What are the signs of postpartum depression? Some of the major signs of postpartum depression include; loss of appetite, weight loss, lack of regular sleep,...
What are the signs of postpartum depression? Some of the major signs of postpartum depression include; loss of appetite, weight loss, lack of regular sleep, lack of motivation, feeling of worthlessness, hopelessness, guilt, etc. Childbirth comes with a whole lot of emotions. New mothers usually go through the "baby blues" where they endure a range of different emotions from joy, to sadness, to fear, anxiety, etc. When the feeling of sadness and anxiety becomes too regular or severe, a new parent might be said to be experiencing postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression is a much more severe form of the "baby blues". The "baby blues" is not a new phenomenon for mothers. In the first few days after childbirth, new mothers usually experience symptoms such as loss of appetite, irritation, anxiety, sleeplessness, mood swings, detachment, etc. These "baby blues" symptoms are also signs of postpartum depression and they usually last for a few days. When the baby blues symptoms start to linger for weeks and months, postpartum depression might be the case. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a form of depression suffered mostly by mothers after childbirth. It is not and should not be seen as a sign of weakness on the part of the mother but as one of the complications of childbirth. Although the cause is usually attributed to hormonal changes, PPD can also occur as a result of psychological adjustment to motherhood, fatigue, lack of support, etc.
Women who have a family history of depression or have had one form of depression or the other in the past are more prone to getting postpartum depression.
Other known causes of postpartum depression include;
As mentioned earlier, most women go through the "baby blues" phase where they experience some signs and symptoms similar to postpartum depression. The difference between the "baby blues" and PPD is that while baby blues last for a maximum of two weeks, PPD lasts for months and can even go into years.
Some of the signs of postpartum depression include;
Postpartum depression also affects babies in a lot of ways. For example, a mother going through it may exhibit behavior harmful to the child such as missing pediatrician's appointments, not noticing when the child is ill, etc. Children brought up by mothers with postpartum depression have a higher risk of obesity than their counterparts. For this reason, it is necessary to deal with the signs of postpartum depression before it leads to something fatal.
Postpartum psychosis is a much more severe form of postpartum depression. Here, the mother has lost touch with reality. Symptoms include insomnia, delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, abnormal mood swings, high sex drive, agitations, anxiety, depression, and other signs of postpartum depression. Postpartum psychosis is the leading cause of infanticide and should be reported immediately when symptoms are noticed in a new mother. In cases where the mother starts feeling suicidal and having thoughts of hurting the baby, help should be called for immediately as the mother might be suffering from postpartum psychosis.
As of now, there are no surefire prevention measures to deal with the signs of postpartum depression.
But there are a few preparations that can be done to help reduce the risk and keep the mind and body of the prospective/new mother ready. Some of these preparative measures include;
Treatment Postpartum depression can be treated through counseling (therapy sessions), support from spouse, family, and friends, and the use of antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. The use of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicine does not only help to treat regular depression. With the help of a doctor, it can also be safe for use even for breastfeeding mothers. Some severe cases can be treated using electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Postpartum depression is a regular complication of childbirth and it should not be seen as abnormal or a sign of weakness. Some of the signs of postpartum depression are the same as that of the "baby blues" just that the symptoms last longer and are more severe. The signs of postpartum depression can be dealt with by psychotherapy, the use of antidepressants and anxiety medicines, and in some cases, electroconvulsive therapy.
https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/postpartum-depression
https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/postpartum-depression
Postpartum depression can look different for everyone, but common signs include persistent sadness or hopelessness, difficulty bonding with your baby, changes in sleep or appetite that go beyond normal newborn exhaustion, irritability, and feelings of guilt or inadequacy. These feelings can appear anytime within the first year after birth. If what you're experiencing feels persistent or overwhelming, it may be worth talking with a therapist.
The baby blues are common in the first two weeks after birth and typically fade on their own. Postpartum depression tends to last longer, feel more intense, and can interfere with daily functioning and bonding with your baby. If your symptoms persist beyond a couple of weeks or feel like they're getting worse, postpartum depression counseling can help you understand what you're experiencing and find support.
Yes. Postpartum depression can develop anytime within the first year after childbirth, not only in the first few weeks. Some parents don't notice symptoms until they've returned to work, weaned from breastfeeding, or faced a new stressor. Reaching out for support is appropriate whenever these feelings show up.
Overcomers Counseling accepts Medicaid and most major insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Kaiser, Anthem BCBS, and Tricare. Coverage details vary by plan, so we recommend verifying your specific benefits, and our team can help you understand your options.
These thoughts can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as postpartum depression with intrusive thoughts or postpartum psychosis, and they require immediate attention. Please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or go to your nearest emergency room right away. Overcomers Counseling provides ongoing therapeutic support, but we are not equipped to respond to a crisis in progress.
