Postpartum Depression: Signs And Symptoms
The months of waiting during pregnancy present an exciting time for parents. Every milestone of the gestation period brings parents that much is closer to the time when they can hold their newborn baby for the first time. The preparation of staging the nursery, buying clothing and other baby necessities, and attending showers build anticipation for a special time of joy and happiness. The fear of birth goes out of the window.
Once the baby arrives, delight soon turns to exhaustion and depression for some new mothers, and in some cases, new partners as well. A newborn's sleep and feeding schedule can be exhausting in the early months. Feeling chronically tired can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety and this leaves some parents wondering how to differentiate typical tiredness and other feelings from postpartum depression. Even with celebratory holidays, like Mother's Day and World Breastfeeding Week, it can still be difficult to adjust to new motherhood.
Postpartum Depression: What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
How prevalent is postpartum depression (PPD)? According to the American Psychological Association (APA), as many as 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression. It's normal for new parents to be tired. It's not normal for them to feel hopelessly sad. Keep reading for other symptoms of postpartum depression, also sometimes called postnatal depression.
Are There Early Warning Signs?
It's quite normal to have a slight drop in mood within the first week or two after having a baby. That's because your body has gone through a lot of changes, physical and hormonal, within a short amount of time. Your body will generally start to regulate itself after a couple of weeks and what some people call "the baby blues" should subside about the same time.
While it's common to feel a little blue, parents of newborns shouldn't feel hopeless, and sadness as with the "baby blues" should decrease rather quickly, generally in two weeks or less. Feelings of sadness or guilt may occur occasionally, if they are overwhelming and last for days, it could be a sign of postpartum depression. New parents that have frequent crying spells or who feel inadequate as parents may be experiencing postpartum depression.
A new baby often feels like your whole world, but it shouldn't take away the joy that you find in small moments like laughing at something silly, being affectionate with your partner, or enjoying your meals. While having a child forever changes a person, it should not change who you are, what you enjoy, what you care about, and your self-esteem.
It's also normal to worry about being a good mom or good dad, especially if the baby is sick, premature, or has special needs of some kind. However, if the worry is continual or all-consuming, it is likely an indicator of postpartum depression.
What are Postpartum Depression (PPD) Symptoms?
The symptoms of PPD are similar to the symptoms of a depressive episode: feeling sad most of the day for more days than not, changes in appetite and sleep, loss of energy, not enjoying things one did previously, feeling worthless, ashamed, or guilty, feeling hopeless, restlessness, thoughts of suicide, and difficulty concentrating and making decisions. In addition, and specific to PDD, other symptoms include: difficulty bonding with the baby, excessive crying, excessive fear of not being a good mother, and in extreme situations, thoughts of harming the baby.
If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255, and is available 24/7.
If you have any thoughts of harming yourself or your baby or have a loved one who has these thoughts, immediate help is necessary. Call 911 or go to your nearest hospital.
Is There Such A Thing as PPD For Males?
According to a 2010 study that was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 10% of men across the globe experience a condition called paternal postpartum depression (PPPD).[1] The study was a meta-analysis (an analysis of postpartum depression statistics that combines the results of multiple studies) that takes over 28,000 participants into account based on studies between 1980 and 2009. The study was a meta-analysis (an analysis of statistics that combines the results of multiple studies) that takes over 28,000 participants into account based on studies between 1980 and 2009. Of particular note, instances of paternal postpartum depression were higher within the first 3 to 6 months of their new baby's life.
Researchers have noted that hormones seem to play a part in paternal postpartum depression, but they found another predictor that was even greater than that. A 2004 review of 20 studies showed that when their female partner has postpartum depression, the male spouse is twice as likely also to develop postpartum depression. Researchers concluded that maternal depression was the strongest indicator of paternal postpartum depression. The incidences of paternal depression ranged from 1.2% to 25.5% during the first postpartum year. In men whose partners also experienced postpartum depression, 24% to 50% of men dealt with paternal postpartum depression. Overall about 10% of men experience postpartum depression when their partner has a baby.
Most men noticed symptoms within a few days of their baby being born. Happiness at the sight of their newborn child soon turned to anxiety and fear. Many new partners believe that their baby hates them. Some believe that there is something wrong with their baby or begin to dislike the child and have regrets about deciding to have a baby.
Men and women who are going through postpartum depression tend to express their symptoms quite differently. Women express less to other people about how they feel, likely because most people expect the new mom to be happy. By contrast, men tend to express their feelings outwardly. Men may be fearful, angry, aggressive, irritable, and have a lot of anxiety. Some men turn to substance use, gambling, video games, or other addictive behaviors to help them cope. Paternal postpartum symptoms can also manifest physiologically by experiencing headaches, stomachaches, or other physical pains.
