Treatment

While someone is recovering from postpartum depression, they will usually see an improvement from month to month. Be aware that symptoms may flare up before a menstrual period because of fluctuations in hormones. __Let Nature Take Its Course__  ***It is best to seek treatment as soon as possible. If it's detected late or not at all, __ the condition may worsen __. Also, experts have found that children can be affected by a parent's untreated PPD.** __ Medication __  SSRIs improve your mood by increasing your brain's use of a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) called serotonin. You may start to feel better within 1 to 3 weeks of taking antidepressant medicine. But it can take as many as 6 to 8 weeks to see more improvement.   __ Psychotherapy  __  __**Support Groups**__  __ At Home __  __ Exercise __ 
 * Postpartum depression sometimes goes away on its own within three months of giving birth. But __** IF **__ it interferes with normal functioning of everyday life or if "the blues" last longer than two weeks, treatment should be sought.
 * About 90% of women who have postpartum depression can be treated successfully with a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
 * Antidepressants are usually quite effective for this. You and your doctor will need to make a careful decision about your use and choice of antidepressants if you are breastfeeding. Some antidepressants are secreted only in small amounts in breast milk and many doctors believe that their benefits outweigh their risks. Other medications, such as lithium, more seriously contaminate breast milk and may affect your baby. If you take an antidepressant, you will probably be advised to take it for at least a year and then taper off your use to avoid a relapse.
 * ** Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for postpartum depression: Celexa, Prozac, Luvox, Paxil, Zoloft **
 * Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is commonly prescribed alone or with antidepressants to treat PPD. A doctor can refer you to a qualified counselor who specializes in treating postpartum depression. A counselor can give emotional support to mothers and help them understand their feelings and develop realistic goals, which are critical to overcoming postpartum depression.
 * Support groups may ber very helpful. They may provide useful information along with ideas about how to cope better with day-to-day stresses.
 * Mothers and fathers have to remember to take time for themselves.
 * Get out of the house every day, even if it's just for a walk around the block.
 * Reach out to supportive family and friends for both emotional and household help. Don't try to do everything yourself.
 * Consider joining a new mothers support group or see if there are any new mothers in the neighbourhood to get together
 * Exercise works well to lift all kinds of depression. Once you've recovered physically from giving birth, try to get some exercise every day. One study has shown that vigorous exercise after recovering from childbirth is associated with an increased feeling of well-being.