warning signs of postpartum depression
Becoming a mother is often described as one of life’s most joyful milestones. But for many women, the period after childbirth can bring unexpected challenges. While it’s common to experience “baby blues,” persistent or intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness could signal something more serious — depression (PPD).
According to the American Psychological Association, about 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression after giving birth. Unfortunately, many cases go undiagnosed because new mothers often attribute their symptoms to the normal stresses of parenting. Recognizing the warning signs early is crucial for seeking timely help and ensuring both mother and baby thrive.
Postpartum depression is not a failure in character or a sign of weakness; it is simply the side effect of childbirth. It can be overcome and treated.
If you’re a new mom, it’s essential to understand the warning signs of postpartum depression to seek timely support and treatment.
What is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression is a type of depression that happens to you after childbirth. It is a combination of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that affects new moms. These changes are characterized by certain experiences or depressing thoughts and feelings like loneliness, sadness, anxiety, guilt, fear, etc.
Postpartum depression may start during your 2nd trimester (peripartum depression) and extend up to the 12th week after childbirth. Navigating your new reality and still trying to meet up with daily life requirements can be a whole lot, especially when you can’t meet up.
Left untreated, postpartum depression can affect your health, your relationship with your child, and even your child’s emotional and cognitive development. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference.
What causes postpartum depression?
A specific cause of postpartum has not been identified; however, the following factors can play a major role:
1. Genetic causes:
If your family has a history of mothers that experienced postpartum depression, there is a good possibility of you experiencing the same.
2. Physical causes:
During pregnancy, hormones like estrogen and progesterone increase in their activities in order to ensure the welfare of you and your baby. However, after childbirth, these pregnancy hormone levels drop drastically, increasing the likelihood of you experiencing postpartum depression.
3. Emotional causes:
The condition of your body healing after birthing your baby, the overwhelming task of caring for your newborn, yourself, and also meeting up with other activities can make you plunge into depression.
4. Social causes:
If prior to pregnancy and childbirth you do not have a social life, there is a high tendency of you sliding into depression after childbirth. This is because you may lack family and friends to help you navigate the early stage of motherhood. Not communicating with your partner is also a factor.
5. Diverse causes:
Other factors that influence PPD experience are unexpected/unplanned pregnancy, unemployment, financial instability, drug abuse during pregnancy, death of a loved one, etc.
5 warning signs of Postpartum depression you must know as a new mom
1. Persistent feelings of guilt, hopelessness, and worthlessness
One of the common symptoms of postnatal depression is the lingering feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness. Also, you may easily get frustrated, have crying spells, feel inadequate, and even play the blame game on yourself. If you are constantly experiencing any of these, it is a sign that you are dealing with postpartum depression.
2. Severe anxiety and Panic attacks
Sudden episodes of severe fear or worry, accompanied by an inability to sleep, mood swings, difficulty in remembering details, concentrating, or making decisions, that lead to a racing heart or shortness of breath are indications that you are experiencing perinatal depression.
3. Hallucinations and Delusions
This is the experience of sensing things that are not actually there. You hear voices from imaginary people, see things that are not real, and perceive or smell things that don’t exist, and you are also losing touch with reality. Sometimes, you may have the thought of someone trying to harm your baby. These are extreme signs of postnatal depression.
4. Thoughts of harming your baby or feeling that you don’t want a baby
Most of the time, you may feel that you don’t want your baby anymore; this leads to abandoning or not catering for your baby’s needs, especially when it’s crying, hungry, needs a nappy change, bath, etc. You may also have thoughts of inflicting physical harm on your baby.
5. Thoughts of death or suicide
Another warning sign of PPD is you wishing yourself death and making attempts to do so.
If you have experienced any of these for more than 2 weeks, that is a sign that you are experiencing postpartum depression, and you need to seek help urgently. Take the following steps to ensure the safety of you, your baby, and your partner.
Treatment of Post Partum Depression.
Postpartum depression can be overcome and treated through the following measures:
1. Seek support from family and friends
Don’t assume that people know what you are going through or that they may not understand what you are going through. Share your experiences with your partner or a trusted relative, friend, or colleague. This will help you to combat PPD.
2. Healthy Lifestyle
Make sure to engage in exercises regularly, rest or sleep when your baby is sleeping, and always eat healthy diets. Also, avoid caffeine, alcohol, and drug abuse.
3. Psychotherapy
You can get treatment by going through therapy sessions with a psychologist or a licensed mental health professional. Their expert knowledge on how to overcome depression will help you in overcoming yours.
Final Thought
Motherhood is challenging, and experiencing postpartum depression does not mean you are failing. It means your body and mind need care and support. Recognizing the warning signs early and seeking help can make all the difference in your journey to recovery.
Remember: You are not alone, and help is available; you can get support at Lily Hospitals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can fathers experience postpartum depression?
Yes, fathers can experience postpartum depression. It is called paternal postpartum, affecting men’s mental health and family dynamics.
2. Are some women more at risk of postpartum depression?
Yes, some women are more at risk of experiencing PPD. Factors like family history, social life, and stressful life events play a huge role.
3. Are baby blues the same as postpartum depression?
Baby blues are not the same as postpartum depression. Baby blues are temporary experiences like mood swings, tearfulness, etc., a few days after birth. Postpartum depression is more intense and requires treatment.
4. How long does postpartum depression last?
Postpartum depression can last several months or even years if left untreated.
5. Can postpartum depression improve on its own?
It is unlikely to improve on its own. Urgent treatment and care needs to be taken to avoid adverse effects.
