If you have postpartum depression, build your own support system by reaching out to your friends and family and seeking advice from doctors and psychiatrists.
It’s true that you definitely need to be under a doctor’s care when you have severe postpartum depression; you probably need antidepressant medication, and maybe even some other medication to help you along (see a psychiatrist, as they are experts in the field. You wouldn’t see a general practitioner to treat cancer, would you?). But there are also things you can do to help yourself, including building a support system.
There are support groups available for women who suffer postpartum depression, but many people are reluctant to tell their problems to a room full of strangers. That’s why building your own support system can be a lifesaving – literally – technique to deal with postpartum depression.
Call people you know you can trust and talk to them about how you're feeling; hopefully they'll listen without judgment. Many women share the same feelings after they deliver their babies. Once you start talking to people, friends and family will call and check up on you, send you emails, and offer to help out.
Postpartum depression doesn’t last forever. Take care of yourself and remember that the best thing for your baby is a healthy mom; do what you need to do to make yourself healthy and your baby will benefit.
For more on postpartum depression read this complementary article on treatment.
