Postpartum Depression: Understanding the Signs and When to Get Help
Postpartum depression: it can seem surprising, right? Almost like the idea of “wedding depression.” During a time when you most want to feel love, joy, and hope, you may end up actually experiencing high anxiety and feeling like you’re trapped under a dark cloud. You deeply want to bond with your baby and enjoy these first days together, but instead you may feel distant, overwhelmed, and a lot of self-blame. But rest assured this is not your fault, and it is not because you are doing something wrong.
Postpartum depression is a medical condition many women and even their partners may experience after having a baby. It can look like feelings of sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that are persistent and can last for many months. While there is a common phenomenon known as the “baby blues”, this typically refers to the post-birth roller coaster of emotion that tend to subside after a few weeks. In postpartum depression, however, these feelings last longer and make it hard to take care of yourself and your new baby. Postpartum mental health challenges are very common and can benefit from the right help, information, and support.
For about half of women who experience postpartum depression, this is their first time dealing with depression. That means many of us first time mom’s don't realize we have postpartum depression when we’re in the middle of it, but assume this is just how motherhood goes!
So, what are the signs and symptoms of PPD?
You may have PPD if you have five or more signs or symptoms that last longer than 2 weeks:
Changes in your feelings:
Feeling depressed most of the day every day
Feeling shame, guilt or like a failure
Feeling panicked or scared a lot of the time
Having severe mood swings
Changes in your everyday life:
Having little interest in things you normally like to do
Feeling tired all the time
Eating a lot more or a lot less than is normal for you
Gaining or losing weight
Having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Having trouble concentrating or making decisions
Changes in how you think about yourself or your baby:
Having trouble bonding with your baby
Thinking about hurting yourself or your baby
Thinking about suicide (killing yourself)
If you notice these symptoms it is important to reach out right away to your OB/GYN or primary care doctor, who will likely then make a recommendation for therapy. Early treatment and therapy can help you make sense of what is going on inside you, give you tools for caring for yourself and for your baby, and support you as you navigate this season.