Spotlight on POST-NATAL DEPLETION

DO YOU KNOW A BURNT-OUT MUM? HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP THEM

Tiredness is, without a doubt, a key feature of motherhood; it’s likely you know a tired mum, or you’ve been a tired mum yourself.

But what happens when the tiredness that accompanies being a mum turns into extreme exhaustion, the “baby brain” turns to perpetual fog, or if everything becomes just a bit too overwhelming?

Family doctor and author of The Postnatal Depletion Cure, Dr Oscar Serrallach, refers to this phenomenon as post-natal depletion.

In short, it is an euro inflammatory disorder that can occur when mums don’t take the time to look after themselves post-partum (read: a special brand of mummy burnout).

If you suspect yourself or someone you know is suffering from post-natal depletion, here’s how you can beat it:

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?

Post-natal depletion’s key marker is a lack of nutrients and extreme fatigue – the kind that one (or even three) good night’s sleep can’t fix.

While the feeling of having nothing left to give is a significant trait, post-natal depletion also presents itself as noise sensitivity, the inability to recall nouns or constant self-criticism.

This is not to be confused with post-natal depression or anxiety, where sufferers have a sense of helplessness or inability to sense joy.

Post-natal depression happens within the first six months post-partum, whereas post-natal depletion can last up to seven years – sometimes even longer.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS?

Like many things in motherhood, treating postnatal depletion takes time,

support and a multi-faceted approach.

A doctor can help with some of the physical aspects of the condition, including replenishing the nutrients lost from constant exhaustion, but this should be in conjunction with daily mental health practices (think: yoga, meditation, breath work or even colouring) and other exercises in self-care.

HOW CAN YOU HELP SOMEONE WITH IT?

The greatest thing you can do for someone suffering from post-natal depletion is to be a support for them.

Of course, asking for help doesn’t come naturally for many people so, if you can sense someone is struggling, offer your help so they don’t have to ask.

If you can’t be there to help the burnt-out mum in your life physically, consider sending a food voucher or hiring a cleaner – they will appreciate having someone to share the load with.

And if you know someone who is pregnant, help them put some practical measures in place to prevent postnatal depletion, rather than waiting for the burnout to happen.