As well as the normal stress management practices of eating healthily and living a life with regular exercise you could also take your stress reduction one step further and choose to adopt one of the latest home study stress reduction therapy programs that have been developed with modern lifestyles in mind.
Easy to follow, these systems have been developed to teach you how to best reduce any effects that future encounters with stress may have on you. There are some superb stress reduction therapy programs available now, believe it or not that can be downloaded from the internet! Saving you precious time and causing as little interference with your daily routine as possible.
You can discover all the latest techniques and methods that you will need. From home and at your own pace, to combat any unnecessary stress that you may be experiencing with the arrival of your new baby. This most crucial self improvement learning, can really help you to be in the best place possible to be able to face and conquer the undue stress caused by Postnatal depression. With quality stress reduction therapy you really can make a difference within a few weeks.
It may take you a little time to research and find the best stress reduction therapy program for your needs. However any time and money spent can only help you not only in your immediate needs during Postnatal Depression but also for the rest of your life. You can learn to live a much happier, healthier and stress free existence which reduces the chances of any long term impacts of too much stress. Stress reduction and it’s management really has come of age and should be considered a real priority.
Left unchecked the stress of Postnatal Depression CAN KILL! Click on this link to watch this FREE video to discover the very latest in stress reduction therapy Minimize the potential damage caused by Postnatal Depression FOREVER! For another great article that can help you to learn how to cope with stress easily click on this link!
Breathing is the second ’step to survival’. Life cannot exist without our ability to breathe. Discover how stress can affect our body both positively and negatively and what ‘zone’ exercises you can do to combat any negative stress.
Can Stress Reduction Techniques Help With Postnatal Depression?
Source: http://anxietyattacks.net/can-stress-reduction-techniques-help-with-postnatal-depression.html
A huge number of mothers suffer, sometimes without help with some level of Postnatal Depression. It is estimated that between ten and fifteen percent of all mothers will face the potentially severe effects of this illness. The severity of this condition can vary massively but at no point should even the mildest form be taken lightly. The effects normally begin to show within the first month after birth and can develop to last for months. Stress reduction and management should therefore be considered a high priority and it’s learning a way of life which may help to minimize and effects of Postnatal Depression.
It is estimated that 1 in 10 women develop Postnatal Depression. The first signs of Postnatal Depression usually develop within the first month after birth. However, it can take up to a year for some women to develop full-blown Postnatal Depression. Without the correct treatment or understanding the condtion is very likely to worsen and potentially impare the bond you create with your new child. So how do you know if you have the condition and how can you cope if you do?
The Signs and Symptoms of Postnatal Depression
The main sign of Postnatal Depression is constantly feeling low. It could become worse at specific times throughout the day but that is not always the case. You will also be extremely irritable. Most women who develop Postnatal Depression will take it out on their partners. This causes a lot of stress and tension within the relationship and it can often lead to feelings of guilt.
Perhaps the most distressing symptom of Postnatal Depression however is a detachment from your child. This is likely due to the worry that you feel over the baby’s health. Constant anxiety and worry over even the smallest of things is normal during Postnatal Depression, you may look for reassurance more often from your partner.
Other common signs of the condition include loss of appetite, feeling constantly tired, losing interest in sex and you may not enjoy anything anymore. It really can be a distressing condition and without treatment, it can potentially last years.
How to Cope If You Develop Postnatal Depression
If you are suffering from Postnatal Depression then the good news is that there is help available. You do not have to suffer in silence. A visit to your physician without doubt should be your first priority. They will be able to fully diagnose the problem and help you to find ways to combat it. It may be suggested in some cases that anti-depressant type medication is the best course of action or counselling sessions may also be recommended.
It would definitely help you to talk to your partner and anybody else who will listen and let them know how you are feeling. Helping you to limit the build up of stress which on a daily basis is a top priority. Many women feel ashamed to admit how they are feeling. The main thing to remember is that Postnatal Depression is actually quite a common condition and it is not your fault if you develop it.
Communicating with those around you is so important, do not attempt everything on your own. Like other forms of depression, a high percentage of women attempt to cope silently with this condition which can make it very tough. Trying to cope on your own and failing to “snap yourself out of it” will only lead to further negative feelings. Always be willing to accept any support offered and whenever possible treat yourself to as much quality rest as you can. New mothers need to try to get as much rest as they when they have a new baby. So sleep as much as possible and that will ensure that you are refreshed and better able to deal with your daily stresses.
Try to get as much exercise as possible. Taking your baby for a walk in the park could be great exercise. If you can get a babysitter, why not take some time out and go for a walk yourself? Getting out of the house on your own will really help you to recharge your batteries.