Do I Have Postpartum Depression?
As discussed above, it is normal to feel a wide range of emotions following the birth of your child. You will feel happy, exhausted, overwhelmed at your new responsibilities, a host of emotions. However, if you notice that you are feeling sad and it is not getting better, or that you are crying when you don't understand why, if you feel hopeless, overwhelmed at simple tasks and decisions, want to sleep all the time, or any of the other symptoms listed above, you will want to talk to your doctor. PPD is very treatable. And the sooner you talk to your doctor, the sooner you can start feeling better. If you have ANY thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, call 911 and do not wait to seek help.
What PPD Treatment Options Do I Have?
After talking to your doctor, they may suggest an antidepressant. There are some that are considered safe when breastfeeding and some that are not. Your doctor will tell you about the risks and benefits of medications and together you can make the best choice for you. Your doctor may also suggest counseling. Becoming a parent or having an additional child is a major life change. You might find that getting some new coping skills and having a place to express your feelings and fears is very beneficial.
Regardless of the type of treatment you choose, it's important to make healthy lifestyle choices. Get plenty of rest, eat healthy meals and snacks, and get a little exercise. It's also wise to set realistic expectations. New mothers may not be able to keep up with cleaning and other household activities as they did before the baby arrived. It's okay to scale back and do as much as you're able. This is a short period of time in the scheme of your life.
It's also important for mothers dealing with postpartum depression not to isolate themselves. Make a point to get together with friends. Pay attention to your hobbies. If someone makes an offer of helping with the baby, accept it and remind yourself that taking care of yourself will help you be the best mom you can be.
Where Can I Find Treatment?
Remember that postpartum depression is common and very treatable. The important thing is not to wait to seek treatment. It's better to be screened for postpartum depression right away so that treatment can begin, and you can start feeling like yourself again as soon as possible. If you are interested in counseling for PPD, you can talk to your doctor about a recommendation or you can search for therapists in your area.
If you are part of a mom's group, they might have some great recommendations. It is often hard to leave your house when you have a new baby. The great news is online therapy for postpartum depression is available at BetterHelp. You can have live video sessions, phone sessions, and live chats. You can also send messages, similar to email, on the secure platform. This can be very convenient for the new parent to be able to get affordable, quality mental health treatment from the comfort of your home! Help is just a few clicks away. All you need to get started is an internet connection and a smart phone, tablet, or computer!
Below are some commonly asked questions on this topic:
What Are The Causes Of Postpartum Depression?
While the exact cause of postpartum depression is unknown, there are several risk factors that can make someone more likely to experience it. It’s also believed that the physical changes after giving birth such as a dramatic change in hormones levels, including estrogen and progesterone, can contribute to postpartum depression. It’s also believed that things like lack of sleep and changes to lifestyle can also contribute to it.
Some of the risk factors include prior mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder, family history of depression or mood disorders, multiple births, lack of support system, financial troubles, relationship troubles and If the baby is born with health problems.
It’s important to be aware of the fact that it’s also possible for partners and adoptive parents to experience postpartum depression.
How Long Is The Postpartum Period?
The postpartum period is considered the first six weeks after giving birth. There is a lot that happens during this period such as dramatic changes to your hormone levels once the baby is born. This is an important time to have health care for your baby and you when needed.
It’s normal for new moms to experience “baby blues” during the postpartum period. You may experience some mood swings as your hormone levels work at returning to normal. However, it’s important to understand that there is a difference between the “baby blues” and postpartum depression.
While the baby blues may cause you to feel weepy, emotional, and overwhelmed, this typically begins to go away within the first few weeks after birth. However, postpartum depression can be much more severe and last for months or longer. It can cause things like unwanted thoughts of harming your baby, suicidal thoughts, feeling like a bad parent, anxiety, withdrawal from family and feeling disconnected from your baby.
If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255, and is available 24/7.
How Can You Prevent Postpartum?
According to the Postpartum International Support website, 1 in 7 moms will experience postpartum depression and 10% of dads will as well. There are no surefire ways to prevent it, but it can help to be educated about postpartum depression symptoms. It can also help to make sure your family and friends are familiar with the symptoms too. They may be able to recognize the symptoms in you if you’re not able to see it yourself.
Some other things that you can try include:
- Do your best to get enough sleep. This can be a struggle for new moms, but it can help to take naps when your baby is napping during the day if you didn’t get a lot of sleep overnight.
