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.

Relationship Advice for Couples

A healthy and a strong relationship can be the best support in your life. A good relationship can always strengthen your health, improve different aspects of your life, boost up your mood and help keep good connections with others who have value in your life. 

But if your relationship is not working, it can be an enormous drain. Relationships, after all, are like an investment. More you will put in, more you will get back. Here are some advice for couples who are having a tough time with their spouse in maintaining a good relationship. Read this out to know how to strengthen your relationship. 

Resolve conflict wisely :

It is natural for couples to fight but the way it is done is important. Some couples discuss things out quietly while there are some who raise their voices. No matter how you do it, the main point is you should not be fearful in expressing things that bother you and must be able to resolve conflict without humiliating your partner or insisting on the fact that you are always right. 

Keep outside relationships & interests alive :

Never expect everything from one person. That person won't be able to fulfil all your needs and expectations. If you do, you are simply putting unhealthy pressure on the relationship, which is not needed at all. Have friends and outside interests. This would not only strengthen your social network but also bring new insights & stimulation to your relation. 

Don't stop communicating :

Communication is one of the main ingredients of a strong relationship. It is very essential for couples to communicate their feelings, their needs, fears as well as desires because that strengthens the trust and bonds. Nowadays, there is lack of communication in many couples and that triggers a relationship  to go through most problems. 

Be intimate physically :

Getting physically involved and keeping the intimacy alive is the cornerstone of a relationship. Having sex is not only the method of physical intimacy. Affectionate touch on a regular basis like hugging, holding hands or kissing is important as well. While touch is an important part of maintaining a healthy relationship, it is even important to know what your spouse actually likes. Inappropriate overtures or unwanted touching may make your partner tense up & retreat, which you would definitely not want. 

If you are looking for more relationship advice, then you can visit a counsellor who offers relationship counselling in Bondi Junction. Some couples even benefit from the spiritual advices given by religious figures.