Post-Partum Depression: Can Eating Oily Fish Cure Post-Natal Mental Illness?

mother child fish diet East Sussex england Melanie Lawson docosahexaenoic acid omega 3 fatty acids motherhood DHA

By Arvin Matthew , Parent Herald Apr 20, 07:55 am

A mother in East Sussex, England claims her daily consumption of oily fish cured her post-natal depression. She is so convinced by its healing properties that she has now set up her own fish-centered business.

The Search For A Natural Cure

Melanie Lawson, 43, developed obsessive-compulsive disorder when she was just 9 years old. Her anxiety disorder reared its ugly head after she had her first child. She constantly worried that her baby would get hit by a speeding car or be involved in other horrific accidents, Daily Mail reported.

Lawson's fears continued even after she had her second child. It was during this time when she began looking for natural ways to cure her depression. Her search ultimately led her to a certain omega 3 fatty acid present in fish.

DHA Helps Body Manage Stress

Known scientifically as docosahexaenoic acid, DHA is essential for maximum brain health and function. Life Extension considers DHA as one of the most important building blocks of the brain. Lawson got hold of this information and started including mackerel, sardines and smoked salmon in her daily diet.

Interestingly enough, Lawson felt significantly happier and more at peace with herself after three months of following her self-imposed diet. She also began enjoying motherhood. By the time her third child was born, Lawson's post-natal depression was but a distant memory.

Eating Fish Helps With Mental Health

"I believe eating fish has helped me overcome my OCD and manage it, and I would recommend what I did to others," said the vivacious mother-of-three. "As well as improving my mental health, I've had people compliment my ski,n too, which must be down to my diet."

Lawson believes women often experience post-natal depression because some of their DHA goes to the child. She explained that the placenta takes DHA away from the mother and into the baby. Once a mother's supply of DHA is lessened, she immediately feels anxious and fussy since DHA helps the brain manage stress.