Sunday, November 29, 2009

postnatal depression treatment

3 Ways To Treat Post Natal Depression

If you have been diagnosed with Post Natal Depression you may be wondering what kind of treatments are available and what treatment is the best.

The truth is, that every person is different, every persons level of depression may vary, people will respond differently to various methods of treatment.

The first step really is to know what kind of help is available and make a decision from there. It is always best to consult with your doctor first, who will help you to decide what may be best for you.

Psychological Treatment

1. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

This type of treatment focuses on the way that you 'think'. Basically, this form of therapy is a program that recognises that the way you think affects the way that you feel. It helps you to replace irrational thoughts with realistic thoughts,. It teaches you to think more positive rather than negative thoughts.

2. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

Interpersonal Therapy helps people find new ways of getting along with others and coping in difficult situations. It is common when you have Post Natal Depression, to feel easily upset by others comments, even when others did not mean to criticise. This type of therapy may be offered by psychologists or psychiatrists.

Medical Treatment

3. AntiDepressants

Medication can play an important part in helping people with depression manage on a day to day basis. Antidepressants are designed to balance chemical messages between nerve cells in the brain. Making a decision whether to take or not take antidepressants can be a difficult one. The decision is up to each individual and should be made in consultation with a doctor, after considering all the risks and benefits for both mother and child.

It is important to note that Post Natal Depression is not a permanent illness. It is only a "mood disorder" which can be treated. For further information on how I was able to recover from Post Natal Depression following 10 Steps, please visit my webpage.

post natal depression symptoms

11 Symptoms of Post Natal Depression

Having a baby is a major life event for a woman and in some cases may trigger Post Natal Depression.

This occurs in approximately 16% of women in Australia and usually occurs between 1- 12 months after giving birth to a baby. It can be difficult for women to cope with a major life change as well as the day to day stress of a new baby.

If you have had a baby in the last 12 months and are experiencing the following symptoms for more than 2 weeks this may be an indication that you are suffering from post natal depression. It is recommended that you seek professional medical help to have this diagnosed and a suitable treatment plan put in place.

1. Moodiness that is out of character

2. Increased irritability

3. Finding it hard to take minor personal criticisms

4. Withdrawal from friends and family

5. Loss of interest in sex, food, exercise or other pleasurable activity

6. Sleeplessness

7. Increased drug/alcohol use

8. Staying home from work or school

9. Increased physical health complaints (ie: aches / fatigue)

10. Recklessness

11. Slowing down of thoughts and actions


Symptoms of Post Natal Depression can appear suddenly or gradually. They are not to be confused with 'baby blues' which occurs between 3 -10 days after birth of a baby. The symptoms of 'baby blues' are different from that of post natal depression and are really only tearfulness and a feeling of overwhelm. These symptoms normally disappear within a few days. Post Natal Depression symptoms last a lot longer.

Hope this helps. Check out my web page for more information on recovery from post natal depression

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Post Natal Depression ebook

Hi Everyone, I have finally been able to complete my ebook and put up a website. I have not had any symptoms of PND for over a year now...! My ebook is called " 10 Steps to Beat Post Natal Depression". It details 10 immediate actions that I took and my story.
My website is http://www.post-natal-depression.com

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Welcome to my site

If you suspect or have been diagnosed with Post Natal Depression (PND) , do not be afraid of it.
It is temporary and can be beaten.  I am not a doctor or medical expert, but I speak from experience and would like to help you understand PND or what I understand PND to be, and pass on the strategies I have used to overcome it. It doesnt' matter whether you currently take anti depressants or do not take anti depressants,  there is no right or wrong, the main objective is that you recover as quickly as possible.
Post Natal Depression is common. During my journey to feel better, I did not feel that I had alot of support. Know one really knows how this feels unless they have been through it.  PND for me was very scary and very lonely,  so I want you to feel that you are not alone in this.  I would like to hear from everyone on a daily basis regarding their moods and experiences. I will provide my strategies to those who log in and take this journey.