Finally try not to blame yourself or your partner for the way that you are feeling. Communicating with your partner and family about how you currently feel is important, being affectionate also with your partner and keeping that bond with them intact. Daily hugs for example can be very therapeutic and it can comfort you when you need it the most.
Postnatal Depression can go away by itself but the road to recovery may be extremely stressful and traumatic. Therefore, it is always better to get help and to admit to how you are feeling. The condition can really spoil the experience of being a new mother and it can weaken your relationships with your partner as well as your baby. If your depression is quite severe then you may want to ask your doctor about anti-depressants or indeed he or she may suggest them.
Doing everything that you can to de-stress yourself would be solid advice. As well as the normal stress management practices of eating healthily and living a life with regular exercise you could also take your stress reduction one step further and choose to adopt one of the latest home study stress reduction therapy programs that have been developed with modern lifestyles in mind.
Easy to follow, these systems have been developed to teach you how to best reduce any effects that future encounters with stress may have on you. There are some superb stress reduction therapy programs available now, believe it or not that can be downloaded from the internet! Saving you precious time and causing as little interference with your daily routine as possible.
You can discover all the latest techniques and methods that you will need. From home and at your own pace, to combat any unnecessary stress that you may be experiencing with the arrival of your new baby. This most crucial self improvement learning, can really help you to be in the best place possible to be able to face and conquer the undue stress caused by Postnatal depression. With quality stress reduction therapy you really can make a difference within a few weeks.
It may take you a little time to research and find the best stress reduction therapy program for your needs. However any time and money spent can only help you not only in your immediate needs during Postnatal Depression but also for the rest of your life. You can learn to live a much happier, healthier and stress free existence which reduces the chances of any long term impacts of too much stress. Stress reduction and it’s management really has come of age and should be considered a real priority.
I found this wonderful website http://mypostpartumvoice.com/2010/09/05/domestic-violence-postnatal-depression/ for those who also suffer from domestic violence.
The study took place in Brazil and included women from ages 18-49 years old. 1133 pregnant women were eligible for the study with 1045 included in the analysis. Of those 1045, 270 had postnatal depression. The most common form of partner violence? Psychological. “Women reporting the highest frequency of psychological violence were more likely to have postnatal depression even after adjustment.” while “Women who reported physical or sexual violence in pregnancy were more likely to develop postnatal depression but this association was substantially reduced after adjustment for psychological violence and confounding factors.”
The importance of this study may shift attention to psychological violence and abuse during pregnancy as an increased risk factor for postnatal depression. Physical and sexual violence still warrants attention.
Growing up, we all heard the phrase “Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me.” According to this study, words may be even more harmful. The true danger here is that Psychological abuse is often a precursor to physical or sexual violence.
Another recent study also found that “Even After Leaving Abuser, Moms Mental Health Declines.” A mother’s level of depression and anxiety were still high at least two years after escaping an abusive relationship. This research study comes from Ohio State University and included data from 2400 women who were married to, or living with the father of their child at the end of the first year of a three year period. They were broken down into three groups. The women participating were all nearly low income, minority, first time moms and likely experiencing additional stresses. Women who stayed or left a relationship showed higher levels of anxiety and depression, meaning (psychologically) they were no better off than women who stayed. That said, the researchers DID find that “abused mothers who had more social support did better after the end of their relationship than those with less help from family and friend.”
Lesson learned here? Reach out for support. Don’t settle for abuse. You are better than that. You deserve better. Your child deserves better.
If you are an abused mom/woman, you can start by calling a Domestic Violence Hotline. Start here. Start now. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s website for help. You are not alone.
DEPRESSION AND VARIOUS TREATMENT OPTIONS
If you’ve been diagnosed as suffering from depression, you may be worried that you’ll be dependent on drugs for the rest of your life. This doesn’t have to be the case. There are lots of different depression treatment options available, and there’s a good chance one will work for you. While medication is a viable treatment for depression, there are alternatives, including herbal treatments, lifestyle changes, counseling and more.
Treatment:
1. We often think of exercise as just a way to help us lose weight. However, exercise helps the body produce endorphins which are natural brain chemicals that help us feel better. Even though we might not feel like it, exercising can be a huge factor on the road to recovery.
2. Clinical studies have proven the effectiveness of herbal remedies for treating depression. They do not produce unwanted side effects, and because they are very helpful in balancing mood activity in our brains we can begin to start making necessary changes.
3. Cook 3-4 tablespoons of oatmeal to 1 cup of rice milk or soy milk, boil and stir for a minute on law temperature. Can add nuts, almonds, dried fruits, maple syrup or honey.
