How to Fight Postpartum Depression After Childbirth

One of the greatest challenges that a woman faces after childbirth is PostPartum depression. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Postpartum depression is a complex mix of physical, emotional and behavioral changes that occur after giving birth that are attributed to the chemical, social, and psychological changes associated with having a baby.
I have experienced postpartum after a few weeks of my delivery (the mild type)and here's what I did to overcome it:

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Strong Mental & Emotional Attitude
• An understanding Husband
• A Very Supportive Family & Friends
• A Hobby
• Internet Connection
• Exercise Program
• Diet Program
• Good sleep and rest

1. A faith that can move mountains will see you through all predicaments. The God that you believe in will make all diseases easy to bear. From the time that I'm carted to the operating room, until I saw the baby that I risked my life with, I committed everything to the One Whom I believe will always be there for me no matter what.

2. You should have a strong mental and emotional attitude. The power of positive thinking! I had this dark thought that my husband will no longer want me because of my ugly and fat body and he'd have another woman more desirable than I am. After a while, I reassured myself that I will shed off my ugly duckling body and be back to my old svelte form. I focused on this thought and as days pass by, I'm actually losing weight fast.

3. A very understanding husband is heaven-sent. Well, this requisite is not true to all women. I'm just lucky, I think. However, you can make your husband understand during these dark days by communicating with him. Be open to what you are experiencing, and ask for help from him to understand your mood swings, fears, and concerns.

4. The love and support of your family and friends will greatly help you. Connect with them, share your feelings and experiences.

5. Engage in a hobby of your choice to divert your attention. I do cross-stitch and book scrapping. I even started a bit of gardening and have grown organic vegetables in our backyard. It's really fun and productive.

6. A relationship with the web. Instead of dwelling on dark and murky thoughts that could destroy you, why not surf the web? Join forums of your interest,meet new friends and connect with lost ones in social networks such as Twitter, Facebook, Multiply and Friendster. Write and share what you know at Ehow.com, Squidoo.com and Shvoong.com, and even give tips at Daytipper.com and answer questions at Yahoo Answers. Shop at Amazon.com and Ebay! You're really wasting your time if you let depression overcome you. The world wide web awaits! Why not log in?

7. Design or join an exercise program that suits you. I started slow with mine due to my C-Section wound. Nevertheless, exercise releases good energy that triggers happy thoughts to the brain. It will help you combat the bad effects of postpartum.

8. A diet program. "You are what you eat", so goes this saying that founded the pillars of nutrition and dieting. I go for fish, vegetables, fruits and less carbo. The food that you eat also affects metabolism and hormones. Choose foods that stabilize hormones because depression is also due to hormonal change.

9. A good sleep and rest clears all negative forces inside your head. Have an adequate of both.

Tips & Warnings

• Your cell phone can be very handy during this time, but it's up to you as to the extent of its uses