I watched my mom break down a few weeks after she gave birth to my brother, I was only 13 years old at the time and I had no idea what was wrong with her.

At 15, I was diagnosed with clinal depression after experiencing chronic headaches, mood swings, loss of appetite, and a few other symptoms

It was the first time my mom and I ever heard of the word “depression” and after hours long of research, I understood exactly what had happened to her a few years back.

What is Postpartum Depression?

Loosely defined as Depression suffered by a mother following childbirth, sometimes due to the combination of hormonal changes, physical and psychological adjustments to motherhood, fatigue, etc. It can occur days to weeks after birth, before birth ( during pregnancy), or much later - up to a year after birth

Postpartum depression signs and symptoms may include:

• Depressed mood or severe mood swings
• Excessive crying
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
• Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
• Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
• Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
• Intense irritability and anger
• Fear that you're not a good mother
• Hopelessness
• Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt, or inadequacy
• Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
• Restlessness
• Severe anxiety and panic attacks
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

We'll miss the whole point if we were to compare how you feel as a new mom to that of anyone else's experience because no one truly knows and understands what you are going through. But there's hope.

While recovery may seem slow and difficult, it is possible and with the help of medical personnel, supportive family, and friends, it is attainable.

1.Seek medical help/therapy

You may have heard this before, but talking to a licensed medical professional or a therapist, taking prescribed antidepressants has been effective for many. I can say with confidence that I felt better during the times I was on antidepressants.

Those “happy pills” work to balance neurotransmitters in our brain, mainly, serotonin.

An imbalance of serotonin after childbirth is quite common as the body worked overtime during pregnancy to produce hormones that support the growth and well-being of your child.

Venting out to a therapist is also a great idea. You get to offload those emotions to someone ready to listen and help, without fear of judgment or pity.

2. Work out or stay active.

“You're one workout away from a good mood” is what they say, and it is true.

Physical activities stimulate the brain and trigger the release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine.

These “feel-good hormones” work with pain receptors in your brain to reduce the perception of emotional and physical pain thereby improving your mood, help you sleep and also improves your appetite

Working out also boosts your confidence and keeps you in shape after childbirth which is a good thing. Walking or taking a stroll especially in the sun - early morning or late afternoon is beneficial to your health and cheap - win win situation. Take baby, grab an bottle of water and take walk, join a yoga class, take up swimming - there are mommy and baby classes or you can learn.

3. Clean and declutter

This is the side of depression we all try to hide and never talk about. When you're down emotionally, you lack the motivation to do anything. So cleaning becomes a problem and our situation gets worse as the mess continues to build up.

It is very challenging but that feeling of walking around in a house that is clean, clutter-free, and smells good is always a motivation.

Make cleaning a habit again by doing something small each day. You'll quickly get overwhelmed if you try to do it all in one day so make it a part of your daily routine. There are also apps that help with cleaning little by little.

Ask for assistance if you can't do it all on your own.

You'll soon realize how elated you feel in your space.

Alternatively, employ or outsource the cleaning, there are many cleaning agencies around now, you do not have to do it all.

4. Build a support system

Isolation seems like the easiest thing to do during times like these but it only makes the situation worse.

Allow others in and surround yourself with trusted and supportive friends and family who know you better and can help when you're down.

Support groups, reading clubs, and connecting with other new or experienced moms can be beneficial as well.

5. Reading & Journaling

Pouring out your thoughts in a journal or getting occupied by a good read has been beneficial to some women

Writing helps you unburden your fears, troubles, and uncertainties, especially if you are not ready to speak with a counselor or another person. In therapy, people are encouraged to write out their frustrations and tear the paper into pieces, write a letter to a loved one ( dead or alive) expressing your deepest emotions. All these serve as an outlet and help you unburden your soul.

Reading on the other hand fills you up with the thoughts of others, can transport you to the most magical places; giving you an escape of the harsh realities of life. It's a healthy alternative to scrolling through social media which can increases the symptoms of depression - Take a break from social media and electronics if need be/possible, grab a good book, get comfy and let your imagination lose.

6.Consider spiritual activities

If you are a religious person, drawing closer to your fellow worshipers, studies say, has been helpful to some people. Praying, meditating, listening to religious songs or chants, attending service, reading the Bible/Quran/etc., joining groups and volunteering can help raise your spirits whilst keeping you in the company of others.

Talk to God in prayer about your troubles and concerns. Draw strength from His word. Bible says: "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." - Deut. 31:8

The 18th and 55th Chapters of the Quran have been shown to be of great help to Muslim women experiencing depression.

Remember, seeking help for your mental health comes in different forms, even financially, so don't shy away from asking people for assistance.

If you need to take some time away from your baby, please do. Remember Healthy Mother , Healthy Baby.