Natural Methods to Treat Postpartum Depression

When you're going through postpartum depression, it can feel like you're lost. It's as if you're seeking mental health through an endless maze of treatment, setbacks, and obstacles. Knowing how to treat your postpartum depression is a big step. When it comes to treatment, I firmly believe in using everything at your disposal. I am all for talk therapy and medication. In fact, I used both of those avenues in my treatment. However, that doesn't mean those are the only two ways you can treat postpartum depression. I found that there were several natural methods that helped me feel better and have more good days.

3 Natural Treatments for PPD that Helped Me

1. Exercise -- You probably know that exercise is good for depression, but it's easier said than done. When you're feeling tired, the last thing you want to do is go for a run. On the days I exercised, I consistently felt better. I didn't always feel like it, though. I had to learn to find activities that I enjoyed and activities that wouldn't push me too far. For me, one of those activities was walking. I love taking walks. It's something I could do every day, and I could control how far I wanted to push myself. Even though I now incorporate more types of exercise, walking is still one of my favorite activities. 
2. Sunshine -- Getting sunshine every day was a huge mood booster for me. There's just something about the fresh air and the vitamin D. When I would go outside, the effects were almost immediate. Making it a priority to go outside frequently can help you feel better. In fact, I liked taking walks outdoors, combining exercise with the sunshine. It was also good for my daughter, who loved riding in the stroller.
3. Healthy eating -- I am an emotional eater. When I am feeling stressed, I want sugar and comfort foods. What I noticed, however, was that while those foods were making me feel better initially, I ended up feeling way worse over time. In fact, they were causing other problems that were exacerbating my postpartum depression. I knew I had to make some changes. I started incorporating more whole foods into my diet, focusing on fiber and protein. I stayed away from sugary, processed foods. If I craved a sweet, I would try to make it healthier by using natural ingredients. These changes helped me feel better over time. I also dropped the last of the baby weight, which certainly didn't hurt.

Treatment can sometimes feel burdensome. You might think, "That's just one more thing for me to do when I don't feel like it." I get that. I felt that way, too. But perhaps you can change how you view treatment. Instead of viewing these ideas as chores, view them as fun challenges or opportunities to feel better. When I changed my view of these treatment methods, I started using them. No surprise, it helped ease my postpartum depression symptoms.