Having a baby is one of the most amazing experiences in life, but it is also one of the hardest. And while you may be prepared for some of the physical effects of delivery, you may not be prepared for all the emotions.
What is Postpartum Depression
It is common for many new parents to feel anxiety soon after delivery, in fact the term ‘baby blues’ describes the first few weeks with a newborn when you may be feeling extra anxious or tired. However, some new parents experience a more severe mental disorder after giving birth called Postpartum Depression. Postpartum depression, sometimes referred to as peripartum depression as it can begin during pregnancy, is a serious mental health condition that affects 1 in 7 women in the United States. Symptoms vary but can include severe anxiety, restlessness, and even suicidal thoughts.
Postpartum depression does not mean you are not the best mom for your child. And it’s important you know, you did nothing wrong. Seeking out help if these feelings arise is just another sign that there is no greater parent for your baby than you.
What causes Postpartum Depression
It is unknown what exactly causes postpartum depression, but there are a few potential factors. The immediate drop in estrogen and progesterone after delivery can trigger mood changes. As well, thyroid changes or imbalances can cause depression.
If you have a history of mental health such as depression or anxiety, you could have a higher risk of postpartum depression. It’s important that if you meet regularly with a care team about your mental health, that you continue to do so throughout your pregnancy. Other factors such as family support, stress from work, or any physical pregnancy complications could add to your risk. That’s why we urge all new moms and parents to seek out help whether they are experiencing symptoms or not. Please lean on your family and friends or seek out a community if you need one.
Postpartum Depression symptoms
Symptoms can change from one person the next and some may be more severe than others.
Typically if you’re feeling any of the following you should seek out help:
- Persistent sadness and/or low energy
- Changes in appetite
- Lack of sleep
- Mood swings
- Intense feelings of guilt
- Difficulty concentrating
- Detachment from your baby
- Fear of being a bad parent
- Suicidal thoughts
- Thoughts of harming your baby
In rare cases, women may experience a more severe form of postpartum depression called postpartum psychosis. These symptoms include hallucinations, paranoia and/or making attempts at harming yourself or your baby. Please seek out help immediately if you are experiencing any of these.
When do talk with your doctor
At most of your postpartum appointments, including any virtual appointments with SimpliFed, you will be asked to take a postpartum depression screening. This screening is just a series of questions that helps providers understand how you’re feeling. It’s so important to complete these screenings as postpartum depression can begin at any time. Although common in the first few weeks or months, you can start experiencing symptoms up to a year.
Depending on your answers, providers can diagnose or in most cases just better plan for your next appointments. Providers will want to talk with you about your feelings and get a sense of your day-to-day. It can be hard, but it’s important to be as honest as possible. These feelings are nothing to be ashamed of. They are common, normal and affect so many women. You are not alone.
Are there treatments?
There are many different ways to treat Postpartum Depression if it's needed, from medications to other types of therapies. Depending on the severity, your provider will also encourage rest, self-care and seeking out those support systems. Regular exercise and nutrition can also help.
There are long-term effects on both the parent and baby if postpartum depression goes on treated or managed. It can lead to chronic depression or anxiety, difficulty bonding with your baby, strained relationships and more.
Conclusion
There is no way to prevent these feelings, but you can be aware and educated. We encourage you to know about the early symptoms and signs. As well, if you’re asked to take a screening, do it. Talk to your care team and providers about your feelings.
There is a stigma surrounding mental health and that rings especially true for moms. Please know, there is nothing wrong with you if you’re experiencing any of these thoughts or feelings. Postpartum depression is a real, serious disorder, but it is also a treatable one. There is no better parent for your child than you. It’s OK to not feel OK right now, and we promise there are better days.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call or text SimpliFed at 888-991-6772. We can share resources and even help see what is available in your community.
In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat. Services are free and confidential. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. has a Spanish language phone line at 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free).
