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NATURAL REMEDIES FOR POST PARTUM DEPRESSION

By Tess Thompson

A woman’s body undergoes a lot of changes during pregnancy and child birth. Hormonal changes, physical stress of birth and lack of sleep coupled with the added responsibility of parenting, predispose the new mother to mental disorders like depression. Extreme cases of post partum depression may cause unpleasant emotional turbulence, hallucinations and even thoughts of suicide.

Women who are more liable to suffer from post partum depression include:

* Women with a history of an earlier depression or family history of depression.
* Single women.
* Women who do not have family’s support.

Post partum depression is a common occurrence but rarely manifests in full severity. The treatment involves the same steps as those involved in treating depression and in most cases antidepressants are administered. But the safety of using these drugs during breast feeding is open to doubt.

Treating depression naturally involves consultations with an expert psychologist or a psychiatrist. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps in casting off negative thoughts and behaviors. Interpersonal Therapy is very effective and helps in getting over the problems that are faced by women. It also helps in handling the transition of roles in a better manner.

Nuclear families and fast lifestyles put new mothers in an unenviable position. New mothers need sleep and rest, which can get very difficult unless your partner or a family member opts to take over some responsibilities. Oriental lifestyle is more suited for new mothers to handle situations since grandmothers and aunts offer help voluntarily.

The new mother is pampered and not allowed to do any kind of work for at least a period of 2 months. This kind of a set-up provides the much needed company and rest that a new mother needs. It also gives her an opportunity to share her fears with someone more experienced. Grandmothers can also help by giving helpful tips about the do’s and don’ts to get the body back in shape.

Homeopathy, herbs and lifestyle changes form an integral part of natural remedies for depression. Homeopathic remedies like Arsenicum album, Aurum metallicum, Calcarea carbonica, Pulsatilla, Phosphorous and Natrum muraticum are some of the remedies that are used depending upon the typical symptoms and overall personality of the patient.

St. John’s wort is the most commonly used herb for treating depression. Herbs and herbal supplements, although effective, should not be taken along with antidepressants as there is a possibility of some negative interactions.

The changes that occur in a woman’s body during pregnancy can potentially change her entire personality. She needs help, support, guidance and company so that she can give vent to her feelings and apprehensions about the future. Familial support can prove to be as effective as any other mode of treating post partum depression.

If familial support is not forthcoming, you can ask for help from friends who do not have young children at home. You will be surprised to notice their eagerness to help.

References:
http://www.med.umich.edu/depression/postpartum.htm
http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/ppd-herbal.html
http://www.truestarhealth.com/Notes/2249001.html