Postpartum Depression Explained: Signs & How To Deal With It
Postpartum depression can feel mighty unfair. You just brought a life into the world, and instead of unparalleled joy, you are mired in a fog of sadness, fear, and resentment. Considering all the hormonal changes at play, it’s not unusual to have ups and downs once your baby is born.
But if the “baby blues” stick around for more than a week or so, it might be a sign of postpartum depression. This is a diagnosable mental health disorder, and, most often, a precipitous shift in hormone levels is the main culprit. But the big first step is recognizing the signs to take proper steps.
A Few Common Signs of Postpartum Depression
Again, it’s only natural to experience mood swings giving birth. Consider how dramatically everything has changed in a heartbeat. Suddenly, you’re faced with the reality of being a mother. Well-intentioned folks are in constant contact to wish you well and ask to see the baby. You’re exhausted, worried about how your body looks and feels, and wondering if you’re up to the task. Just when you want to savor the moment, you can’t remember what having private time feels like.
All of the above, combined with your hormonal changes, puts you at risk of postpartum depression. If you can’t tell if what you’re feeling is normal, here are a few signs to watch for:
Sadness that is obvious and noticeable
The inability to focus or concentrate
Crying spells
Unexplained physical aches, pains, and tension (e.g. headaches)
Sleep disturbances
Appetite changes
Unable to find anything that cheers you up
An overwhelming desire to be alone (even without your newborn)
Second-guessing your decision to have the baby
For any kind of depressive disorder, a major red flag involves thoughts of self-harm. This can be present during postpartum depression but there’s also an unexpected twist. Sometimes, the intrusive thoughts could relate to the baby more than yourself. A new mother could feel disconnected enough from their newborn that they don’t want to care for it. Left unchecked, this tendency can negatively impact the child for many years.
How To Deal With Postpartum Depression
If you struggle to find joy and question your ability to handle the changes, you will want to connect with an experienced therapist. But there are also many productive self-help steps to consider. Doing so fortifies you in a way that builds resilience. Some fundamental options to consider include:
Basic Self-Care: Your body and mind will thank you if you take active steps to safeguard your patterns in areas like sleep habits, eating choices, and physical activity. It may feel daunting or counterintuitive to do any of this with all that’s going on, but it’s a proven path.
Do Not Self-Isolate: You may feel so tempted to withdraw. While some solitude is helpful, it is essential that you stay connected and engaged with others. The trusted people in your life can be invaluable during this period. If nothing else, ask them for help with chores, errands, and other tasks.
Find Support Groups: You get a special feeling when you talk with a mother who understands the struggle. Whether the support group is online or face-to-face, you’ll find solace and optimism amidst those who get it.
Let’s Connect
Postpartum depression is nothing to take lightly — for you or your child. Please ask for the help you need and deserve. A trauma-informed therapist can help you navigate the emotions and confusion in a healing way. With this in mind, we encourage to reach out to learn more about therapy for moms.