4. Relaxation and meditation are also effective measures in the treatment of depression. The best method of relaxation is to practice shavasana or the dead pose. Meditation involves training the mind to remain fixed on a particular external or internal location. Mediation helps to create balance in the nervous system. Effective Home Remedy for Depression.
5. Antidepressants are used in the treatment of depression. These drugs increase the presence of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters bring about a change in the emotions of the person and leave him in good spirits.
6. Although anti-depressant medications and psychotherapy are the main depression treatment options available, there are some alternatives, as well. These include diet and exercise changes, herbs and other supplements. These, too, can be beneficial as depression treatment, but again it will depend on the person in question.
7. The most important thing you should know about herbal remedies is this – you cannot treat and cure depression by taking these natural remedies alone. You should consider other things like psychotherapy which can help you get over depression quickly. Also, you need to make some lifestyle changes to improve both your physical health and mental health. You should exercise regularly, eat healthy food, try to connect with your friends and relatives, develop new hobbies, and attend social gatherings. All these things can help you get rid of depression and stay positive in your life.
8. People with depression are simply not able to carry on their lives normally. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. When these symptoms become very intense, they start interfering with one’s ability to normally carry out even the daily chores. The person feels unable to do anything about it; other people need to help him out of this depressive situation. Appropriate treatment is required to help most people who suffer from depression.
PSYCHOLOGICAL VIOLENCE CAN RESULT IN POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
Source: http://www.baby-care-advisor.com/TB/?P=7109
A new study shows that psychological violence by an intimate partner during pregnancy, independent of physical violence, is just as bad as physical violence and is linked to a high risk of developing postpartum depression.
The study, carried out by Dr Ana Bernarda Ludermir, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil, and her team, found that psychological violence is a very common form of partner violence and that health-care professionals don’t always recognize psychological violence as “violence” due to it not being sexual or physical violence.
However, any violence is not okay and it’s your responsibility, for the sake of your children, or future child to try to get out of the situation. You’ll be a better parent if you’re not exposed to violence. Not to mention, a violence-free life is 100% your right.
Learn more about partner violence:
- What is intimate partner violence?
- Some basic facts about domestic violence during pregnancy
- Is your relationship abusive?
- Domestic violence during pregnancy – common misconceptions about abuse
- Physical or sexual violence often comes with reproductive coercion
- Can your relationship handle a baby?
Also know that violent discipline is not smart or effective for children either.
Antidepressants Given Earlier May Help Lessen Postnatal Depression
Many new moms might believe bringing home a new addition will be the stuff of greeting cards. A darling nursery, a sweet baby sleeping soundly, and mom aglow with joy.
The reality, though, of bringing home a baby is often sleep deprivation, major hormonal shifts and a feeling of chaos, at least initially – which can spur many women to need antidepressant medications to regulate their emotions and help them get back to a healthy state. More women than previously believed may have postnatal (or postpartum) depression, and new research says they may do better if antidepressant medications are prescribed sooner after the birth rather than later.
Postnatal depression is joining the ranks of other illnesses as a public health concern, with experts believing they are only able to recognize the symptoms and provide treatment to half of the cases. Thousands of mothers go without treatment, which can have serious consequences for the parents, their family, the workplace and of course, the baby.
Symptoms of postnatal or postpartum depression can vary sharply from mother to mother. Some experience a feeling of “flat” emotions, while others have intense anger or sadness. High levels of worry or paranoia toward the baby can be another symptom, along with anxiety attacks.
At the same time, some women will have no interest in the baby or neglect the child’s needs when they have postnatal depression. Many women with postnatal depression will show appetite changes and can also demonstrate obsessive or repetitive behaviors. Some may even experience thoughts about death or contemplate suicide.
One of the dangers of postnatal depression is that it can persist for months if untreated, escalating in intensity. The problem can also remain behind closed doors. Many women may not recognize their symptoms as depression or will fear judgment if they share information about their thoughts and feelings.
United Kingdom research performed at the University of Bristol, funded by the National Institute for Health Research, says giving the antidepressant medications at the first sign of depression symptoms may offset the long-term problems caused by the illness.
During the study, researchers compared the ability of various antidepressant medications toward relieving postnatal depression symptoms, along with their expense per dosage. More than 250 women participated, and some received medications for depression while others were given a treatment involving psychosocial therapies at the community level.
Research leader and University of Bristol Professor Deborah Sharp, Social and Community Medicine, said that at first, some women seemed to enjoy the community visits which were centered around listening to their postnatal depression symptoms and associated feelings. However, Sharp noted that the best positive changes toward depression symptoms occurred for the women who took the antidepressant medications at the earliest signs of the illness.
