Depression During Pregnancy and Ways to Tackle it

Most of us might think that pregnancy is a time of cheerfulness, but this is not the case always, and also not for all women. Around 1 in every 10 women suffer from prolonged periods of depression when they are pregnant. You may feel like it is just a part of your normal mood fluctuations, but at times it can be more than a mere feeling of sadness. If not addressed to properly at the right time, it can turn into a serious issue.

There are several symptoms of pregnancy depression, and they vary from one person to another. Some women tend to experience low mood most of the time, while others feel sorrowful and irritable, or unworthy and may want to give up on themselves. Here are some of the commonly prevalent symptoms:

• concentration problems
• restlessness and bad temper
• insomnia
• acute and extreme fatigue
• consistent negative thoughts
• insatiable hunger or total loss of appetite
• low spirits
• helplessness and tearful

Depression during pregnancy can be the outcome of several factors, the most common being stressful events of daily life, physical problems such as morning sickness or heartburns, past experiences with childbirth complications, past infertility problems, emotional abuse or personal depression history.

Fortunately, there are certain effective and prudent solutions that you can follow if you are experiencing depression during pregnancy.

• Try to talk about your problems with your midwife. Explain your condition and how you have been feeling.
• Don’t let the sudden change in your life majorly affect your regular style of living. Give yourself adequate amount of priority. Read books, meet up with friends or go for short evening walks. 
• Try some exercise to improve your mood. Swimming, pregnancy yoga, aquanatal classes and walking are some ideal options.
• Instead of trying to withdraw from everyone, discuss your problems with your partner, friends and family. Their support can often work wonders and help you get rid of acute feelings of uselessness and undeserving.
• Support groups and group therapy are also quite beneficial and may help you to break out from the repetitive cycle of pessimistic contemplation.
• Share your experiences and feelings with others who might be going through the same problems as you. You can also learn how they are tackling their depression, and use those methods to cope with your own.

If none of the above methods seem to working out for you, then it is time for you to get some professional help. Book an appointment with the French psychologist Jade Couquaux, and get relief from your depression with her profound counselling and careful guidance.