- Make sure you’re eating enough. It’s easy to forget to eat as you care for your baby. But your baby needs you to take care of yourself as well. If you’re breastfeeding you need to consume extra calories to make sure that you and your baby are getting enough nutrients. And, don’t forget to stay hydrated.
- Practice self-care. It’s OK to leave your baby with a trusted individual so you can have a little “me-time”. Read a book, go for a walk, or do a hobby that you enjoyed pre-baby.
- If you have a history of depression, you may want to pre-schedule some therapy session or time with your doctor to make sure you’re staying on top of any challenges as they arise. The same is true if you’ve experienced perinatal depression.
It can also help to know the risk factors such as having a family history of depression, history of other mental disorders, financial troubles, relationship troubles, or other health conditions. These are just a few of the risk factors and it is possible for people to experience signs and symptoms of depression or postpartum psychosis even without having any common risk factors.
Knowing symptoms for postpartum depression can help you to act quickly if you start to be suspicious that you’re showing symptoms. It’s best to address postpartum depression as soon as you can. Do not delay in getting help.
Is Postpartum Considered A Disability?
There are some cases when postpartum depression can qualify as a disability.
Is It Normal To Cry A Lot After Giving Birth?
It is normal to cry a lot after giving birth as your hormone levels are changing. It’s also normal to experience mood swings during the first few weeks after your baby is born. This is often referred to as the “baby blues”.
However, this can also be one of the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression. If you feel that your emotions are out of control and you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Never let someone convince you that it’s “just the baby blues” if you want to seek help.
It’s also important to know that the baby blues generally go away after a few weeks when your hormone levels have evened out. If you’re continuing to cry a lot, it could be postpartum depression.
Why Does It Smell Down There After Birth?
The smell that you may notice after birth is from the lochia that your uterus is shedding. It’s normal for this to last around 6 to 8 weeks. It’s normal for there to be a mild smell. If you notice that it has a strong odor or you’re unsure if what you’re experiencing is normal, reach out to your OB to make sure you don’t have an infection.
Are You Really Fertile After Having A Baby?
The process of producing milk and breastfeeding can stop ovulation which would remove your chance of becoming pregnant during that time. However, it is possible for women to ovulate after giving birth before they’ve had their first normal menstruation cycle. The timeframe on this varies. So it’s possible that you could get pregnant again shortly after giving birth, but it really depends on your specific situation.
Why Do You Have To Wait 40 Days After Giving Birth?
Many medical professionals suggest waiting for six weeks to have sex after giving birth. This can help prevent infection while giving your body a chance to heal from delivery and pregnancy. If you have any questions about this, you should reach out to your OB or health care provider.
Can Babies Feel When Mom Is Sad?
There are studies that show that babies can pick up on the emotions such as stress or sadness of their moms. These studies also show that the mother’s emotions can have a physiological impact on the baby as well. So, treating your own mental health and symptoms related to postpartum depression will help your baby as well as you.
Can My Newborn Feel My Emotions?
Some studies suggest that your newborn does notice the emotions and feelings that the mother is having.
Why Do New Moms Cry?
There are many reasons why a new mom may be crying. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Fluctuating hormones
- Exhaustion
- Overwhelm
- Feelings of disappointment, guilt or shame from birth experience
- Feeling like an unfit mother
- Baby blues
- Postpartum depression
If you have signs and symptoms of depression after giving birth, don’t hesitate in reaching out for help.
How Do Moms Feel After Birth?
New moms can have a range of emotions after birth. Some new moms experience feelings of joy and happiness while others experience symptoms of depression such as sadness or irritability. While many people expect that new moms should feel happy after birth, it’s normal to experience different emotions.
While it’s normal for moms to feel weepy, it’s helpful to understand the symptoms of postpartum depression so it will be easier to recognize if you’re showing signs and symptoms.
Symptoms of depression postpartum include:
- Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself
- Unwanted or intrusive thoughts such as about harming the baby
- General thoughts about death
- Mood swings, anger or irritability
- Feelings of overwhelm or fatigue
- Lack of bonding with baby
- Feelings of guilt, shame or disappointment
- Severe sadness
- Thinking that you’re a bad mom or made a mistake in having a baby
- Withdrawal from friends and family
If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255, and is available 24/7.
Signs and symptoms of postpartum psychosis include:
- Strange beliefs or delusions
- Hyperactivity
- Hallucinations
- Rapid chances in mood
- Trouble communicating
While postpartum psychosis is not as common as postpartum depression, it occurs in 1-2 women out of every 1,000 births.