Sharp strongly recommends that physicians make antidepressants a part of recovery immediately when symptoms of postnatal depression are observed, particularly for the welfare of the baby. Group sessions with other new mothers are also helpful, along with medications. Friends, family members and co-workers should be educated about the symptoms so that they can encourage a new mom to seek help and enjoy one of life’s major milestones
Abandoned babies and postnatal depression Samineh I Shaheem
15 January 2011, For some time now, we have been hearing many stories that women abandoning their newborn infants in public places. Outrageous as it may seem, the number of such cases have tripled in the last 10 years, throughout the world.
Sometimes these babies are wrapped in blankets and left outside of hospitals, religious buildings or organisations while other times they are dumped in rubbish containers or by street corners.
In an era where most cities offer medical care and many people have some access to health care resources as well the option to put a child up for adoption or foster care, it appears abysmal that women who have carried these infants for nine months could possibly discard their babies so ruthlessly.
Now that is the first reaction most people have regarding this matter. There is very little understanding and even less empathy for the women involved or the reasons they may engage in the devastating act of putting the life of an innocent newborn in such danger.
Of course we should feel remorse for the victims and make sure the perpetrators are punished, in accordance to local rules and regulations. However, once we have released our shock and anger, put down our sticks and stones as well as banners created in protest, we need to take a minute to explore the psychological state of the women who temporary disconnect from all appropriate morals and values by committing this callous act.
To begin with, each case is different and the motivating factors behind the mothers who have abandoned their children vary. Nonetheless, one of the main theoretical explanations for this predicament has been discussed by clinical psychologists who believe that postnatal depression or postpartum depression may be a significant factor governing the actions of these women.
This disorder is a form of severe depression, typically occurring between 2-8 weeks after delivery, however it may strike earlier or later on as well.
According to Parenting and Child Health.com, common symptoms of PND include:
Continuous crying spells
Terrified of the role of being a mother
Feeling very uncertain of your skills as a mother
Sleeping poorly even when your baby is asleep
Being very frightened of being alone
Irritability with other people such as your partner, your toddler or other family members
Self hate
Guilt
An inability to cope with daily activities
Feeling very anxious and uncertain about the future
Obsessive thoughts, sometimes about harming yourself or the baby
An inability to feel enthusiastic about the future
One woman who reported having symptoms of PND at a clinic in Dubai expressed her difficult sentiments after giving birth. She said, ‘It was the toughest thing I ever experienced…I felt alone, stupid, confused, sad…almost as if the whole world was turning with out me.’
Susan Ashbourne, a psychologist says, ‘It does take quite a lot to abandon a baby; a mother has to be very desperate, I think. It can be something to do with some kind of profound depression, there might even be some psychotic element to it – She [might have] had experiences of abandonment in her infancy, and this could lead to a repetition of the past, as it were.’
‘It can do with feelings of shame and guilt, the feeling that if in her culture the birth of a baby, for example, outside marriage, cannot be accepted, how can she live with this baby and not be abandoned by her family?’
‘Another reason for a mother to abandon her baby might also be that she feels incapable of loving the baby, and feels someone else can love the baby better.’
Other researchers interested in looking the mental state of mothers who abandon their babies explain that especially young mothers may have hidden or denied their pregnancy for nine months and when the baby is born, the distressed and overwhelmed individual temporarily disconnects from reality, choosing to abandon her child as the only option to cope with a confusing and challenging situation.
In many cases, women have spoken about choosing this alternative to abortion, thinking that perhaps they could give the infant a better chance of an improved life, economically, socially and psychologically.
Other reasons why women might abandon their babies is due to domestic violence, drug addictions, fear of rejection from their partners or other prolonged mental disorder.
Unfortunately the story does not end at the discovery/recovery of abandoned babies. According to Dr Sherr, a clinical psychologist from the Royal Free and University Medical School, London, ‘babies who are abandoned at birth suffer long-term emotional and social problems, and have difficulty adjusting to parenthood themselves, because of an over-riding belief that they were “thrown away” by their mother.’
This act of abandonment has a profound and lasting impact not only on everyone involved but affects society as a whole. Important questions regarding cultural and familial values, rules, laws, health care, regulations and norms need to be asked so that our less privileged and more fragile members of the society don’t fall victim to such devastating circumstances.
—Samineh I Shaheem is an author, an assistant professor of psychology, currently lecturing in Dubai, as well as a cross cultural consultant at the Human Relations Institute. She has appeared on numerous radio programs and conferences and has studied and worked in different parts of the world, including the United States of America, UK, Netherlands, and the UAE. Please forward your thoughts to OutOfMindContact@gmail.com
Loaded Web Australia
