Depression after Baby: You’re Not Alone
Every woman seems to go through a bout of sadness or anxiety after having a new baby. It’s no surprise really when you add up the stress of giving birth, the frustration of caring for a newborn, dramatic hormonal changes and a lot of sleepless nights. But when is it more than just the baby blues? Understanding the difference between baby blues vs. post partum depression is important for new mothers and anyone who knows them.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression, or PPD, is a serious condition. Many women suffer PPD silently because they are scared of what others will think if they reveal their condition. With frightening stories in the news about PPD mothers hurting or even killing their children, it’s no wonder the disorder has a bad stigma attached to it. No woman wants to admit she’s having trouble bonding with her children.
While baby blues are a common, almost universal, phenomenon, post partum depression is less well known and accepted. If you are concerned that you are suffering from more than the baby blues, keep the following post partum depression facts in mind.
Signs of Post Partum Depression
It can be difficult to tell the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression sometimes. They both leave a mother feeling sad, anxious, irritable, and fatigued. Trouble sleeping, mood swings, and crying spells are also present in both conditions. The main difference between the two is the amount of time the symptoms persist and how severe they are. Baby blues generally only last a few days to a few weeks. PPD can last for months or even years. The following are warning signs of PPD. If you or someone you know exhibits these symptoms, consult a medical professional.
- Prolonged, uncontrolled crying
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Extreme irritability and lashing out
- Loss of interest in past hobbies or activities
- Trouble bonding with the baby
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Overwhelming feelings of guilt or anxiety
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Thoughts of harming self or the baby
Help for PPD
It’s difficult to admit that you or someone you love has PPD. Many women feel extremely guilty for not forming an attachment to their new babies. Some refuse to accept help because they are afraid their children might be taken away from them. Others are so deeply depressed they simply don’t have the energy to seek out help. Regardless of why a woman remains untreated, postpartum depression is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that needs medical attention as soon as possible.
If you feel that your “baby blues” are bad enough to interfere with your everyday life and that they keep you from doing the things you enjoy, please talk to your doctor as soon as you can. If you know someone that may be suffering from PPD, reach out to her, even if she tries to push you away. What she needs more than anything right now is a sympathetic friend that can take some of the burden off her shoulders. Be that friend, and you just might be saving her life.
