Postpartum Depression and Stress
Recently I had three babies in three years. Throughout each pregnancy I felt largely upbeat, although tired. I never had any difficulty however, with depression during or after my pregnancies.

Now that I have three children under three, I am finding my schedule more hectic than ever. I am juggling the three kids, working part-time and pursuing my MBA online through Andrew Jackson University.  I will be the first to tell you that takes much energy.

No small feat! Amid being so busy, it is sometimes easy to not pay attention to your own physical body and needs. Who has time to rest when the kids need dinner, the house needs cleaning and work needs to be finished? Of late, I noticed some sneaky symptoms of depression I decided to seek care for.

Signs of Depression
Depression sometimes sneaks up on people unexpectedly. Many times depression creeps up on unsuspecting moms even months after they give birth to their children. This is why they often do not recognize the symptoms as possibly related to their pregnancy.

What are some common signs you may suffer from PPD or a related condition? Here are a few examples:

• Crying that lasts days on end for no reason.
• Persistent feelings of sadness or the blues that do not resolve.
• Suicidal thoughts.
• Negative or harmful thoughts toward yourself or your baby.
• Depression that interferes with your ability to carry out normal tasks, including work tasks or your ability to care for your children.
• Inability to concentrate that may detract from work or your studies.
• Feeling hopeless or helpless.
• Poor motivation and poor concentration.

Fortunately, there is much help if you or someone you know suffers from this problem. There are natural remedies some people use to help treat forms of depression, including stress relief. Many moms find starting their own home business a terrific way to help reduce their stress and relieve some of the burden associated with working and taking care of young children.

In severe cases some mothers may need prescription medication intervention.  Sometimes prescription medication works well when used as adjunct therapy for patients interested in using holistic healthcare practices. 

The good news is most people can learn to distress their lives, balance their career and still enjoy all that parenting, pregnancy and life has to offer.