Breaking the stigma: Understanding perinatal depression, 4 tips to cope with it | Health

The perinatal period in a woman’s life is the period from conception to 4-6 weeks after the baby is born, and as it is a major turning point in a woman’s life, she experiences a great deal of stress, anxiety and depression. increase. Perinatal depression can occur either prenatally or postnatally and is affected by environmental factors, lifestyle changes, one’s own mental state, as well as other factors such as anemia, bleeding, gestational hyperglycemia, and weight. Depressive states can also be triggered by various health problems. Weight gain, fatigue, hypoglycemia, dyspnea, back pain, etc. develop during this time.

While we consider managing this condition, we should consider solutions that address many of these causes. Dr. Manoj Kutteri, Medical Director and CEO of Atmantan Wellness Center, explained in an interview with HT Lifestyle: “Perinatal depression is a very common mood disorder, with approximately 15-20% of pregnant or postpartum women experiencing this condition. It may or may not have it and, if not treated or addressed properly, can lead to other complications, such as acute insomnia, bonding problems with the baby, bowel-related illnesses, and suicidal tendencies. There is also sexuality.”

“In addition to lifestyle changes, hormonal changes also play an important role in the development of perinatal depression. This may impair the mother-child relationship, which in the long term may affect emotional development and cognitive behavior. The condition is fully manageable if detected early and intervention is planned.”

He suggested several measures to manage this condition.

• healthy diet plan – Diet is not the only cure for this condition, but it plays a major role in managing the depressive state. Eat a diet rich in antioxidants that also promotes gut health. As you know, your gut is the organ that secretes over 70% of your happiness hormones, so improving your gut health can help manage depression to some extent. Folate omega-3 and vitamin D supplements are also very helpful in treating this condition.
• laughter therapy – Mindfulness sessions, yoga, and laughter therapy are great tools for managing depression. These habits can help you manage your stress levels and increase your inner sense of well-being. It is a form of cognitive therapy and an effective non-pharmacological alternative solution for many disorders. Our mental state also helps us balance our moods and rebalance our autonomic nervous system. Yoga and breathing exercises can also help improve breathing.
• review your habits – Addictive substances such as alcohol and tobacco have a negative impact on mental health. This may also contribute to the development of prenatal or postnatal depression. A healthy lifestyle by avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption also helps balance hormones and manage many other lifestyle diseases, including obesity and diabetes.
• regular exercise – Undoubtedly, exercise helps release feel-good hormones in your body and improve your mood. Exercise increases the release of endorphins and other brain chemicals that act like natural cannabis in your body.