How to deal with perinatal depression without medication?
Perinatal depression or prenatal depression is a type of depression occurs during pregnancy. A woman can get mild to severe symptoms in such condition. This is a mental health condition that can get serious enough to put the health of the mother and baby at risk. However, perinatal or prenatal depression is treatable without medication. Yes, it is possible to fix this mental health condition with rightful practice of meditation and yoga asanas under the guidance of highly experienced and spiritual guru. There is no certificate to evaluate the spirituality of a person. So, if you find your guru with no certification, but valid experience and you feel that connection, have all the blessings he/she gives.
Understanding the Perinatal Depression
It is a kind of mood disorder that affects the prenatal wing. “Perinatal” refers to the time after and before the birth of a baby. It causes ongoing or extreme level sadness, anxiety, fatigue, and insomnia. If a new mother or pregnant woman is suffering from perinatal depression, she may withdraw from friends and family. There will be no hobby or activities she once enjoyed.
Perinatal depression happens during pregnancy while postpartum depression occur post delivery. Both the conditions are completely different from “baby blues” which generally goes away within two to three weeks. However, perinatal and postpartum depression needs to be cure with treatment.
Naturopathy and yoga can be an answer to this serious mental health condition.
Does every pregnant woman get perinatal depression?
No, perinatal depression is not meant for every pregnant woman but it is genetic. If you or your family members have a history of –
- Panic disorder
- Anxiety disorder
- Mental illness
- Mood disorders
Who actually suffers from perinatal depression?
The condition of perinatal depression is common among people who –
- Are carrying a baby with special needs or a health issue
- Are expecting twins or triplets
- Have taken IVF procedures to achieve pregnancy
- Are dealing with severe stressful life events like divorce, financial issues, health issues, etc.
- Got unexpected pregnancy news
- Got none to support them at the time of pregnancy
Naturopathic and Yogic Approach towards Perinatal Depression
Our food builds us who we are. In naturopathy, we treat health conditions and diseases with healthy diet, yoga, and some helpful therapies. For perinatal depression, we have choices of food like –watermelon, muskmelon, oranges, strawberries, peppers, green leafy veggies, lettuce, etc. Regular vegetarian meal on time can help you combat fatigue and yoga and pranayam can help uplift your mood.
Eating junk can make perinatal depression and prenatal journey worse. It is important to avoid packaged food and artificial preservatives for faster recovery.
List of antidepressant nutrients to consume if you are suffering from perinatal depression–
- Folate
- Iron
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Magnesium
- Selenium
- Potassium
- Vitamin A
- Thiamine
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin C
- Zinc
- Vitamin D
Yoga and meditation can also help cultivate positive thoughts in your mind. Practice under the guidance of right yoga guru near your place for best results.
Sun Therapy is the best choice to deal with perinatal depression. Prenatal care is the utmost thing you can give to yourself when you are pregnant. Get yourself soaked under morning sunrays. Let the rays penetrate your soul and let them enlighten it!