If you have signs and symptoms of depression or postpartum psychosis, reach out to a mental health professional. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts you can call 911, reach out immediately to family or friends, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
What are normal postpartum symptoms?
Many people experience symptoms postpartum, which are known as baby blues. Symptoms of this ailment include have trouble controlling your moods, being unable to go to sleep, feeling sad or upset, experiencing overburdened, and not being able to concentrate.
However, if a woman is experiencing postpartum depression, there may be additional symptoms present. These are anxiety and panic, feeling like life doesn’t matter, not being able to eat, having no energy, and in certain cases, feeling like they will harm their baby.
If you feel like you want to hurt yourself or your child, please seek help from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Moreover, if you want to find out more postpartum depression facts, you can view more information on the Center for Disease Control site.
What are the signs a woman has PPD?
Some postpartum depression symptoms that you may want to take notice of are when a mom doesn’t have any interest in spending time with her baby, if she doesn’t seem to want to spend time with others, being unable to focus on tasks or think clearly, changes in sleeping and eating, and experiencing pain.
According to the Journal of Women’s Health, a woman may be at an increased risk of developing symptoms of PPD if they have been subject to abuse previously or they have substance abuse issues.
Something else that you should be aware of is when a mom is experiencing severe depression, mood disorders, or postpartum psychosis. These are serious women’s mental health concerns that need to be treated as soon as possible.
How long after birth can you get PPD?
A woman may experience PPD up to a year after a child’s birth. This means that you may not exhibit symptoms of this type of depression for many months after you give birth. It is necessary to get checked out by a doctor as soon as you determine that you aren’t feeling like yourself or are feeling depressed.
If you experience depression before you give birth and it still affects you after you deliver, you may be experiencing what is known as perinatal depression. There are a couple of risk factors that a woman may have that could bring on this type of major depression, including if there is a history of bipolar disorder or other mood disorders present in other families, and if they have had this depression in a previous pregnancy.
You can ask your doctor or therapist about support groups that you can attend related to PPD as well, if you want to interact with other women that have been through similar circumstances.
What are the stages of postpartum?
There are 3 stages of postpartum according to research found on the National Institute of Health website, which refer to the time after a baby is born. According to research, the first phase happens within the same day of giving birth. The second phase is thought to last around 6 weeks, and the third phase extends to 6 months after delivery. After this time, the body should be more or less back to a pre-pregnancy state.
If you still don’t feel like yourself after 6 months, you should talk to your doctor for more details. Depending on the symptoms you are expressing, you may have a number of mental disorders, including untreated postpartum depression.
How long are you considered postpartum?
You may be considered postpartum for up to 6 months, This is the point where a woman’s body may be mostly back to what it was before she became pregnant, in terms of hormones and physical changes. However, if you have postpartum depression symptoms, it is possible that they may occur up to a year after you have a baby.
How long do postpartum hormones last?
Postpartum hormones may last up to 6 months. After this time, you may feel more like you felt before you were pregnant, and you might also get your first period after baby. If you encountered pregnancy complications, you may want to talk to your doctor on for expert advice on when you should feel better after having a child.
How do I feel better postpartum?
When you are trying your best to feel better after having a baby, the key is to start a routine to get used to your new normal. Do your best to care for your health and wellness, including getting the proper amount of sleep when you can, eating healthy foods, and exercising. It is also a good idea to talk to your primary care provider, so they will be able to tell you if how you are feeling postpartum is indicative of health conditions, a mental illness, or something that is to be expected after having a child.
What is considered postpartum care?
The term postpartum care refers to how you should care for yourself and your body after you have a baby. This pertains to both your physical and mental health. For instance, you may need to work on getting a sense of normalcy after expanding your family, which can improve your mental health, and allow you the time to do things that are beneficial for your mental health, including exercising and getting the proper sleep at night. Something else you should consider is talking to both your doctor and a mental health care professional, for further advice on what you can do to take care of yourself postpartum.
How do I cope with postpartum?
When you have signs of postpartum depression, it is necessary to work with a doctor or mental health professional for the best treatment available. They can provide you with a depression screening questionnaire, which may be able to help determine what the next step should be, in terms of your care. If you are experiencing this type of mental illness, it will be necessary to get treatment for it.
What does PPD look like?
There are some signs that you may notice if a loved one is experiencing PPD. These include trouble sleeping, severe mood swings, being unable to think clearly, having a depressed mood, and having no interest in taking part in activities or hanging out with others. You can check out the American Psychiatric Association for more information on postpartum depression symptoms and what can be done to treat them.
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