How Can Participating in Outdoor Activities Help Improve Postpartum Depression?
It can be challenging for some women to recognize the signs of postpartum depression. Many women have a difficult time differentiating the effects of new motherhood, the “baby blues,” and postpartum depression. The effects of depression can make one feel less motivated to engage in certain activities. Although this may be true, it can be helpful for an individual to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity. Participating in outdoor activities at Restoration Recovery can help. Our holistic program offers many natural treatment options encouraging physical activity for improved mental health.
What Is Postpartum Depression?
According to the Office on Women’s Health (OASH), a woman’s mind and body go through several changes after delivering a baby. This can lead to intense fatigue. It is also common for a new mother to feel anxious, sad, or overwhelmed. Many women adjust and feel acclimated to motherhood, but persistent symptoms that last more than two weeks may indicate postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a serious mental health condition that affects one’s behavior, brain, and overall mental health.
The Warning Signs of Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a common mental health disorder following childbirth. Studies have estimated that approximately 1 out of 8 new mothers report postpartum depression symptoms about one year after delivering their baby. The exact cause of postpartum depression is unknown, but various factors play a wide role in developing the mental health condition.
These factors include hormonal changes, thyroid problems, having a family history of depression, a history of domestic violence, or a significant lack of social support. Some women who experience a hard time breastfeeding may feel intense sadness and disconnection from their infant. It is imperative to recognize the signs of postpartum depression to improve the mother’s mental health and family well-being. Warning signs of postpartum depression include:
- Experiencing frequent crying spells
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Feeling guilty, worried, or shameful
- Having intense mood swings
- Feeling disconnected from one’s baby
- Reduced concentration
- Experiencing appetite problems
- Having trouble sleeping
- Experiencing little interest in certain activities
- Having suicidal thoughts
The Benefits of Participating in Outdoor Activities
The effects of postpartum depression can make one feel demotivated. Although many women facing challenges with depression have little interest in engaging in certain activities, it can help them to participate in physical activity. Daily physical activity can produce serotonin and endorphins and improve an individual’s mood overall.
Studies have highlighted that new mothers who engage in physical activity daily experience reduced levels of postpartum depression symptoms in comparison with inactive mothers. Research has found that those who engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) experienced two times the odds of developing related depressive symptoms than women who did not participate in MVPA. The benefits of participating in outdoor activities include:
- Improved mood
- Improved weight control
- Reduced depression and anxiety
- Balanced hormones
- Improved brain health
- Better quality of sleep
- Reduced stress
- Improved self-esteem
- Increased self-confidence
Participating in Outdoor Activities at Restoration Recovery to Treat Postpartum Depression
Knowing postpartum depression is a serious mental health condition that can be challenging to treat; it may be helpful for a new mother to consider different treatment options. Many women choose to breastfeed and may avoid treatment as prescription medications may come with harmful risks to their babies. It is also common for some women to feel hesitant to seek professional care, fearing their baby may be taken away. They may also feel embarrassed, ashamed, or indifferent to other parents for facing challenges with their mental health during such a beautiful transition. Postpartum depression affects many women. There are countless resources, community support options, and treatment modalities to consider.
Participating in outdoor activities at Restoration Recovery can help those seeking a more holistic approach to care. Our holistic program provides various treatment options to effectively fight against the effects of postpartum depression and achieve a better quality of life. Restoration Recovery’s treatment program provides clients with recreational and leisure activities that can encourage moderate to vigorous physical activity.
Holistic Treatment Modalities Offered at Restoration Recovery
Although getting around the house doing daily chores, running errands, and taking care of a baby requires intense activity and hard work, a new mother needs to take time for enjoyable activities. For example, many women enjoy dance or movement therapy. Different types of yoga and meditative practices may also be fun. Tai chi is a unique treatment option our treatment facility offers. It may help for one to participate in light movement and then work their way up to more intense physical activity. Participating in physical activity has to start somewhere. Easier activities that may encourage one to engage with others and may also improve the effects of postpartum depression at Restoration Recovery include:
- Art therapy
- Spiritual growth and development
- Cultural awareness
- Acupuncture
- Nutrition lessons
- Relaxation
Restoration Recovery is a product of the desire of a group of experienced therapists who wish to help in the recovery of those who are experiencing problems with their mental health. Through trauma-informed and evidence-based care, we pride ourselves on our small, intimate facility in the Foothills of the beautiful Sierra Nevadas. Many drug and alcohol addiction rehab programs are turning toward a “whole-body” (holistic) approach to recovery. Rather than just treating the disease, holistic treatment looks at a person as a whole and introduces healing to other aspects of the individual. Call Restoration Recovery at (888) 290-0925 to learn more about how our holistic services can help you overcome postpartum depression.
